Post-micturition convulsion syndrome
In neurourology, post-micturition convulsion syndrome (PMCS), also known informally as piss shivers, is the experience of shivering during or after urination.[1] The syndrome appears to be more frequently experienced by men.[2]
The term was coined in 1994 on the online question-and-answer newspaper column The Straight Dope, when a user enquired about the phenomenon.[3]
Explanation
There has yet to be any peer-reviewed research on the topic.[2] The most plausible theory, is that the shiver is a result of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) getting its signals mixed up between its two main divisions:[4]
- The sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which controls bladder function, preventing urination.
- The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) relaxes the urethral sphincter and contracts the bladder, causing urination.
Part of the SNS response to a full bladder is the release of catecholamines (including epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine), which are dispatched to help restore or maintain blood pressure.[1] When urination begins, the PNS takes over, and catecholamine production changes. It may be the change in chemical production which causes the shiver, or the switch from SNS to PNS itself which is the cause. [4]
References
- ^ a b "Pee shivers: You know you're curious - NBC News". NBC News. Retrieved 2017-03-30.
- ^ a b "Why Do I Shiver When I Pee?". SciShow. 21 February 2017.
- ^ Adams, Cecil (July 22, 1994). "What causes "piss shiver"?". The Straight Dope.
- ^ a b "Why Do I Shiver When I Pee?". Mental Floss. 2008-07-22. Retrieved 2017-03-30.