Troubleshooting
Hard to Let Go with an STP?
If you find yourself ready to go, in location, holding your STP, and unable to pee, this is normal. Your body isn’t used to it! How many times have you peed standing up before? Here are some tips:
For the first couple of times, you could run the tap (or a hose if you’re outside). But be careful not to get dependent on that, unless there’s always going to be running water where you use your STP.
The toilet is sometimes the easiest place to start, due to familiarity. It’s where you’re used to peeing!
Remember to bend your knees. You won’t always have to do this, but it helps to start out.
Try staring at a fixed point in the distance, or doing a math problem in your head.
Think about how good it will feel to let go and pee.
Be sure you are not placing too much pressure on the perineum (“taint”) with your device, which can make it harder to go. Gentle pressure!
If you can only partially empty your bladder at first, be sure to use the restroom to finish afterwards, to prevent infection and general discomfort.
If you think it likely that you will have to pee with other people nearby, and this makes you nervous, get a buddy to hang out while you practice. You can start small, with your buddy far away, or not looking, and make it increasingly challenging.
Deep breath! Take all the time you need. You’re learning and that’s ok. This in particular was hard for me. I just had to let my body learn at its own pace. And my body did learn! It’s easy now, and it will be for you too.
How Not to Spill/Leak with an STP
For most devices, you need to angle the STP forward and down somewhat, to let gravity do the work. What you are wearing will impact your ability to do this. You have to pull your clothing down far enough that the STP can be at a downward angle. There should be some gentle pressure on your perineum from the back of the device. But not too much! Pressure there can make it harder to pee.
As I state in the How to Pee Standing Up section, the idea that you need a “tight seal” isn’t always helpful. At first I was so afraid of spilling that I pressed the STP flush with my body, which tipped it back. Very messy.
For “soft” or rubbery devices, if you squeeze or grip too tightly, you will spill. Likewise, you have to be careful about getting them in your pants for this reason.
Some people have a more forceful stream than others. Is your STP large enough, or designed to accommodate this? If you feel that the device is positioned correctly and there is still spillage, check out larger devices or simply devices with large funnels (EllaPee, SuAmiga). Pstyle has the largest reservoir of the trough models. It doesn’t have to be bulky to work.
Do you have the right device for you? The Pibella and SheWee Extreme require a lot of precision. In addition, the shape of your body will be different from other people’s! Each private area is unique. You can also read online reviews to see what issues commonly occur with your device and if those issues are your issues.
If you are waiting until you REALLY have to go, you may be rushing the positioning.
It’s frustrating to get pee on yourself. Remember that every new skill takes practice! This is something you can master… it might just mean a little clean up.
