# What causes a piss Shiver? Does it happen to women too? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 11, 2026, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-a-piss-shiver-does-it-happen-to-women-too/1027562 "2026-02-11T00:50:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-a-piss-shiver-does-it-happen-to-women-too/1027562/1 "2026-02-11T00:50:20Z")
Title says it all. I’ve experienced several in the past few days. Going to my PCP to get a blood test and leave a urine sample. Sepsis is nothing to mess around with. Put me in the hospital in 2024 and again in July, 2025. I had Lithotripsy procedure twice and that’s helped with UTI’s. What causes a piss Shiver? Does it happen to women too? Piss shiver wouldn’t bother women if the prostate is restricting urine flow. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-a-piss-shiver-does-it-happen-to-women-too/1027562/2 "2026-02-11T01:23:29Z")
> **[Post-micturition convulsion syndrome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-micturition_convulsion_syndrome)** > > In neurourology, post-micturition convulsion syndrome (PMCS), also known informally as pee shivers or piss shivers, is the experience of shivering during or after urination. The syndrome seems to be experienced more often by men than women. > The term "post-micturition convulsion syndrome" was coined in 1994 in the online question-and-answer newspaper column The Straight Dope, when a reader inquired about the phenomenon. > There has yet to be any peer-reviewed research on the topic. The most plausi... > The syndrome seems to be experienced more often by men than women > There has yet to be any peer-reviewed research on the topic.[[2]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-micturition_convulsion_syndrome#cite_note-SciShow-2) The most plausible hypothesis is that the shiver is a result of the [autonomic nervous system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomic_nervous_system) getting its signals mixed up between its two main divisions:[[4]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-micturition_convulsion_syndrome#cite_note-MentalFloss-4) > > - The [sympathetic nervous system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sympathetic_nervous_system) (SNS), which controls [bladder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bladder) function, preventing urination. > - The [parasympathetic nervous system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasympathetic_nervous_system) (PNS), which relaxes the [urethral sphincter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urethral_sphincter) and contracts the bladder, causing urination. > > Part of the SNS response to a full bladder is the release of [catecholamines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catecholamines) (including [epinephrine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epinephrine), [norepinephrine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norepinephrine) and [dopamine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dopamine)), which are dispatched to help restore or maintain blood pressure.[[1]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-micturition_convulsion_syndrome#cite_note-NBC-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]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-micturition_convulsion_syndrome#cite_note-MentalFloss-4) ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-a-piss-shiver-does-it-happen-to-women-too/1027562/3 "2026-02-11T01:24:38Z")
And I just noticed when I hit post that it references a 30 year old Cecil article. And, apparently, Cecil coined the phrase “post-micturition convulsion syndrome” > **[What causes “piss shiver”?](https://www.straightdope.com/21342202/what-causes-piss-shiver)** ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-a-piss-shiver-does-it-happen-to-women-too/1027562/4 "2026-02-11T01:24:47Z")
A Historical Perspective in Honor of Our Board: > **[What causes “piss shiver”?](https://www.straightdope.com/21342202/what-causes-piss-shiver)** (Should this therefore go to Cecil’s Columns? Seems an independent question on the same topic) [SIMULPOST] ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-a-piss-shiver-does-it-happen-to-women-too/1027562/5 "2026-02-11T01:29:14Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > And, apparently, Cecil coined the phrase “post-micturition convulsion syndrome” Makes a Doper proud. 🥹 And as a female person, let me say that I do know the piss shiver. ---
**Author:** ![Asuka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-a-piss-shiver-does-it-happen-to-women-too/1027562/6 "2026-02-11T01:37:08Z")
I don’t get piss shivers but I do get shit shivers which I assume are the same idea. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-a-piss-shiver-does-it-happen-to-women-too/1027562/7 "2026-02-11T01:47:15Z")
I hope it’s not the PCP. One presumes systems close to each other with common nerves occasional send mixed signals. Is it true this has not been researched? Hard to believe… But I could not find anything on a very quick PubMed search. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-a-piss-shiver-does-it-happen-to-women-too/1027562/8 "2026-02-11T01:50:31Z")
Sorry, I forget our International readers. PCP, primary care physician It’s an insurance requirement. PCP is the gatekeeper to seeing a specialist. PCP offers treatments and referrals when needed. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-a-piss-shiver-does-it-happen-to-women-too/1027562/9 "2026-02-11T03:54:33Z")
I read the Cecil column. Weĺl written and a little informative. More research is needed. Why doesn’t it happen everytime we pee? I agree with others (Cecil article) it’s connected to a slight, ejeculation. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-a-piss-shiver-does-it-happen-to-women-too/1027562/10 "2026-02-11T04:11:57Z")
As a female person I have pee shivers and I don’t pee. Ever. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-a-piss-shiver-does-it-happen-to-women-too/1027562/11 "2026-02-11T04:55:44Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > It’s an insurance requirement. PCP is the gatekeeper to seeing a specialist. PCP offers treatments and referrals when needed. I know this is a bit of a hijack, but that’s very much specific to your insurance policy. I don’t need a referral from anyone to see a specialist. I can make an appointment with any doctor I want and my insurance company’s coverage of it will be the same, whether or not I have a referral. When my business’ health insurance plan is up for renewal, I generally don’t even look at the options that require referrals (PPO VS HMO). ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-a-piss-shiver-does-it-happen-to-women-too/1027562/12 "2026-02-11T04:58:15Z")
Like phantom pain? But shivers? The human body is just fricking weird. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-a-piss-shiver-does-it-happen-to-women-too/1027562/13 "2026-02-11T05:07:12Z")
Same here, and I’ve had them since I was a kid. I was well into adulthood before I knew it had a name. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 10:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-a-piss-shiver-does-it-happen-to-women-too/1027562/14 "2026-02-11T10:44:28Z")
Never experienced nor heard of such a thing. ---
**Author:** ![Raza](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/raza/32/213_2.png) [@Raza](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raza)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-a-piss-shiver-does-it-happen-to-women-too/1027562/15 "2026-02-11T14:09:28Z")
Anecdotally mine seems to always occur when I’m slightly chilly. Usually in Winter but could occur under heavy air conditioning. That’s why I liked the theory of “heat loss”, as it fit my experience. ---
**Author:** ![PatrickLondon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/patricklondon/32/4422_2.png) [@PatrickLondon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatrickLondon)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-a-piss-shiver-does-it-happen-to-women-too/1027562/16 "2026-02-11T15:24:41Z")
This might explain a shivering fit that hit me a few years ago, after or as part of a stomach upset (maybe instead of vomiting?) Just a couple of times (and quite frightening at the time), but never since. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-a-piss-shiver-does-it-happen-to-women-too/1027562/17 "2026-02-11T16:03:56Z")
My old Granny called it “floating teeth”. I always thought that was a good way to describe the feeling. ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-a-piss-shiver-does-it-happen-to-women-too/1027562/18 "2026-02-11T17:14:23Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > apparently, Cecil coined the phrase “post-micturition convulsion syndrome Uh, no. Cecil credits the phrase to Peter H. M. Brooks. I’ll just correct the Wiki article. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2026, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-a-piss-shiver-does-it-happen-to-women-too/1027562/19 "2026-02-12T01:09:27Z")
Never happens except in the middle of Winter when my bathroom is freezing cold, then I’m shivering the whole time. Other than that I have never experienced this. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2026, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-a-piss-shiver-does-it-happen-to-women-too/1027562/20 "2026-02-12T02:12:10Z")
So are you saying you have actual piss shivers? Or are you saying you have cold bathroom shivers that happen when you get undressed enough to piss? I _ **hate** _ cold bathrooms! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-a-piss-shiver-does-it-happen-to-women-too/1027562.md?page=2)