Post-micturition convulsion syndrome, also known as piss shivers or pee shivers, is a phenomenon where one feels a shiver running down the spine following urination. This is a form of myoclonus. It is experienced mostly in males.
Although no serious studies have been conducted on the matter, the most likely explanation concerns the body's autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is comprised of two systems: the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS).
It is the SNS which acts to control bladder function; it makes sure that the bladder is relaxed and that the urethral sphincter is contracted. Part of the SNS response causes the brain to produce a number of chemicals, including the catecholamines epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. It is a switch to PNS, and the resulting switch in catecholamine production which most likely produces the shiver.
The shiver is also usually accompanied by a momentary rise in blood pressure and a temporary feeling of euphoria, often causing people to say "ahhh...".
-Wikipedia
Other Possible Causes Include:
- Heat loss due to several ounces of warm fluid leaving the body.
- Heat loss due to exposure of the body parts usually covered by clothing.
- The passage of spermatozoa into the urinary canal.
3 comments:
See what Unca Cecil says about this phenomenon:
http://www.straightdope.com/
classics/a4_225.html
definitely true. Search straight dope - I remember reading about it in one of his books years ago.
happens to me all the time. it's like a true shiver.
I have had it happen due to heat loss. I grabbed a large frosty at wendys and just started devouring it. After 3 minutes all was gone and I went to the bathroom. After I went I started to feel the brain freeze and started getting colder. Started shaking uncontrollably because of how cold my body became so fast. Took about 10 minutes of standing in the sun to warm back up. HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE feeling I'll never forget.
Post a Comment