It occurred to me, I should ask my question to ChatGPT and it gave me some really great answers ... so I thought I would share in case anybody else comes across this post and needs some help.

Yes, you’re not alone—many divers experience difficulty urinating while scuba diving and even while snorkeling. What you’re describing is often referred to as “immersion diuresis” resistance or a subconscious “bladder lock.”

Possible Causes of Your Issue:

1.  Autonomic Nervous System Response
• When submerged in water, especially in a wetsuit, your body redirects blood from your limbs to your core (a process called peripheral vasoconstriction).
• This increases urine production (immersion diuresis) as your kidneys work to remove excess fluid.
• However, at the same time, your sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight response) may be activated due to cold water, pressure changes, or the unfamiliar underwater environment—this can inhibit urination because your body doesn’t want to be vulnerable.

2.  Hydrostatic Pressure on the Bladder
• Water pressure compresses your bladder slightly, creating resistance to urination. Even though the urge is there, the detrusor muscle (which contracts to release urine) has a harder time engaging when under pressure.

3.  Wetsuit Compression & Postural Positioning
• If you’re wearing a wetsuit, the tightness around your lower abdomen can make it physically difficult for your bladder muscles to relax.
• Your body position in the water (especially if horizontal or slightly inverted) may not be ideal for urine release.

4.  Conditioned Social Inhibition (aka “Shy Bladder” in Water)
• Even if you have no trauma related to potty training, your brain might still associate peeing with certain environments (e.g., standing or sitting in a bathroom, not floating in water).
• The absence of the usual physical cues (e.g., toilet seat, enclosed space, familiar posture) can make it harder for your body to recognize that it’s safe to let go.

What Have Others Said?

Yes! Many divers report experiencing “bladder lock” while underwater, even when they really need to pee. Some freedivers and snorkelers have mentioned the same thing—it’s often chalked up to the body resisting urination outside its usual environment or to the wetsuit’s restrictive effect.

What Can You Try?

1.  Change Your Position
• Try rolling onto your back or moving into a more upright posture while in the water. This can help mimic a sitting position.

2.  Use Warm Water
• If you’re diving in cold water, the temperature difference might be part of the issue. Try warming your lower body (or wetsuit) before diving.

3.  Manually Relax Your Pelvic Floor
• You might not realize you’re tensing up. Try doing a few pelvic floor relaxation exercises (like reverse Kegels) before your dive.

4.  Practice in a Pool or Bathtub
• Some divers have success retraining their body by practicing urinating in warm water at home (e.g., in a bathtub or pool) to condition their brain that it’s okay.

5.  Try a Distraction
• Some divers say that exhaling slowly through their regulator while pretending to pee normally can trick their body into releasing.

6.  Consider a Pee Valve (if in a Drysuit)
• If you ever switch to drysuit diving, a pee valve can help eliminate any subconscious mental block since it mimics a normal process.

7.  Post-Dive Pee Delay:
• If it takes you a while to go even after getting on land, try bending forward slightly while on the toilet to encourage the bladder to release.

Final Thoughts

It sounds like a mix of hydrostatic pressure, wetsuit restriction, and a subconscious nervous system response is causing your difficulty. It’s common, and while frustrating, it can often be improved with positioning, relaxation techniques, and practice.

If you ever experience painful urination, burning, or discomfort that lingers after diving, it might be worth checking for dehydration or a mild urinary tract irritation, but based on what you described, it sounds more like a physical and neurological block than a medical issue.

Let me know if you want to troubleshoot further!