Dis-ease with Docs?

Meetings, deadlines and other pressures at work aren’t the only things that keep ambitious women from getting the right health care.

Feeling “uncomfortable, embarrassed or judged” keeps 55 percent of boomer women from discussing personal health issues with their physicians, according to a recent survey. The same percent wouldn’t contact their doctor even if symptoms worsened.

Just ask Dr. Cynthia Hall, Founder and Director of the Center for Women’s Continence and Pelvic Health at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

“You should never feel ashamed to broach any topic with your physician. Remember your doctor is a professional and a confidante,” she tells PINK.

“No matter how you feel, odds are you are not the first person to come into your physician’s office with this issue.” Hall says many women are embarrassed about things like bladder weakness, but “one in four women over the age of 40 suffers from it,” so whatever your ailment, it’s likely nothing new to your doc.

Too busy sprinting toward Life/Work balance to make that check-up? HowStuffWorks.com says keeping symptoms to yourself can be dangerous. “Some cures have deadlines,” says Hall, “and waiting too long to speak up can result in it being too late.”

Still feeling anxious about that doctor’s visit? Experts suggest bringing a friend or family member and finding a physician you connect with so you’re more at ease.

Bonus PINK Link: Find out how maintaining women’s health benefits the women, business and the economy in our online exclusive.

By Chela Counts

“Life is a coin. You can spend it anyway you
wish, but you can spend it only once.” Lillian Dickson