Googling

I think most of us start with a little google search.  When looking at medical information on-line, this isn’t always helpful.  There are sites with great, objective information like the NIH, Mayo Clinic, or Cleveland Clinic.  But there are many other sites that are more interested in “selling” something rather than giving you objective information or just promoting an unfounded opinion.  It can be very hard to tell the difference.  And many times the medical sites are a little boring while the “selling” sites are beautiful and enticing- I know I am always tempted to fall for the well-marketed sites.  Dr. Jen Gunter wrote an article about researching quality health information that gives you 12 essential tips.  I really love this article and think you should check it out for these excellent pointers.  A google search can make you more informed but is unlikely to provide you with all of the “right” info that you need for your medical decision-making.

Seeing your provider

The next step is probably seeing your provider.  Hopefully, you have a great relationship with your healthcare provider and they can give your options.  But once you know your options, you may want to vet them with women who have the same issues.  Lots of my patients want to talk to someone who is their age and has experienced the recommended treatment.  This can be hard with bladder leaking since many women don’t want to talk about it.  Studies tell us that women who leak don’t want to talk to anyone about their leaking, no even their friends or partners.  And maybe you want some really practical information like which type of incontinence underwear survives the laundry the best…and your provider doesn’t know.  So how do you get those personal recommendations that we all love and rely on?  How do you get this essential info to help with your medical decision-making?

Recommendations from other women

Unfortunately, it doesn’t really exist right now.  While there are product reviews out there, usually they are offered by the seller.  And there is always some bias when the info comes from the seller, even from the nicest and best sellers.  And the right info for medical decision-making should not have bias.  But I think this is something we can crowd-source and create.  I think we can pool all of our experiences and HELP EACH OTHER with the next decision.  Let’s create a review site for incontinence products that will help you get the right information so you can decide on your next steps.  How great would it be to have reviews from women like you with the same issues?  On EVERYTHING from underwear to surgery.

Pooling our experiences

I created an awesome tool to collect all of this information from you and would love it if you would add your experiences…the more data we have, the more it will help other women.  Think of it like a virtual conversation- you’re just telling a friend how something worked for you.  Like the good friend you are!  Take a minute now (that is all it should take) and click on this link to get started leaving details on your experience!  I’ll combine the information, make it pretty and share it.  I think this could help you make the right decision in the future and avoid products that don’t work.  Let’s do this together!