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It is not uncommon to stumble across subject areas that strike anunnerving chord for some people: religion, politics and finances. For women,the two subjects traditionally held "close to the vest" are age and weight.This survey reveals women are far more comfortable talking about these topicsthan talking about constipation. An overwhelming 91 percent of women surveyedstated they would rather reveal how many candles were on their last birthdaycake than admit they are constipated. Nearly eight of ten (78%) would rathertalk about their weight than discuss constipation with a neighbor. Andalthough dressing rooms with full-length mirrors are never a girl's bestfriend, nearly two-thirds (66%) would rather try on bathing suits than talkabout constipation.
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Mum's the Word... Unfortunately
Constipation affects millions of women nationwide. And, when it comes toconstipation, women aren't necessarily comfortable sharing -- even with healthcare professionals. When asked whom they would confide in if they wereconstipated, only one in four women indicated they would tell their doctor. Asimilar percentage of women wouldn't tell a soul. Surprisingly, women statedthat experiencing and talking about constipation are equally uncomfortable.Although there are more difficult topics to discuss than constipation, one inthree women still find it harder to talk to a pharmacist about constipationthan a yeast infection.
Donnica Moore, MD ("Dr. Donnica") is disheartened that women keep tothemselves when it comes to constipation. "It's surprising how few willconfide in their doctor if they were experiencing this problem. It's time tostop the silence," she said. "Knowledge is power. The more women talk abouttheir constipation, the more they can find support for this common healthproblem and learn about how to relieve it."
Sheepish in Shopping for Laxatives
Talking isn't the only troublesome task when it comes to constipation.Purchasing laxative products can be just as trying. Almost one in five womenconfess to having taken some type of extra measure to avoid being seen buyinglaxatives. Of them, over half have hidden them under other items in theirshopping cart. There are the few who have taken it one step further byshopping late at night or sending out a friend or family member to picklaxatives up for them. Then, there are the few "extremists" who have gone asfar as shop in a different neighborhood altogether. In fact, nearly one infive women are so embarrassed about purchasing laxatives they would rather geta speeding ticket than have their laxatives "price checked" at a supermarketor pharmacy check-out counter.
The Surprising Sacrifices Women Would Make to Avoid Constipation
Women want to steer clear of constipation and seem willing to makesacrifices to ensure that they'd never again be constipated. Forty-sevenpercent of those surveyed said they would give up chocolate for three monthsand more than four in ten (41%) women would be willing to forgo wearing makeupfor a month to avoid this problem.
Constipation is uncomfortable, in more ways than one. When compared toother uncomfortable situations, the women surveyed were just as likely to saybeing constipated is as uncomfortable as a gynecological exam, and if given achoice, roughly an equal number of women would choose to undergo a root canalas deal with frequent constipation.
So What Can
