A recent survey indicates too many baby boomer women may be giving their doctors the silent treatment when it comes to talking about their health.
Although boomer women find themselves with increased personal health needs as they enter midlife and beyond, only 16 percent indicated they are likely to discuss those symptoms with a doctor, according to the Boomer Women’s Health survey of women aged 45 and older in North America sponsored by SCA, the maker of bladder protection products and services under the globally-leading TENA® brand (www.tena.us) and conducted by Harris Interactive.
The survey also revealed that over two-thirds of baby boomer women (67 percent) are less likely to see a physician if they think the symptoms they are experiencing are a “normal part of aging” and therefore may not seek solutions which can improve their quality of life. Furthermore, over a quarter (26 percent) feels uncomfortable, embarrassed or judged when discussing even common personal health issues with their doctors.
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Women, however, aren’t the only ones being quiet. The survey also demonstrated that doctors are not initiating conversations with women about these “sensitive” health topics either. Although bladder weakness and low sex drive were ranked as the top two most embarrassing topics to discuss with your doctor, they also ranked as the two issues that had been brought up the least by their physicians.
We, as women, owe it to our doctors to tell them what’s going on. The question is are you completely open and honest with your doctor and does your doctor ask you the RIGHT questions to get you to open up?
You can read more about the lie I told my doctor that almost cost me my life in my new book, Don’t Ask and I Won’t Have to Lie
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Oh my gosh! I felt your inner pain ... and I apologize for the fact that when I got to the part about setting your hair on fire, I laughed. I'm so glad you weren't hurt, and hair grows back. Perhaps a new hair-do would not only rectify the situation 
There is no such thing as a legal separation in my state..The only way I can get husband out of the house is to force him out..He refuses to leave..I would have to file for divorce and get temporary orders including a restraining order..
I feel so
I think it is a two way street. Doctors often rush you through your appointments allowing little time for patient/Doctor conversation. I once was asked a question by a Doctor and halfway through my reply she looked at her chart and went on to the next question. She wasn’t even listening to my answer. Another time (different Doctor) I was asked what was wrong because I seemed sad. I started to tell the Doctor how my Father had recently died. She never looked at me but continued to type on her laptop. Why did even she bother asking the question?
I really believe that this is one of the biggest reasons that women don’t open up to their Doctors .
I think you highlight some good points. Don’t wait for your Dr. to ask you any question. I would like to add to always go to the DR. with a specific list of concerns regardless of how small or even if you dis them to “getting older’.
On the list of the symptoms or concerns, how long it has been going on and what impact it is having on your life.
Also I suggest to stay on task on why you are visiting the Dr. Don’t waste your time on asking about them or talking about your family. If your Dr. says your concerns are no matter do not feel silly but feel smart that you got a pro to give you a clean bill of health.