I recently pulled rankings for top searched health concerns and wow, was I surprised to see what people searched for!Health concerns are certainly no laughing matter. However, I thought it'd be interesting to show the top searched health topics that people generally don't talk about. Check it out for yourself and you'll see what I mean.
If you happen to have any of the health concerns listed below, you probably talk to your close friends and your doctor (I really hope you do talk to your doctor!) about them. However, it's extremely rare that they make it in your casual conversations. Can you imagine strolling into the office one morning and when your cube neighbor asks a polite "How are you?" you respond with, "Fine, thanks. Except for the [fill in your health concern here] that I just got diagnosed with!" Can we say awkward?
Anyway, if you're diagnosed with any of the health concerns below, or if you're just curious to see what they're all about, the Internet is a great thing. Hello, privacy! Go to AOL Body or search for these topics on AOL Search, such as depression symptoms, STD testing and hair restoration.
AOL's top searched health concerns that you don't talk about from this week:
1. Depression
2. HPV
3. Yeast infection
4. Genital warts
5. Genital herpes
6. Urinary tract infection
7. AIDS
8. Constipation
9. Erectile dysfunction
10. Hair loss
See sponsored links for: depression symptoms, hair restoration, STD testing.
Reader Comments (Page 5 of 6)
81. Dr. Kenneth Hildebrandt: it's foolish to click on a linked URL in a bulletin board because it may take you to a fake site that infects your computer with a wicked virus. You know...the kind you're afraid to talk to your doctor about? Seriously, I understand not talking to your doctor about stuff that will remain on your medical record, and could affect your ability to get life insurance later. It's a slippery slope.
Posted at 11:14AM on Jul 23rd 2007 by lindabarnes01
82. One thing to remember is that doctors are for all practical purposes consultants. Just like lawyers: 1. They can only give the correct advise if they know all the facts. Don't lie and don't exagerate.
2. They are legally bound to protect your privacy
3. They get paid well for giving this advise, so take it. (Would you pay $500 to have your taxes done and then say "you know I think I'll file electronically on the IRS web site filling the data myself" - I think not)
4. They are also fallible, so if you lose confidence in your doctor you need to find another doctor who's judgment you trust.
The second thing to remember is the livelyhoods of people who sell things depend upon selling those things. That goes for the lowly spammers selling herbal viagra all the way up to and especially the billion dollar pharmeceutical companies. Don't consult or listen to them, don't read their propaganda. Everything they say is geared to convince you that you have an ailment that they happen to sell a cure for. They put the "correct words" into your vocabulary that will fool your doctor into confirming your "self diagnosis".
In summary, keep your senses, use your own words and be completely honest with your doctor.
Posted at 8:09PM on Jul 23rd 2007 by jquist01
83. I've have been being treated for clinical depression for over 30 years. Almost anyone I tell says they don't believe I can be depressed--I'm such an "up" outgoing person. Sometimes depression is the killer that can't be seen. I say "killer" because if you don't get help, you can live a pretty empty, dead kind of life with depression. It's important to seek help because you can deal with this disease and live a really good life.
It says alot that this is No. 1 on the list...that's why I speak freely and openly about my depression and I always felt afterwards like I did a little something to help people who have it. It's nothing to be ashamed of and you don't have to live a dead, meaningless life at all..
I also had breast cancer and a mastectomy when I was in my 30's...over 20 years ago. My life is so much better now; not because I had cancer....because I survived and was alive to deal with my depression.
I just want to tell anyone who'll listen that the only stupidity or shame in any of this is if you TRY TO HIDE OR DON'T GET HELP ASAP....You can have a whole lifetime ahead of you...and a good one at that.
Posted at 8:52PM on Jul 23rd 2007 by kcsash
84. To the lady who has fibromyalgia - I, too have fibro; it is not a fun condition. People think I'm lazy. Depression, diabetes and arthritis have also robbed me of energy. I take meds for the depression and diabetes. The only med that helped my fibro and arthritis was VIOXX. Because I have heart disease, my cardiologist took me off it. Also, I can understand people using the 'net to search depression. It too is a difficult disease to discuss. More insurance coverage for mental health is needed - the many illnesses are physical because they are caused by imbalances of chemicals in brain, a physical organ. Hang in there, everyone, and talk to your doctor for any of the symptoms discussed in the article.
Posted at 12:47PM on Jul 25th 2007 by Gloria
85. Almost every person who has learned about my "depression" rolls their eyes. "Get over it", "Stop whining", "Jeez, we ALL get "depressed", and "You're just trying to "get out" of working" etc...This is such a misunderstood illness! Even doctors I've seen give me "that LOOK"...
Posted at 2:34PM on Jul 26th 2007 by Sarah
86. I have had fibromyalgia for about years now...and people still roll their eyes at me. I am telling all people that this ia a very hard way to live because it is constant all over body pain that robs you of things you have always enjoyed in life and unless you have fibro...I guess you just can't understand.
I am thankful that is has be recognized as a condition in just the past week by the FDA. Maybe there will be more information on this terrible condition!
Posted at 2:39PM on Jul 26th 2007 by Cathy
87. I think all of the above should be discussed with your doctor including stroke and heartattack. I had a stroke February of this year, 2007 and am working at getting back my motor skills and mobility. I am doing fine but had I listened to my body and told the doctor MAYBE I would not have had to endure what I did. So my wolrd is tell the doctor and make him/her listen.
Posted at 3:10PM on Jul 26th 2007 by phyllis de btiyo
88. depression has always been thought of as a mental illness but it's not. It can be a physical illness that a prescription can help. You go to you regular doctor and tell him how you feel. I lived with depression all my life and I didn't know I had it until I started taking an antidepressant for sleeping and my attitude totally changed.
Posted at 4:14PM on Jul 26th 2007 by susden52
89. People do seem to have a lot of questions about hair loss recently. Maybe I've noticed because I've also been losing more hair than usual? Must be the weather...
Posted at 4:45PM on Jul 26th 2007 by Sally
90. First, I think Arvig has a good point. This is comming from someone who's been scammed and spammed too many times. Sure it might be legit., but do you actually want to take that chance?
There are alot of things that we shouldn't be embarassed to tell our doc. And if we are maybe we aren't seeing the right one. We need a doc. that we can build a relationship with so we're on the same page. Same goes for therapists or other mental health occupants. It took me a very long time to realize this, but now that I have, my time with them is so much more productive.
Posted at 5:13PM on Jul 26th 2007 by PENNY THATCHER
91. I THINK IT IS A JOKE THAT THE GOVERMENT WON'T LET US SICK PEOPLE HAVE THEIR MEDICAL MARIJUANA!
Posted at 5:22PM on Jul 26th 2007 by BOBNGAYLE20
92. What happens if u have a doctor u don't like.
Posted at 5:47PM on Jul 26th 2007 by Paul
93. To comment #2: Yes, actually, I think you Should be ashamed if you have a sexual disease. Unless you're married or at least engaged, I think having a sexual disease should case quite a lot of shame; or at least humiliation.
Isn't this kind of a choice you're making?
"I want to be a whore - not a married woman."
Feel the shame.
That said; go get treatment, you idiot! In this society, I'm pretty sure no one CARES anymore. 2/3 of the population act like nymphoes -- you REALLY think you have something they haven't seen before? Oh wait, I know! You're worried about the doctors spreading it around at the next hospital picnic!
Because that would So happen, right? Pfft.
Depression is completely different. I think we see so many depression searches as opposed to "going to the doctor" because now, when people feel down for more than a couple days, our society rushes to tell you you're depressed! Anyone would quickly log online to see if they count under a checklist, or if their friends are just making them crazy (with the psych problem paranoia).
I have the opinions in the first paragraph not because I'm 69 yrs old and very conservative, but because I'm 26, a virgin, used to be in modeling so it's not that I haven't had the offers... I was not raised in any religion at all, so I'm not a "good Christian girl" (AKA hypocrit) nor am I doing this for my God!
Casual sex is wrong. And the STDs don't show up unless one partner went and did something wrong. Protect yourself by building a family and a life meaning, and you won't have to search for topics on the internet!!
Posted at 5:47PM on Jul 26th 2007 by Aine
94. Reply to: "...depression isn't as bad as some of the oyhers...": What? Are you serious? Depression is one of the most viscous diseases that I can imagine. It is most dibilitating. I would wish it on no one; however,I can say that unless experienced, it is probably impossible to understand it's devastation. That is, unless you are the victim affected by one with depression, which is also quite devastating.
Posted at 6:09PM on Jul 26th 2007 by Elizabeth Johnson
95. Reply to #98: It is pejudices as yours is, regarding depression, that keeps one from seeking help. Then, as you would have it, 'shame' is added to their disease, driving the depression even deeper. Depression is a VERY devastating, not only mentally, but emotionally and physically, as well. It can reck havoc through it's pain for the victim and/or anyone in it's path. Depression requires help from a Dr.
Posted at 6:38PM on Jul 26th 2007 by Elizabeth Johnson
96. I too suffered in silence for many years.When I went to a doctor, I was DX with IBS,Chronic pain, Minere's disease,Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.Fibromyalgia. I had been constipated for years. Being afraid of what was wrong, I put off seeing any medical doctor. It has been nothing but pills for this and pills for that. Pain pills by the jar fulls. Nothing has helped. I found what I need to do was a colon cleanse and found a website about this. I didn't know death begains in the colon. I knew I had probems in my stomach but didn't know what to do. Until then. I did this cleanse for 3 months, and most if not all my problems have left me.I lost 13 lbs. because of all the impacted things in my stomach. I have energy, my heartburn left me the same night I took this and has never returned. There is something about this that I know has helped me so much! The chronic pain has all but left me. If you don't belive me check this site out. I have nothing to gain by telling you anything.I just know what I am saying is true. Check out www.drnatura.com if you don't believe me. There are thousands of letters from people like you and me, suffering, or were suffering.
Posted at 7:32PM on Jul 26th 2007 by milnotgil
97. Call me "old fashion" - -but I cannot understand WHY it would be hard to talk to your doctor- -this is a person of extreme education (hopefully)- -makes a ton of money, and you are sitting there knowing YOU have to pay him/her more- -why not get your money's worth? TALK to them!
Posted at 8:05PM on Jul 26th 2007 by Dee
98. depression can affect you so deep your life doesn't seem worth living or death just seems so fascinating. Or you experienced the feeling of being ashamed that you thought of taking the weak way out of life. But torn because you cant just for the fact you love your family to much so you just and must survive.
Any hidden illness that you fight with yourself to decide if you want to fight to live is too hard to explain by words. People deal with them differently and goes so much deeper then just what words explain that it's easier just keeping it from your family or friends. No matter what though always talk or do research on the disease. Why is it so hard to take care of ourselves, we are so stubborn sometimes.
Posted at 8:39PM on Jul 26th 2007 by baby
99. Mental illnesses are more prevalent than most folks realize and, because of the stigma, it's no wonder that people would rather get information online than discuss it with anyone, even family members. I recently lost a loved one to suicide--a beautiful, talented 19-yr-old girl who happened to be bi-polar. She had few friends who understood her illness and chose to end her life because she hated the pain that she believed her illness caused her family and supposed friends. So many people suffer in silence because of the stigma and the public's lack of information about mental issues; their illnesses are actually made worse because of it. Being bi-polar myself, I'd rather admit to having genital herpes before sharing my mental problems. Ads on TV about herpes are more informative and hope-inspiring than any ad about depression. Can you imagine losing a child to an illness that is treatable but not accepted by society? How can we be so ignorant in this day and age?
Posted at 1:47PM on Jul 27th 2007 by Maggie Ruiz
100. I would add hepatitis C to that list. It is almost epidemic & most docs don't even screen for it. Liver problems effect many systems in one's body from skin to brain function
Posted at 9:13PM on Jul 27th 2007 by diane