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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2015 Sep 8.
Published in final edited form as: Int Urogynecol J. 2014 Feb 27;25(7):935–940. doi: 10.1007/s00192-013-2322-5

Table 3.

Emerging Concepts from Patient Focus Groups

Themes by Patients Concepts Representative quotes
Embarrassment
Worry
Ability to do things you enjoy
Smell
Effect on Lifestyle
LIVE “There are many people who get really down and depressed about this condition… and you have to continue to be optimistic and live your life.”
“Just-in-case pants are a must.”
Wanting to be/feel healthy HOPE “But I think not talking about these things like hope is a mistake. I think we need to have hope and happiness to know that there is a positive outcome possible for us.”
“Emotions are important to include… because we have something going on in our bodies that we feel like we have no control over.”
Will to get better
Desire to get better
No treatment recommendations from physicians
EFFORT “You’re not in contact with your doctor daily, but you’re in contact with yourself… so I’m responsible for getting better.”
“You put energy into the process of healing.”