Adult Diapers: Writing About Embarrassing Stuff

I've just written my first e-book on adult diapers. I wrote it because I had a medical need a few years ago and couldn't find enough information to make informed choices. So, I did a lot of research, talked to a lot of people and got myself educated.

I figured that if I was having this much trouble locating good information then other people could use some practical advice as well. I started out by writing a hub here and it has proved to be my most popular. The idea of an e-book was the obvious next step.

The problem is that it's harder than you think to write about embarrassing stuff. My conversations with folks while doing this research have been really interesting. The people who use diapers are pretty calm about the subject. The experts who sell them are easy to talk to as well but the gap comes with people who might need them but won't admit it or who don't use them at all.

People start to look anywhere but at my face or begin the "nervous" dance of wiggling just a bit back and forth. It's as if their feet want to leave but the rest of their body seems to think that would be rude.

I got the distinct feeling that people wanted to respect me by listening to what I have to say but really wish I'd just shut up. Relatives have expressed concern that I was going to put my name on the manuscript. I tried to remind them that June Allyson spoke about incontinence on television ages ago. And oh yeah, why is it easier to talk about erectile dysfunction than incontinence? In this case, both sexes may need to use incontinence protection.

The next problem I faced was language. I've been told that it's important to strike a warm and soothing tone so that readers will be at ease with an uncomfortable subject. Well then, what words do I use?

There are a lot of choices: number one, urine, pee, liquid waste, piss, make water, and many others I'm sure. I'm not going into the choices for "solid waste." You can fill in the blank there.

Next I had to explain how to put on/apply/wear/assemble the various versions of protection that are available. Each is different and requires a different methodology for use. I wanted to be specific but not too detailed. They're just some pictures we don't want in our heads.

I have managed to struggle through all the dicey bits and complete the document. I'm hoping that I won't offend or embarrass anyone while delivering, what seems to me, some useful information.

I am a bit worried though. What if this thing takes off? Will I be forever known as "The Adult Diaper Lady?"