Why do people seek medical advice on Yahoo Answers?

Chances are someone else has gone through the same thing that they are now going through, and it doesn't cost anything to ask for someones opinion except maybe 5 points (but you get that back anyway if you choose a best answer). But I don't think the sight should ever be used as a substitute for real medical advice unless the person is suffering from something minor.Why do people seek medical advice on Yahoo Answers?
Many are just looking for a medical opinon or maybe support from a person who has been through what they are going through. Many just need that final push from a nurse or medical person on here that says yes you need to see a doc.Why do people seek medical advice on Yahoo Answers?
I htink it's more for opinions from different people. I'm sure (or at least I hope) that they won't try anything serious that was said by one of the answerers without researching it first.
1. In most countries going to the Doctor can be expensive if it is not covered by insurance.


2. People are embarassed and don't want to seek help unless necessary.


3. People (especially young people) get scared by things they don't know.
No charge for free info, and


knowledge is wealth!
It's like asking people around you for their opinion. It doesn't mean you are committed to taking the advice, but it gives you a perspective you might not have thought of otherwise. For instance, you might mention to your Mom, spouse, or friends that you have a ';funny-looking'; lump on your arm. One says, ';It's nothing,'; the next says, ';you better call a doctor soon, and the next says, ';YOU'RE GOING TO DIE!!!'; You process the input along with your other experiences and go from there. It's called ';masterminding'; which is tapping into the group experiences of people to help decide how to deal with a problem.
Because doctors charge too much for a simple diagnosis. =)
Who knows and answering them is worth 2 points - just like this was.
I think they are looking more for an opinion or someone who can relate to an issue.





Instead of walking into a doctor and saying '; my vagina is itchy and smelly, and there's this stuff coming out'; they can ask someone who has previously had this predicament and treat it otc.
Too lazy to go out