Sometimes you just gotta go, and if you're like me, you can't stand smelly dirty public restrooms: In that case you should check out the "GoGirl"  female urination device that allows women to urinate while standing up.

Right: Standing up. I know, because I have done it myself.

The GoGirl is neat, discreet, and hygienic.  And it's the perfect alternative to crowded, disgusting, distant, or non-existent public bathrooms. "Women have been faced with the challenge of unfit or nonexistent restrooms for quite some time," says Sarah Dillon, president and founder of GoGirl. "GoGirl is the perfect solution to any bathroom emergency a woman can face. For campers, there are no more soiled clothing or shoes; for travelers, there's no more worrying about what kind of bathroom you'll find or if you find one at all. Even if you just want to avoid germs in places like gas stations and shopping malls, there's a use for GoGirl in almost any situation."

Brandy and I met Sarah and Cydney from GoGirl while we were at BlogHer  last month. The devices were a big hit with the BlogHers, who, in their silly state of mind were most entertained by wearing them like hot pink cone hats. (Wish I could find a photo from the BowlHer event, I know they exist! If you've got a photo, share a link at the end for a chance to win a GoGirl of your own!) When we got back, Brandy immediately gave her sample away to a germphobic friend who is the mother of two young girls, understanding that her friend's phobia of public potties was three times the dilemma of her own disgust with dirty bathrooms. (Fortunately, the Go-Girl Gals generously replaced it!)

GoGirl is easy to use: Just lower your panties, and place GoGirl against your body, forming a seal.  Aim, and, well, there you go! With practice (and I have), you can use one hand to hold the GoGirl, and one hand to keep your clothing up just high enough to prevent dropping your drawers onto a dirty floor or mooning the wildlife lurking around the campground shrubbery. (GoGirl recommends practicing in the shower to master the technique. I second the notion.) And just between us girls, it's almost entertaining to use: I'm imagining a female version of that story we've all heard men tell about writing their name in the snow, if you get my drift... (You can even watch an informative video here at YouTube.)

Technically, it's called a Female Urination Device, FUD for short, and European women have used such devices for years. GoGirl fits easily in your backpack, purse, pocket, or glove compartment. It's a must for roadtrips, outings to malls, and sports events with the family. How much do you travel? Here at AskPatty, it feels like we're always on airplanes, and from now on, I'm keeping my GoGirl in my carry-on! And it's great for everyday -- no more crouching over or trying to cover up an unsanitary public toilet, especially if you work in a small office where you must share the restroom with messy men. (Been there, done that!)

If the facilities provide it, you can wash it with soap and water and shake it lightly to help it dry. If not, it comes packaged in a discrete tube with a tissue and storage baggie so that after use, you can just roll it up and tuck it away to clean later. (Even though urine is sterile and the GoGirl's medical-grade silicone is germ resistant, it needs to be washed to avoid developing bacteria.) However, it's plenty sturdy and meant to withstand wash after wash -- and we've even heard stories of some who choose to wash theirs in the dishwasher. One GoGirl can last a lifetime, though, at $7 it's also priced affordably enough that you can dispose of it without feeling guilty. It comes in either a lovely lavender shade or a bright pink that will coordinate with your nail polish or panties. >G<

The GoGirl Gals have been making the rounds  at many events this summer, so keep an eye out for their pink and white Mini Cooper and their comfort stations where you can even give the GoGirl a try. Right now, and throughout the weekend, they're at the Minneapolis State Fair  so check them out if you'll be there.

You know you want one, so here's how you can get one for free: Leave a comment here about how you could most benefit from a GoGirl, and you'll be entered to win one of two GoGirl devices, courtesy of the good folks at GoGirl. In two weeks, we'll choose a winner randomly from the comments at the end of this blog, so please leave your comment by Thursday, September 17, and we'll be sure to let you know if you win!


Jody DeVere
President and CEO
http://www.askpatty.com
http://www.carblabber.com


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