Embarrassing bodies
When we have a health issue, our first port of call is usually a visit to our doctor. But what if your health issue is a bit… embarrassing? It can be incredibly hard to explain to your doctor how you feel or what your symptoms are. Here are seven common embarrassing health problems that you shouldn’t ignore. If you’re experiencing any of the below, it’s essential that you book in with your doctor and remember, the old saying is true – your doctor has seen and heard everything before, so there’s no need to feel embarrassed.
1. You have an odd smell
Every vagina has its own specific scent, but if you start to notice a stronger odour than normal, it could be a sign that something is off down below. A stronger odour usually indicates a bacterial imbalance known as Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) or a dose of vaginal thrush. The good news is that both of these illnesses can be easily treated. For BV you will need to go to your doctor, but you can buy pessaries and cream over the counter to help treat thrush. Occasionally complications can develop with thrush, so if an over the counter remedy doesn’t work, it’s important to book in with your GP.
2. You have no sex drive
Sex can be a difficult topic to talk about, but if your sex drive has taken a serious nosedive, it is worth booking in with your GP for a check-up. Low libido can be linked to physical conditions and psychological or emotional issues. It’s a particularly common side effect of going through the menopause. Given that low libido is associated with so many different issues, it really is worth visiting your doctor. A quick chat and your doctor will be able to assess if you need treatment.
3. Your bowel habits have changed
Bowel habits – no one enjoys talking about them, but opening up to your doctor about this part of your life could actually save it. Pain when using the bathroom, blood in your stool or a distinct and drastic change in bowel habits need to be addressed immediately, especially if you have a history of bowel problems in your family. There are a host of conditions that could be behind any changes or pain in your habits and it’s vital to rule out conditions such as colorectal cancer, anal fissures, IBS, IBD and more. Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in Ireland, so it is vital to seek help if you notice any changes or feel something isn’t right.
4. You can’t stop sweating
If sweating is an issue for you take heart, almost three per cent of the global population suffers from hyperhidrosis (that’s excessive sweating). While our bodies need to sweat during hot weather in order to cool us down, hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes our bodies to sweat excessively, even when we’re not too hot. The good news is that it is very treatable and you don’t have to live with this condition. Doctors usually prescribe stronger antiperspirants or medication to help normalise the overactive sweat glands.
5. You’re wetting yourself
It may feel like you’re alone when you suffer from urinary incontinence, but it’s an incredibly common problem. The good news is that medicine has come a long way and more and more treatments are available to help with this issue. The first step in treating this is to visit your GP and see what’s the best option for you. Urinary incontinence can be distressing but the treatments are easy and effective.
6. You have adult acne
If you thought that you had outgrown your chance of getting acne, think again. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 45 per cent of women between the ages of 21 and 30 suffer from acne, along with 26 per cent of women in their 30s, and 12 per cent of women in their 40s. Acne is an embarrassing condition which can cause scarring. It’s thought that women are slightly more prone to developing acne due to hormone fluctuation during pregnancy or the menopause. Again, this is another issue that can be treated quite easily. Your GP will be able to refer you to a specialist or prescribe some medication that can help.
7. You have excessive hair growth
Have you noticed some excess hair on your face or elsewhere on your body? Excess hair can be incredibly embarrassing, especially if you’re a woman. But here is why you should book an appointment with your GP. Sometimes hair growth (or hirsutism) can be a symptom of polycystic ovarian syndrome, Cushing’s disease or issues with your adrenal glands. Your doctor will be able to order any further testing that’s needed and advise you on what treatment would be best for you.