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Last Updated on 21st February 2022
Illness is never pretty, and some afflictions can damage the bearer’s mental health as well as their physical health.
If a condition is particularly embarrassing, it may prevent people from seeking out proper treatment. Moreover, should the ailment be left unattended, it might mean that the symptoms can progressively develop into something worse. Of course, this isn’t true in every situation. But, why risk it?
If you’re experiencing a condition that’s not too flattering to discuss, try not to worry too much. There are several things you can do that may help you move forward with greater confidence. We’ve listed what these are down below.
Consider Testing Measures
Food intolerances can be embarrassing. You may feel bloated, experience tummy pain, or even have excess gas and diarrhoea. None of this is ideal for any social situation.
Most doctors suggest an elimination diet to rectify things here. While they’re effective, it can also be a slow and tedious process, spending weeks phasing out certain foods until you identify the offending grub. Of course, you should always follow your doctor’s advice, but you could consider some additional assurances also.
Check My Body Health provide testing for food intolerances, ensuring that understanding your symptoms of an intolerance can be quick, easy, and private. You can test up to 970 food and drink items with their help, and they only partner with ISO accredited laboratories for the highest standards of assurances possible. Your test kits are delivered right to your door, and you can post your sample, which means you can practice discretion also.
Book Appointments Directly
People used to ring a GP practice and book an appointment through a receptionist. However, this may not be strictly necessary today.
Smartphone apps now exist that enable you to book appointments with your doctor directly, so it may be worth seeing if your local GP practice is implementing these technologies. Should they do so, you may be able to get seen with sheer ease. Of course, you’ll also avoid the embarrassment of disclosing your health problems to the admin staff.
Are you overcoming your embarrassment if you’re cutting a few corners? Well, it’s common to experience health problems that may affect self-esteem. You can’t be loud and proud about everything in life, so cut your losses where you can and utilise the easier path forward. So long as you get your treatment, that’s all that matters.
Remind Yourself What’s at Stake
Your condition may be embarrassing, but things could definitely be worse.
In 2019, it was reported that one in five adults were too embarrassed to visit their GPs with cancer symptoms, citing just how severe these things can be. The problem can be prevalent for suffers of bowel cancer, specifically. Therefore, it’s crucial to really frame things the right way in your mind. A few seconds of being red-faced is worth it if it means having your life saved.
Remember, doctors encounter all manners of illnesses daily. Some of them are mild, others may be somewhat gross, and some afflictions they cure are serious. They’re accustomed to whatever health-related issue you throw at them, and it’s quite literally their job to put you at ease and make you well again. Try to remember that as you seek out help.
How to talk about an embarrassing topic with your doctor
Do you feel comfortable talking to someone new about sensitive or difficult issues? You may find that you feel more confident when you bring someone who knows you and your body to your appointment.
Be open, honest and direct in how you present a question to your doctor. Don’t be afraid to ask about the specific symptoms that are troubling you. Asking specific questions may give you a clearer picture of what your doctor thinks is going on.
