GP reveals how to ask your doctor the most intimate and embarrassing questions
dailyrecord.co.ukIt’s always a good idea to see your GP if you have any concerns around your health.That means issues can be seen to as early as possible, potentially catching anything more serious before it progresses.But some intimate health concerns are a bit more awkward to talk about – you might not want to speak to your GP about it at all, and put off the visit.Health experts share how to best navigate what could quickly become an awkward moment during a consultation.
According to Dr Nisa Aslam, a GP and advisor to Effercitrate Tablets, providing relief to cystitis symptoms, patients can feel embarrassed to talk about any intimate health issues. “[This can include] sexual and reproductive issues including vaginal thrush and for men difficulties in getting and maintaining an erection.
However, health issues related to the bowels such as constipation and diarrhoea to problems associated with our urinary tract like cystitis, are equally health areas that patients are embarrassed to talk about,” Aslam said.GPs don’t have long consultation times, so it’s important to get to the issue immediately – to get the most out of your visit.“Don’t worry if you haven’t got medical words to express yourself.
Say something like, ‘I have pain on passing urine’, or ‘I have pain when I pee’, or ‘I am having some problems during sex’, or ‘I have pain when I try to have a poo’,” said Aslam.
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