Everyone has health issues to contend with, and while some conditions are a breeze to discuss, others are a little more intimate and awkward.
In spite of this, being open about potentially embarrassing issues is essential, as it is the only way to find remedies that will make a difference.
With that in mind, here are some tips for talking about such problems which anyone can follow.
Look Into Telehealth If You Can’t Face Talking To Your Doctor, E.G. About Erectile Dysfunction
The great thing about the age of digital technology is that you no longer need to have a face-to-face meeting with a healthcare professional to get help or a diagnosis.
Indeed many practitioners prefer to have a remote consultation before bringing you in for an in-person examination, and in plenty of cases the second stage will not even be necessary.
The telehealth industry has emerged as a solution in recent years, and adding that extra layer of separation between you and a physician can make it much easier to discuss sensitive subjects, such as erectile dysfunction.
Having a video call to explain your situation and your symptoms also saves you time and money, while doctors will be able to recommend top treatments for this common condition like BlueChew and Hims and also explain other ways to alleviate issues, such as weight loss.
Plan ahead
Another excellent way to dispel the embarrassment that can come with revealing certain health conditions involving genitals and bodily functions is to plan out what you are going to say before your appointment.
This can not only take the sting out of divulging your condition to a doctor, but also allow you to better express yourself. You could even write down your concerns and experiences and simply give this to the physician, so that you do not have to say it aloud if the prospect is particularly anxiety-inducing.
Even the straightforward step of talking through your problem while you are standing in front of your bathroom mirror will let you get your thoughts in order, and make the appointment itself less daunting.
Describe General Symptoms First
While you may have a specific idea of what your condition might be, it is not always necessary to come right out and say it. In fact your doctor will probably appreciate it if you do not attempt to self-diagnose yourself before they have had the chance to give their own professional opinion on the matter.
As such, it makes sense to speak more broadly about the symptoms that you are facing, which in turn will give the healthcare worker a good idea of what is going on in particular.
For example, if you believe that you are suffering from IBS, you could start out by outlining associated issues like digestive irregularities or feelings of being bloated. This will guide the conversation and also avoid the need to dive right in at the deep end with the more intense details.
Check Reputable Sources To Bring You Up To Speed
One of the most intimidating aspects of seeing a doctor to talk about an embarrassing condition is that if you go in with no real understanding of what you might be facing, it can create tension and worry which puts you off booking an appointment in the first place.
This is where doing some prior research can help, although you have to be sure to use reputable sources to find out what your symptoms might mean. There is a lot of disinformation out there, and your online investigations can only go so far; ultimately it is always best to get professional help and advice, no matter the kind of condition you are suffering from.
