Health Questions You May Be Too Embarrassed to Ask (Part Two)

Your doctor is your partner in your care. You may have heard that phrase a lot, but do you really know what it means?  It means that your physician is dedicated to helping you live a healthier life. But in order to do that, you and your doctor need to communicate honestly and openly.

There are a lot of health questions that can be very embarrassing to ask, but it’s so important to speak with your provider about any issue that’s troubling you. There’s no need to blush. In fact, you may be surprised to know that your embarrassing health questions are actually quite common.

Following are a few examples. If you have any of the following conditions, we encourage you to talk to your doctor for more information.

1. I PASS GAS A LOT. IT’S EMBARRASSING. WHAT CAN I DO?

While kids may giggle when someone passes gas or burps, for adults, it’s no laughing matter.

Gas has an extensive variety of causes, which is why only your doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis. First, realize that passing gas is, to an extent, a natural process. Your body naturally gets rid of gas through belching or flatulence, but sometimes, it builds up in the stomach and intestines, leading to bloating. Bloating causes abdominal pain, and may be caused by eating fatty foods, eating too quickly, smoking, stress or irritable bowel syndrome.

If you have chronic gas problems, it may help to avoid certain foods such as:

• Beans
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Sodas or carbonated drinks
• Chewing gum
• Milk products

While embarrassing, excessive gas is rarely a serious concern. However, if it is accompanied by vomiting, cramping or diarrhea, contact your doctor as soon as possible. He or she can prescribe medication or customize a diet to help.

2. THERE’S NO EASY WAY TO SAY THIS: I STINK. I HAVE TERRIBLE BODY ODOR, NO MATTER HOW OFTEN I SHOWER OR HOW OFTEN I USE DEODORANT.

If you have excessive sweating, you’re not alone. Some people naturally sweat more than others, and body odor may vary from person to person. These aluminum-based compounds temporarily block sweat pores, reducing perspiration, and in turn, block body odor.  If over-the-counter antiperspirants don’t work, your doctor can prescribe aluminum chloride, which is much stronger than the typical deodorant. Be sure to use it as directed. If you develop a skin irritation or rash, speak with your doctor.

3. WHEN I LAUGH, SNEEZE OR PICK UP SOMETHING HEAVY, I PEE A LITTLE. I’M SO EMBARRASSED THAT I CAN’T HOLD MY URINE. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Age, pregnancy and hormonal changes all contribute to difficulty holding urine, called incontinence. Fortunately, there are several treatments available.

Your incontinence may be only temporary, caused by a urinary tract infection or medication. However, you may have stress incontinence, which is chronic. There are several possible causes, including:

• Nerve damage
• Diseases such as MS or Parkinson’s
• Weak muscles
• Stroke

Your doctor can take a closer look at your medical history to determine the cause of your incontinence. There are several reasons for incontinence, and it’s actually much more common than you might think!After an exam to determine the cause of the incontinence, he or she may suggest one of the following treatments:
Pelvic exercises

These exercises, called Kegels, can be done discreetly anytime, anywhere. They strengthen the pelvic muscles, which alleviates incontinence.

Time voiding

Do you have leakage at certain times during the day? Before those times, go to the bathroom to reduce the chance of losing urine.

Losing weight

Extra weight exerts pressure on your bladder, which can increase pressure on your bladder. Losing excess weight can help.

If you have embarrassing health questions such as these, it’s important to remember that your health care team is dedicated to your health and to your privacy; this means your health problems cannot be shared with anyone outside of those responsible for your care. Often, there are simple, effective treatments for these problems. Why suffer in silence? Talk to your doctor.

If you’re interested in even more embarrassing health questions, see our initial blog post: Common Health Questions You May Be Too Embarrassed to Ask.