..that aren’t embarrassing at all!
It’s a serious problem with far reaching consequences; patients who are reticent about visiting the GP for fear their issue is ‘embarrassing’.
Women, in particular, are in danger of not getting proper medical advice because they’re too shy to talk about certain health concerns. In many cases, issues are ignored until they become at best a nusiance and at worse, something more serious. We’re here today to reassure you; here are 5 women’s health concerns that you shouldn’t be embarrassed about.
SEX DRIVE
Ever heard of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)? If you have little or hardly any interest in sex for six months or more, you might have HHSD. According to Healthline, there might be an underlying cause for the condition which shouldn’t be ignored. These could be physical, emotional, or a combination of both.
A company aptly named Unblush are looking to help, and are encouraging and empowering women in the process to speak up about low sexual desire. They explain on their website that “HSSD is a common, treatable medical condition characterized by ongoing low sexual desire that women find frustrating”. They add that “HSDD can lower your self esteem and strain your relationship. If that’s what you’re feeling, don’t feel alone or embarrassed”.
VAGINA, VAGINA, VAGINA
You should never be embarrassed to say the word vagina or anus to your GP. However, young women are avoiding seeking out the doctor because they’re too embarrassed to discuss gynaecological issues with them. According to a study by Ovarian Cancer Action, over half of 18-24 year olds are shy speaking about vaginas. It seems our fear of the word vagina is stopping us seeing the doctor.
So let’s get it out of the way – vagina, vagina, vagina. The same research suggests that young women are also self-conscious about saying the word discharge. So again, discharge, discharge, discharge.
It seems that the majority of young women are turning to Google instead – but searching symptoms is no substitute for proper medical attention. From cystitis to yeast infections, abnormal smells down there, spotting between periods to anul itching, we need to normalise and stop getting embarrassed when it comes to intimate health issues. Delaying speaking to a professional only means the problems may worsen.
MENSTRUATION & PERIOD PROBLEMS
Speaking of intimate areas, many of us are still shy when it comes to talking about menstruation. The stigma and embarrassment surrounding periods is real and needs to be addressed. We need to talk openly and stop being embarrassed about our periods. Indeed, we all have different womb stories and this needs to be broadcast!
When it comes to endometriosis, especially, we need better ways to speak about women’s pain. According to research, it takes a median of eight years to reach a diagnosis of endometriosis from when the symptoms of the condition first appear, highlighting the importance of educating and raising public awareness of this debilitating disease that an estimated 1 in 10 women suffer from; that’s 176 million women worldwide.
One of the greatest risks associated with periods is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). While rare, it is a potentially fatal condition. As such, it’s important that young women are informed about the facts around TSS to reduce the chances of getting it. TSS is caused by harmful bacteria and is often associated with tampons.
According to Verywell Health, it’s not the tampons that are the problem, necessarily, but improper tampon use. TSS is fast-acting, and you will need to get treatment for it quickly. As long as you get diagnosed early enough, you will make a full recovery. Symptoms include high temperatures, headaches, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and flu-like symptoms. If you have these symptoms in conjunction with each other, get in touch with your doctor ASAP. Toxic shock syndrome can be treated using antibiotics. Find out more on the NHS website.
While menstruation and period problems are, of course, a broad topic, if you experience spotting between periods, you should get it checked out straight away. While occasional spotting is often nothing to worry about, it’s important to consult a doctor regardless. Spotting can occur for a number of reasons including STIs, pregnancy, ovarian cancer, PCOS. Do get it checked out.
MENOPAUSE
The menopause has recently been added to the school curriculum. For the majority of women who weren’t taught anything about ‘the change’ as a youngster, there’s a danger that when it does arrive, we might not be entirely sure what is happening or why we’re feeling like this. As such, it’s something that we don’t speak about. Indeed, half of women are too embarrassed to speak to the doctor about it. Moreover, more than a third of whom said they felt the menopause was something they just had to ‘put up with’.
Dr Heather Currie, chairman of the British Menopause Society said ‘’there is a common perception that the menopause is simply a few hot flushes lasting around two years, so the reality can come as quite a shock to many women. Women often feel powerless, because they believe there are limited treatment options and support available, and these fears and misconceptions have persisted from generation to generation’’.
David Richmond, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, added: ‘‘For some women, menopausal symptoms can be extremely debilitating and dramatically impact upon their quality of life. This survey paints a concerning picture, given that many women are suffering from menopausal symptoms in silence – this should never be the case’.
‘Every woman’s experience of the menopause is different and we encourage women to talk openly to their healthcare professionals, employers, friends and families about the menopause.’’
BATHROOM PROBLEMS
Incontinence is something nearly half of women above 50 suffer from but most are too embarrassed to speak about it to the doctor. Science Daily reports that nearly-two thirds of the women surveyed said they hadn’t spoken to their physician about the issue because they were too embarrassed by it.
However, it’s common and curable. There are several types of mild urinary incontinence, including stress incontinence, where pressure inside the bladder becomes greater than the urethra’s ability to remain closed; urge incontinence, where there is a problem with the muscles inside the bladder; and overflow incontinence, where there is a blockage. Only a doctor can help you identify which one you’re suffering from and recommend the appropriate course of action to remedy it.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Everyone has health concerns that they’re embarrassed about at some point in their lives, but remember that the cliché of doctors having ‘’seen it all before’’ is a cliché for a reason. Make sure you see your doctor promptly should you have any concerns, enabling you to address the issue so you can get on with your life.