No false shame
Fungi, bladder weakness and Co.: Seven “embarrassing” diseases that we should talk more about
Under no circumstances should you hide your illnesses from the doctor
© Anna Koldunova / Getty Images
Unpleasant and seemingly embarrassing illnesses can keep us from going to the doctor—but they shouldn’t! You should be aware of these complaints and have them treated.
Going to the doctor for colds, headaches and the like is probably not a problem for most people. But what if the discomfort affects very intimate parts of the body like the genitals, or constant bloating in public makes us blush with embarrassment? Many patients do not even want to talk to their family doctor about unpleasant illnesses. Basically, we don’t have to be embarrassed at all when we go to the doctor!
Oh god, how embarrassing!
Some of these diseases are not just unpleasant, but can have serious consequences. An anal fistula, for example, can develop from an abscess on the buttocks. This is a duct in the anal area that is often filled with pus and, in the worst case, damages the sphincter – which can cause the patient to become incontinent.
A tip in advance: It might help to think that the doctor has usually already seen everything and can look at your symptoms with sober objectivity. You should never hide these diseases from your doctor:
1. Bloating
If there is too much air in the stomach, for example due to bloating food, too much stress or eating too hastily, it escapes in the form of flatulence. On the other hand, it usually helps to eat a more balanced diet (lots of fiber, fruit and vegetables, dairy products, fish and a little meat), chew well and take the time to do so. If the symptoms persist, a doctor should look for possible organic causes.
2. Athlete’s foot
The skin of the feet is reddened with athlete’s foot, it scales and tightens. The corresponding germs are z. B. by walking barefoot in the swimming pool. A fungicide will get rid of athlete’s foot, but this can take several weeks. Good hygiene is important until then: Wear cotton socks and wash them at 60 degrees.
3. Vaginal thrush
For many women, it is probably even more unpleasant than athlete’s foot: vaginal thrush causes itching and burning in the vagina and pubic area, and in general the genital area is often swollen and reddish. Some women suffer from whitish, crumbly discharge. The triggering fungi can be treated with vaginal suppositories and special ointments.
4. Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids cause itching and pain in the anus, sometimes bleeding easily. The vascular cushions are caused, for example, by constipation and hard stool. Mild symptoms can often be managed with a healthy diet, enough water and exercise. If the pain does not subside, the doctor should rule out other diseases.
5. Erectile dysfunction
If the man does not get an erection in more than two thirds of all cases or cannot maintain it, this is referred to as erectile dysfunction. Physical triggers such as B. responsible for arteriosclerosis. In many cases, medication that the doctor can prescribe can help.
6. Bladder weakness
Depending on the severity of the bladder weakness, women lose urine, for example when sneezing, coughing or walking. Triggers can be, for example, a misalignment of the uterus or excessive stress on the pelvic floor due to pregnancy. Pelvic floor training can help here.
7. Head lice
The scalp only starts to itch when there is a severe infestation with lice. The laid eggs of the lice (nits) can be seen with the naked eye. Transmission often occurs from person to person. Special shampoos and lice combs help against lice – the treatment should be repeated after eight to ten days. Bedding, laundry etc. should be washed at at least 60 degrees to get rid of the lice.