Those Things You're Afraid to Talk to Your Doctor About

It happens to us all - if you’re a living, breathing human being, you’ve likely had a health scare or some weird thing happen that you’re unsure about, a little bit nervous, a lot embarrassed, and you’re just not quite sure you’re up to talking about it. For you, the embarrassment factor outweighs your desire to get answers, so you don’t bring it up and hope for the best. A lot of times whatever we’re worrying about is nothing (if you’re a fan of “Doctor Google” you’ve no doubt had more than one totally unfounded freak-out session. Seriously, don’t google your symptoms!), but there are a few instances where you should forget about the awkward factor and always talk to your doctor. 

We’ve laid out a few of these scenarios below: 

Photo Credit: Birdie Wyatt

Getting Tested
This is one big issue that concerns a lot of people - most people, in fact, regardless of age, gender, orientation or status would say, if they were being honest, that they’ve worried about getting tested for STDs at some point in their life. Many of them have gone on to actually get tested, and good on them. Because testing for STDs is one of the most proactive and responsible things you can do. Whether you’re a teen or an adult, STDs don’t discriminate, and biting the bullet and getting tested will give you peace of mind, as well as ensuring your physical health is where it should be.

And believe us, doctors have seen and heard it all. They won’t make you feel awkward, judge you or embarass you further. They are here to help. Even better, STD testing is anonymous and in most cases, free or very low cost. You’ll get your discreet results in days, and for most STDs, in the rare case that you have one, treatment is easy and effective. There’s literally no reason not to go ahead and get tested. 

Skin Issues
This is another big one that people avoid seeing a doctor for, and it’s honestly baffling. Whether it’s a rash, an irregular mole that is giving you anxiety, or something like acne or psoriasis, so many people simply never go to the doctor, choosing instead to suffer in silent embarrassment and discomfort. 

There’s no reason for this. Seeing a dermatologist is a simple visit, often with solutions being offered on the first visit. Procedures like mole-removal and obtaining prescription medications are cost-effective and same-day in many cases. And when it comes to your skin - never ignore issues or put off treatments. Your skin is your biggest organ, and you simply must take care of it. 

Family Planning
It’s ironic (and unfortunate) that the group most in need of family planning assistance are the ones who often refuse to get it - young people. Whether it’s due to embarassment, a lack of money/transportation, family shaming/awkwardness, moral or religious beliefs or a lack of education (likely it’s a combination of all of these factors) young people often don’t see a doctor to get birth control or other related services. ​

​Many clinics and health departments actually offer free condoms as well as free or sliding scale birth control, as well as provide free pap smears and pregnancy/STD testing.

They can also help you if you are pregnant, by providing you with prenatal vitamins and bloodwork, assisting you to get on government healthcare programs, and even guide you in the right direction to schedule an appointment should you wish to terminate. Many clinics also provide counselling and other services, including WIC for young babies. They also work with young men, providing them with birth control, testing and sex education counseling. 

These medical personnel are trained professionals with no bias, who see dozens of young people per week, so there’s no need to feel awkward or worry about judgement. They’re just doing their job. 

Gastrointestinal Issues
This is another one that people often avoid seeing a doctor for, and it’s to their own detriment. So many people these days suffer from unidentified stomach problems. For many who assume it’s just an intolerance to milk or cheese, or who figure stress is the reason for their stomach ache - it might be a larger issue, such as IBS, or even a disease such as Chrohn’s or Celiac Disease. Seeing a doctor to get to the bottom of your stomach issues will ease your mind, giving you real insight into what’s causing the problem so you can go back to enjoying food again and stop being embarrassed by your irritable gut. 

For many, especially those who are young, live in rural areas, or are disabled, money is a real concern when it comes to healthcare, and for a lot of these people, that’s the main reason they don’t see a doctor. It isn’t about the medical issue for them - it’s about the cost. This is a real concern, and it’s the reason why everyone argues about healthcare the most during any election season. There are millions of people in the country who either don’t have health insurance at all, or if they do, it doesn’t cover what they need. So they suffer and don’t visit the doctor because they can’t afford it. 

For these folks, sometimes the only real option is to visit an urgent care or quick clinic facility, or perhaps visit a health department. Several of these clinics have been popping up in recent years, offering professional, general care in a convenient setting, often for a sliding scale fee. These doctors’ visits are truly better than nothing, so if you have one of these medical concerns, please go see a doctor, even if it’s just at urgent care. Putting off your health is always the last thing you should do. And as always, eat nutritious foods, exercise, drink lots of water, take a multivitamin, and look after your mental health, too. Looking after your health in every possible way is your best bet for a healthy, happy life.

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By IC mag Contributors