Published On:Tuesday, August 31, 2010

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

WHEN it comes to embarrassing health issues, doctors have seen and heard it all. But the fear of speaking up in the doctor's office may lead many people to suffer in silence.

Even though some embarrassing health problems are hard to talk about, Dr Myles Poitier, MD, CCFP at the Cable Beach Medical Clinic strongly advises patients to abstain from self treatments and see their family doctors.

"No matter how small a person might think their issue is, they should still see a general practitioner because there are certain things that must be ruled out. People should never be ashamed to talk to their doctors about anything. It is the role of their GP to make sure their patients are comfortable enough to talk about anything with them," Dr Poitier told Tribune Health.

Dr Poitier gave possible causes of some of the most common embarrassing health issues. However this, he said, does not and should not replace a visit to a family doctor.

* Sexual Dysfunction

"Men are more embarrassed than woman are when it comes to this issue. Men sometimes complain about not being able get an erection," Dr Poitier said.

Erectile dysfunction can be a side effect of taking some drugs or psychological conditions can be a factor. For instance, stress, depression, or worrying. "People should also make sure they are interested and attracted to their partner," he said.

Dr Poitier added that sexual dysfunction is not something that people should try to diagnose themselves. He said things like hypertension, diabetes and other disorders must be ruled out," he said.

* Premature Ejaculation

"Premature ejaculation is not easy to treat. This is sometimes caused if a person has not had sexual relations in a while. Premature orgasm also can also be caused by too much excitement."

Because it is difficult to treat premature ejaculation some people are referred to sex therapist and sex counseling to correct the problem he said.

* Genital Rash

Genital rashes are symptoms of a number of sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore persons should not take this issue lightly. "Of course a person must be examined to rule out certain diseases. We will ask the patient about his or her sexual history. We will ask them how many people they have been involved with because diseases must be ruled out," Dr Poitier explained.

He also said fungal infections from the heat can cause genital rashes. "Women who use tampons or sanitary shields may experience rashes on their genitals. Lice, ticks, scabies, can also be causes of genitals rashes," he said.

Dr Poitier said if a person is comfortable that the rash they have is consistent with a previous condition then and only then they can self treat. "Unless they are sure this is something they had before they can treat themselves," he explained.

* Razor Bumps/

Ingrown Hair on genitals

Razor bumps and ingrown hairs in the pubic region are two other embarrassing common health issues experienced by both men and women. They are painful and unsightly. Dr Poitier said they are not a major cause for concern but urge people to see their doctor so they can get the proper medication to treat it. "In some cases ingrown hairs can get out of hand and turn into an abscess."

* Vaginal Secretions

Vaginal secretions are part of the menstrual cycle of a woman. Usually during the ovulation period women will notice that they have vaginal secretions. "Vaginal secretions is normal. If there is no odour with it and it is a faint discharge then everything is normal. If however, the discharge has a strong odour then women should be concerned," he said.

* Bad Breath

"A person does not necessarily have to come into the doctor for this. Certain foods one eats and dental problems can cause bad breath. They should go to a dentist to make sure it is not a cavity that is causing the bad breath," said Dr Poitier.

* Uncontrollable Flatulence

"A change of diet can cause uncontrollable flatulence to occur. Some people know that if they change their diet to lactose they flatulate more."

He said if uncontrollable flatulence is accompanied by abdominal bloating or pain and persist for a few days it can be a sign of something more serious.