Certain health problems can be embarrassing to discuss. We may avoid talking about them with friends and may even put off seeing a doctor because we are ashamed. However,  some of these problems are more common than we realise. Opening up about them can enable us to get the help we need. Below are 5 examples of embarrassing health problems that are in fact quite common.

Bad breath

50% of adults report experiencing bad breath (medically referred to as ‘halitosis’) at some point in their lives. There are many different causes of bad breath including poor dental hygiene, smoking, dry mouth, a low carb diet, kidney problems, digestive issues or eating certain foods like garlic. If you’ve noticed that your breath has got a whiff and you’re not sure what’s causing it, it’s worth seeing a doctor to make sure it’s nothing serious. Changing your habits and using mouthwash can help combat bad breath, 

Excessive sweating

Hyperhidrosis is the technical name for excessive sweating and it is believed to affect 385 million people worldwide. People with this condition often experience unsightly sweat patches and clammy hands. Unpleasant body odour can also be a side effect. This can lead to social anxiety. Fortunately, there are various treatments available for hyperhidrosis for those who are willing to see a doctor. Specialist antiperspirants are also available that can reduce sweating, while there are also specialist clothes you can buy to limit and conceal sweat. 

Incontinence

1 in 20 people suffer from incontinence – with urinary incontinence being the more common one. This problem is more common in women, however many men also experience incontinence as they get older. A lot of people are too embarrassed to talk to their doctor about this condition, but it can often be worthwhile to rule out any treatable conditions (it may be a reaction to a medicine or an infection). Products like incontinence pads can make living with incontinence more comfortable, while bladder training and pelvic floor exercises may be able to improve bladder control. 

Erectile dysfunction

Around 50% of men will experience erectile dysfunction in their lives. While it’s more common past the age of 40, many young men experience ED too. Medication such as Viagra can help combat erectile dysfunction, but is prescription-only, so you need to be prepared to see a doctor about this condition to get help. There may be other treatment options available too, which a doctor can discuss with you. This post lists a few other men’s health conditions to be wary of. 

STIs

Thousands of people are diagnosed with STIs every year, while many more are thought to go undiagnosed. A lot of people are ashamed to admit they have an STI, but seeing a doctor can often be necessary for getting treatment. While some STIs are incurable, many common STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea can be cured. Catching STIs early allows them to be more easily treated and also reduces the risk of spreading them. It’s worth noting that even incurable illnesses like HIV can be managed with medication, allowing people to live long and healthy lives.