7 embarrassing illnesses down below you never knew existed… but should be watching out for
From the itchy and unsightly to the downright painful conditions which stop you having sex completely
HAVE you ever looked in the mirror and wondered rather that red rash was anything to worry about?
Society tells us some conditions are just TOO embarrassing to talk about and, unfortunately, this puts a lot of sufferers off going to the doctors - and ultimately getting treated.
These are seven conditions you really should have heard of, and should seek medical help if you think you may be suffering from them.
1. Jock Itch
An itchy, fungal infection – similar to ringworm – which results in red-brown coloured blisters and puss-filled sores.
The fungus likes to live in warm, moist areas – which is why it targets the groin, inner thigh and bottom.
Jock itch can also result in dry, flakey skin – and is most common in men.
Dr Laurence Gerlis, founder of the UK’s largest independent GP practice Same Day Doctor, said: “The common theme with many of these ‘embarrassing’ conditions is that we associate them with uncleanliness.
“However, jock itch can be caused by wearing tight clothing and exercising, which leads to friction and overheating.
“Be assured, jock itch is easy to treat with topical creams and by keeping the area cool and dry.”
2. Vaginismus
The involuntary tightening of muscles around the vagina whenever someone attempts to have sex or even use a tampon.
There are a range of causes, ranging from physical to psychological, and it can completely halt some ladies’ sex lives.
Dr Gerlis said: “This can be a very distressing condition for the sufferer, leading to a loss of confidence and relationship problems.
“However, it’s important to remember vaginismus is a treatable condition, ranging from the physical to the psychological.
“Sex therapy can be recommended, including CBT and counselling, alongside training the vagina with vaginal trainers (a smooth dome shape usually made of plastic).”
3. Hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating – which normally occurs in the armpits, palms of your hands, soles of your feet, face, chest and groin.
Everyone will have got sweaty at some point in their life – but excessively doing this can lead to mental health problems, anxiety and depression.
It has nothing to do with poor cleanliness, and the causes tend to vary.
There are treatments available – speak to your doctor about super-strength antiperspirants and botulinum toxin injections.
4. Menorrhagia
Otherwise known as really heavy periods.
Even today, people tend to beat around the bush when it comes to menstruation – but heavy bleeding can be the sign of something more serious, so it’s important to talk about it.
It could be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or fibroids, non-cancerous growths that develop around the womb.
Sufferers tend to lose about double the amount of blood than the average lady, and this can impact on them physically, emotionally and socially.
5. Genital herpes
Arguably the most stigmatised of all the STIs, because of its painful genital blisters and the fact that there is no cure.
However, outbreaks become less frequent and less severe over time.
The average sufferer has four to five outbreaks in the first two years after being infected, and these then become less frequent.
Dr Gerlis said: “Although there's no cure for genital herpes, the symptoms can usually be controlled using antiviral medicines.
“It is important to prevent the spread of genital herpes by not having sex while the virus is active and using a condom whilst having sex.
“Therefore, a sufferer of herpes can continue to have a very normal sex life - it is just important to use protection and be honest about carrying the virus.”
6. Haemorrhoids
As soon as we mention the anus area, people get embarrassed.
But haemorrhoids, or piles, are more common than you might think.
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In fact, a massive 50 per cent of people experience the condition – which is caused by the blood vessels in and around the anus becoming swollen and inflames – at some point in their lives.
Dr Gerlis said: “Reassuringly, there are a number of ways to treat the condition.
“This can range from lifestyle changes, to topical treatment, to oral medication and finally surgery to remove the haemorrhoid.”
7. Psoriasis
A skin condition that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin – covered with silvery scales.
It’s most common on your elbows, knees, scalp and lower back – but can occur anywhere on the body, including the vagina and genitals.
It can be a minor irritation for some people, but can have a HUGE impact on the some people’s lives.
Dr Gerlis said: “It can be extremely itchy and sore and sufferers can have low self-esteem due to the appearance of their skin.
“Psoriasis can be treated through a number of methods, and although there is no cure, they are a number of options available.”
