From piles to worms and thrush… The 9 conditions we’re too embarrassed to talk to our GP about
AN unnerving itch, a sudden urge to go to the loo, an agonising burn when you pee.
Chances are, whether you admit it or not, you've suffered at least one of these nasty symptoms.
But being British, you probably swept your ailment under the carpet.
Thrush, diarrhoea and cystitis are among the most common illnesses that go untreated because people are too embarrassed to go to see their doctor, according to new research.
A survey by online pharmacy, Pharmacy Outlet, revealed a worryingly high number of people are ignoring potentially serious health issues.
Pharmacist Hitesh Dodhia, said: "The research presents some worrying findings, with a huge number of ailments going untreated by the British public.
"While people might not think these issues are severe enough to warrant medical help, in many cases they can be the results or cause of a much more serious condition.
"Whether it's a pharmacist or GP, Brits should not suffer in silence because of embarrassment or fear about a certain condition.
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"It is vital anyone who experiences any regular or persistent medical problem seeks the help of a trained professional."
The research revealed the most common problems we ignore are:
1. Constipation and diarrhoea
Sixty-three per cent of the more than 2,000 people quizzed, admitted they have suffered from constipation or diarrhoea.
But two thirds said they didn't see their GP.
That's around 21.35million people across the UK who have potentially suffered in silence.
Both conditions can be a sign of something more serious, including bowel cancer, hence the need to check your symptoms with your doctor.
Constipation can affect people of all ages.
It can be caused by not eating enough fibre, not drinking enough fluids, anxiety or depression and is a side effect of some medications.
Diet and lifestyle changes are the first port of call when it comes to treatment, according to the NHS.
This includes increasing your fibre intake and drinking more as well as getting more exercise.
And if that doesn't work, pluck up the courage to talk to your GP (they've seen it all before!) and they can prescribe laxatives to help get things moving.
But, if you're suffering the opposite problem, the same advice applies - go and see your doctor.
While diarrhoea tends to clear up of its own accord in a few days, see a GP if it persists.
In the meantime a trip to the pharmacy can offer relief, and it's important to also stay hydrated.
While people might not think these issues are severe enough to warrant medical help, in many cases they can be the results or cause of a much more serious condition
Hitesh Dodhia
2. Incontinence
Next up, and continuing with the toilet theme, the second most ignored condition, was incontinence.
More than 10 million people are thought to suffer the common problem, yet 54 per cent left it untreated, despite it being a sign of serious mental and physical health problems.
It's important to see your GP, it's a common ailment and you shouldn't feel embarrassed talking to a doctor about it.
There are lots of treatment options, including lifestyle changes such as losing weight and cutting down on caffeine and booze.
Pelvic floor exercises can work wonders, and experts can teach better bladder control.
There are also a host of incontinence products that can help, and medication that can help manage symptoms.
3. Worms
Half of adults who have suffered worms said they haven't sought any medical help.
And that number increased to 63 per cent for those aged 18 to 34.
There are lots of different worms that can infect you, from threadworms to tapeworms, round worm and hookworm.
They are parasites and typically infect the gut where the live, feed and reproduce.
Chances are the infection will be easy to treat, but you have to pluck up the courage to see your GP to be in with a chance of getting rid of the parasites.
4. Acne
It's a common condition affecting most people at some point in their lives.
Yet, just under half of those quizzed said they were too embarrassed to see their doctor about acne.
In most cases, spots that can be painful and hot to touch, can cover a sufferer's face, back and chest.
While acne can't be cured, it can be treated - and there are lots of different options.
They range from creams to antibiotics and stronger prescription lotions.
Even mild cases can cause distress, so it's worth seeing your GP to get treatment started as soon as possible.
5. Piles
It's may be unsurprising that piles is on the list.
It's hardly a nice topic to chat about, which explains why 46 per cent of people who have had the painful symptoms have chosen not to open up to their doctor them.
You might have piles or haemorrhoids if you have lumps around your anus, bright red blood in your stools, pain when going for a number two and an itchy bottom.
They will typically go away after a few days.
The pharmacist can give advice about the best treatment.
But if they don't work or your symptoms are severe, book an appointment with your GP.
GPs are very used to dealing with piles, so no need to be embarrassed.
6. Warts and verrucas
Forty-two per cent of people who suffered warts and verrucas refused to seek help, feeling too embarrassed.
Warts are small lumps that develop on the skin, while verrucas are a type of wart that affect the feet.
Most will eventually clear up without treatment, but over-the-counter creams, gels and cold sprays can help banish them faster.
You should see your GP if you're not sure if your lump is a wart, pharmacy treatments won't work, you have a wart on your face, you have lots of warts or one bleeds, changes in appearance, spreads of causes a lot of pain.
7. Irritable bowel syndrome
IBS is a long-term condition that causes stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and/or constipation.
The symptoms vary from person to person but that shouldn't stop you from discussing them with your doctor.
The symptoms of IBS are similar to a number of other conditions, including in rare cases bowel cancer.
So it's important to discuss your case with your doctor and let them decide if further tests are necessary to rule out more serious conditions.
The Pharmacy Outlet survey found 41 per cent of people failed to seek medical advice for IBS symptoms.
While there is no cure, there are diet and lifestyle changes as well as medications that can help ease the condition.
8. Thrush
It's unpleasant, uncomfortable, and affects most women at some point in their lives.
Yet, 32 per cent of people suffering thrush don't seek medical help.
In most cases the yeast infection is easy to treat, with help from your pharmacists and over-the-counter medications.
But, in some cases, it is important you see your GP.
Signs you could be suffering thrush including itching and soreness down there, pain during sex and a stinging sensation when you pee.
Those suffering for the first time, pregnant women, and those who've suffered two bouts of thrust within six months should speak to their doctor.
And those with sores on the skin around their vagina, and abnormal bleeding should also seek medical advise to rule out STIs.
9. Cystitis
Anyone who has suffered a bout of cystitis will know about it.
The agonising infection causes pain, burning and stinging when you pee.
And to top it off you need to pee what feels like all the time.
If left untreated cystitis can lead to serious kidney infection.
Yet 31 per cent of people are reluctant to speak to their doctor about their symptoms.
In mild cases the infection clears up of its own accord, but more severe cases can be treated with antibiotics in a couple of days.
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