Embarrassing problems: how to spare your blushes

It's understandable – who, after all, wants to chit chat about such unglamorous subjects as flatulence, haemorrhoids, smelly feet or incontinence?

Yet many health issues that we often get embarrassed about can be easily treated. So why do so many people prefer to suffer in silence rather than talk to a health professional?

Here are a few pointers aimed to put you at your ease when discussing an embarrassing condition with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist:

• If you are a patient at a group practice, make an appointment to see the doctor you feel most at ease with. In many instances, that may well just be a male or female doctor, depending on what's bothering you. Some people also feel more comfortable speaking to a nurse, in which case ask to see your practice nurse instead of a GP (if the problem needs to be tackled by a doctor, the nurse will refer you – but at least you'll have broken the ice by then).
• If your own GP is your only option, and you don't feel comfortable speaking to them, ask yourself why. If you genuinely don't get on with your GP, it may be time to change
• Start the conversation by letting your doctor  know you're having problems talking about your particular health problem – health professionals are trained to deal with these issues, and immediately telling them you're struggling means they could be more helpful and sympathetic.
• Your pharmacist is also always on hand to talk about all kinds of health problems. These days many pharmacies have consulting rooms which means you can talk in confidence without being overheard. Just mention that you would like to have a chat in private.
• If you tend to get flustered, especially when talking about something that you find embarrassing, write down a few key points beforehand. You could even show your notes to your doctor or pharmacist if you find it really difficult to talk about things.
• Above all, bear in mind that however embarrassing the problem may be for you, your doctor, nurse or pharmacist has heard it all before, most probably on numerous occasions.

Statistics suggest women are more likely to visit their GP on a regular basis than men, with many men admitting they find it difficult to open up to a health professional about any health problems, embarrassing or otherwise.

Does that sound accurate to you? Have you ever had an embarrassing health problem that you were too ashamed to get help with?