Updated on PSYCHE AND BODY

Addressing unpleasant topics at the doctor

The thought of discussing a delicate topic in the doctor’s consultation makes us all a little nervous. Whether you want to talk about body odor, problems with sexordepressive moods: A doctor can help you with even the most unpleasant symptoms.

“Talking openly about it can be difficult, but living with a problem that bothers you is even worse,” explains Dr. Roshaan Saloojee, a general practitioner at Med-Healths. Doctors are there to listen. You can discuss any problem with them.

Remember that doctors will not judge you – and that no question is inadmissible when it comes to your health. If you talk honestly about your complaints and well-being, you can get medical help, whether it’s medication, therapy, or a referral to a specialist practice.

Here are 8 simple tips to make it easier for you to talk about more uncomfortable topics.

1. Take notes before the appointment

Sometimes it’s easier to organize your thoughts before the doctor’s consultation, especially if you want to discuss different things.

Writing down your complaints, observations, or questions beforehand can help you remember important details that you might otherwise forget during your appointment. Having notes to refer to will also help reduce anxiety. If you’re still nervous or excited, you can also show your notes to your doctor.

2. Try an online appointment

If you have complaints and do not dare to talk about them personally, you can first try a video consultation from home . You may find it easier to speak openly in a familiar environment where you feel safe.

3. Find out beforehand

You may be able to find out more about the issue you are concerned about before your appointment. You don’t need to know all medical terms, but some basic knowledge can help you better describe your condition.

Searching for symptoms online can be confusing and even scary, so you should use reputable sources like Med-Healths.de/ or Gesund.bund.de that are verified by medical experts.

4. Practice before the interview

If you feel insecure or have trouble talking about your concerns, you can practice at home or in a safe environment. Often, hearing your words out loud helps you feel more confident.

5. Be as specific as possible

You don’t necessarily need to know exactly what’s going on with your body or why. But you should describe as precisely as possible which complaints occur when and how they express themselves. It is also important how long the symptoms have lasted. In this way, the doctor can better understand what is going on.

For example:

  • “In the past month, I haven’t been able to control my bladder a few times.”
  • “For 2 monthsI have felt a sharp pain during sex.”
  • “I’ve lost interest in the things I used to enjoy and I have a hard time getting up in the morning.”

The more information your doctor has, the better they can help you.

6. Ask questions

Doctor appointments can be pretty exciting. You may also get a lot of information in a short amount of time. But feel free to ask questions if something is unclear. Doctors are there to enlighten you.

Of course, you can ask the doctor to explain technical terms that you are not familiar with. To avoid misunderstandings and to better remember what was said, you can summarize what was said in your own words, like this: “Did I understand that correctly, that…?”

7. Say you’re nervous or excited

Telling your doctor that you’re concerned allows them to understand that you may need more time to talk about your problem. Just address your insecurities. This can help reduce such fears. Some phrases you could use are:

  • “I’m uncomfortable talking about it.”
  • “I haven’t spoken to anyone about it.”
  • “I am a little bit nervous. Please bear with me while I explain.”

8. Remember that the appointment is strictly confidential

“When you go to the doctor, you reveal a lot about yourself. We respect the privacy of our patients, and at a doctor’s appointment – whether digital or in person – everything they mention will be treated confidentially. We are always bound by medical confidentiality,” assures Dr.Saloojee. “Our job is to reassure our patients and create a comfortable environment for them to speak openly about their health issues.”

How do I know when I need to see a doctor?

If you have a condition that worries you, it’s usually best to discuss it with a doctor as soon as possible. Some health issues that can be treated well once symptoms arise are:

Darrick Robles

I was born with the vocation of being a doctor. I have worked in public health centers in California and Washington, ​​in social projects in low-income countries, and in pioneering private centers in integrative medicine. Currently, I am the founder and medical director of the social enterprise Med-Healths, in which I combine my medical care work with giving conferences on health and well-being in business and social environments.