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7 embarrassing questions people ask their family doctor

You may not want to ask about an itchy anus or odd body smells—but it's best to bring it up.

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Your general practitioner (GP), or family doctor, has heard it all. Got an awkward question weighing on your mind? It probably won’t faze them. But if you still haven’t booked your appointment, knowing the embarrassing things other people ask may help you work up the nerve.

Sanjay Jaswani, MD, an internal medicine doctor from LewisGale Medical Center in Roanoke, Virginia,Show More

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Why don’t I want sex anymore?

“Women often say, ‘My partner’s still interested in sex, but I’m just not as desirous as I once was. Is there something wrong with me?’” says Dr. Jaswani. And the answer is, sex drive can vary over time for many reasons—most of them non-medical. It can change along with relationship dynamics, yourShow More

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Why can’t my partner get an erection?

“This is an incredibly common question among men and their partners,” says Jaswani. “But it may take a few visits before they even mention it. Men might think erectile dysfunction (ED) reflects a loss of masculinity—but that’s not the case.”

Men of all ages can encounter ED, he continues. ThisShow More

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Do I need to get tested for STIs?

“People will say, ‘I had unprotected sex years ago and I've never had any signs of a sexually transmitted infection (STI); should I still get tested? Am I just worrying about nothing?" shares Jaswani.

“The answer is a definitive, ‘Yes, you need to get tested,” he says. “A number of STIs like HIVShow More

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Does pulling out work?

“I’m often asked how effective the withdrawal method is,” says Jaswani. “And it’s not very effective at all. Among the general population, it has a failure rate greater than 22 percent.” 

Whether it works depends on many factors, including the man’s ability or willpower to “pull out” beforeShow More

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Why does my anus itch?

There are many causes of anal itching, from leftover stool, to spicy foods, to allergies and more. It typically clears up within a few days, but if it lasts longer than four weeks, tell your GP so they can determine if you need treatment. 

Don’t scratch the area since you could create a woundShow More

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Do I have an addiction?

We have an enormous opioid epidemic in this country, and there are many factors that play into that, says Jaswani. What’s unfortunate is there’s also a stigma around substance abuse, and even around asking for help.

People who suspect they’ve become dependent on opioids might hesitate to tell theirShow More

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How can I smell better down there?

Every vagina has a slight natural odor—and it’s nothing to worry about. But if you develop a new or foul-smelling odor (especially if it’s associated with other symptoms like burning or itching), it could indicate an infection like bacterial vaginosis, so tell your GP or OBGYN.

Otherwise, theseShow More

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