The section ‘Embarrassing Problems’ provides information on a range of personal health matters that some people may initially find hard to discuss. Our editors and physicians are combining their expertise to deliver relevant, reliable, and high-quality reads for those concerned with health problems. Embarrassing Problems provides guidance, and helps to take the next steps towards diagnosis and treatment. It will offer advice whether a visit to the pharmacy or a doctor’s appointment is necessary.

The information presented here is not intended to replace the face-to-face consultation that we believe to be necessary for the accurate diagnosis of a medical condition and its subsequent management.

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A Closer Look at: Colonoscopy

If you have symptoms such as persistent diarrhoea or a change in your bowel habits, or bleeding or mucus coming…

Prostate problems are common in men, particularly in men over 50 years of age. Do you have difficulty in starting…

Smear tests are important and can save your life. You should get yours regularly when invited even if you are…

Acne and Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or intend to get pregnant, you and your doctor will have to consider your treatment options…

Acne and Scarring

Severe acne can leave scars. Some will fade with time, but many remain a permanent reminder of previous acne. Various…

Acne and Spots

The skin is covered in hundreds of microscopic hair follicles, often known as pores, and many of these, especially on…

Acute/Short-Term Diarrhoea

Occasional bouts of diarrhoea (diarrhea) are a fact of life – we have all experienced them. This section is for…

Ageing Skin

It is sad that natural changes in the skin as we grow older are often considered unacceptable and embarrassing. In…

Anal Bleeding

Persistent bleeding from the back passage (anal or rectal bleeding) is something that you should always see a doctor about,…

Anal Itching

An itchy bottom may be just an annoyance, or may be so bothersome that it dominates your life. It is…

Anal Pain

Pain coming from the bottom area is not something that we are used to feeling and, as a consequence, anal…

Anogenital Warts

Anogenital warts are a sexually transmitted infection (STI) They are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) They are small…

Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer

Rumours have been spread on the Internet that using antiperspirants in the armpit might cause breast cancer and that shaving…

Armpit Boils

Armpit boils can be caused by a condition called ‘hidradenitis suppurativa’, which affects about 1-4% of the population. In fact,…

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common cause of vaginal discharge. BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). You cannot…

Bad Breath

Concerns about bad breath (also known as halitosis) are a common concern, resulting in a thriving market for breath fresheners…

Balanitis

Balanitis is a condition which can cause inflammation of the end of the penis The penis may appear red and…

Bald Patches

Baldness in patches, which is not in the typical male pattern, is usually alopecia areata. However, braiding and other tight…

The female breast contains glands supported by fat and fibrous tissue. The part of the gland that secretes milk and…

How well do you know your own body? To help you understand your body and the problems you may encounter,…

The penis is the major male reproductive organ. It also forms part of the male urinary tract system since it…

How well do you know your own body? To help you understand your body and the problems you may encounter,…

The female genital tract includes the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus (womb), fallopian tubes and ovaries. The vulva is the area…

The exact reasons for bedwetting are not very well understood, but here are some possibilities: Bedwetting seems to run in…

Of course babies wet their nappies (diapers) any time they feel like it. Becoming dry is a complex process. The…

Do not worry about bedwetting if your child is 6 years old or younger, just be patient. Help your child…

Are any tests needed? If your child seems healthy apart from the bedwetting, it is very unlikely that there is…

Adults who wet the bed at night often have problems in the daytime as well, such as having to rush…

Do not blame yourself. Remind yourself that it is not your fault. There is no need to feel guilty or…

Check that there is nothing seriously wrong. Your doctor will ask you questions, especially about whether you have wet the…