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.

Filter posts by:

Vaginal diaphragms and cervical caps are both types of barrier contraception that fit inside the vagina. The physical barrier prevents…

Vaginal Discharge

It is normal to have some vaginal discharge, because the vagina stays moist as part of its self-cleansing mechanism. The…

To be wholly accurate, the vaginal lips should be called ‘vulval lips’. The outer lips are usually fleshy, and the…

Vaginal Thrush

Candidiasis or ‘thrush’ is a yeast infection It can affect both women and men Usually easily treated with a short…

Varicose Veins

A bulging section of blue, twisted vein on the back of a person’s calf or thigh is a common sight…

Compression stockings are a special type of elastic stocking that support the veins, stop them from getting worse, and relieve…

Ordinary support tights are probably a waste of money except during pregnancy. If you think that you are developing varicose…

Verrucas

A verruca (plantar wart) is a wart on the sole of the foot. It is the same as a common…

Visiting the Clinic

Genitourinary medicine clinics deal with sexually transmitted infections and many other genital and sexual problems. These clinics are sometimes called…

Vulval Itching

Itchiness of the vulva is almost never caused by a sexually transmitted infection, but is usually a result of thrush…

Warts on the Face and Hands

Most people develop warts on their hands at some time in their life. They are harmless, and only matter because…

What Causes Bad Breath

Almost everyone has bad breath first thing in the morning. During the day, movement of the tongue and cheeks dislodges…

Cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes simplex 1 (HSV1) and herpes simplex 2 (HSV2). (Herpes simplex viruses…

What Causes Snoring?

When we are awake, the muscles of the throat hold the throat open, so that air passes in smoothly as…

A dental check-up is the first priority. The British Dental Association suggests that you explain in advance that you will…

What to Do About Head Lice

In the UK, you do not have to tell the school if your child has head lice. It makes sense…

Get early treatment. The earlier you treat a cold sore, the better. In fact, the best time to start treatment…

If you really want to get to grips with the problem, keep a diary of what and when you eat…

There is no shortage of ‘cures’, for snoring (over 300 anti-snoring devices have been registered at the USA patent office…

Consult your doctor and dentist if you have tried the self-help approaches without success. You should also see your doctor…

See your doctor about acne Do not feel shy about seeing your doctor. Most doctors are now sympathetic and helpful…

Why Some People Get Acne

Normal hormone changes at puberty. A change in hormones occurs just before puberty in boys and girls. This is quite…

Wigs, Hairpieces and Hats

Most people with extensive hair loss usually caused by alopecia totalis or cancer chemotherapy prefer to wear a wig. In…

Wind

There are three main sources of wind: Everyone’s gut contains gas because we cannot help swallowing air when we swallow…