Visiting the doctor when you are suffering from a personal or embarrassing condition is not always easy. However, it is definitely worth doing in order to treat your condition and make sure that you are as healthy as possible. If you are struggling to work up the courage to seek medical advice, then follow our tips.
Decide on Your Agenda
Most doctors’ visits only last between ten and fifteen minutes which is why it is important to prioritize your concerns and make an agenda. It can be easy to get off-topic, especially if you are feeling embarrassed about the reason for your visit. So before you go, create a list of topics that you want to be addressed and introduce them all at the start of your visit.
Practice What You Want to Say
It might be less daunting to start a conversation that you have already practiced earlier. Think about what you want to say and practice saying it before you go to the doctor. It simply allows you to put your thoughts and feelings into words before you have to share them. You can practice them alone, in front of a mirror, or you can practice with a trusted friend or family member if you feel comfortable doing so.
Make Notes
If you are still concerned that you won’t be able to say what you want to in front of your doctor, you could always try writing it down. Preparing a few notes beforehand can make it easier to focus your thoughts and ensure that you stay on track. Also, if you find yourself lost for words, then you could pass the note to your doctor and allow him to read what you want to say. Having something to refer back to can ease feelings of anxiety and make you feel more comfortable.
Ease Into the Conversation
Jumping right into the specifics of an uncomfortable or embarrassing health topic can be incredibly overwhelming. Try instead starting more broadly and discuss the general symptoms first. You can go into the details once you are a little more comfortable. Then, you can guide the conversation gently without being too graphic upfront.
Be Honest
Even if you are embarrassed by your health issue, it is important, to be honest about your concerns. You could even go into a little detail about your lifestyle if you think it is relevant to your diagnosis. Providing honest information helps your doctor to get the full picture. It is your doctor’s job to make you feel better, and don’t forget that they are bound by confidentiality laws to protect your privacy.
Ask for Clarification
Once you have outlined your concerns, you might find that your doctor presents you with a lot of information too quickly and in complex terms. Remember that it is okay to ask questions or to ask them to explain what they mean in laymen’s terms. It can be a little intimidating to ask your doctor to clarify themselves, but it is important to ensure that you understand what is going on. After your doctor has better explained your diagnosis to you, try repeating this information back to them. Not only does it help you to absorb the information, but it also offers them a chance to correct you if you have still misunderstood something.
Try to Work Collaboratively
It is important that you work together with your doctor for the best outcome. If they suggest a treatment, then ask about side effects or whether there are any other options available to you. Taking control and working with your doctor to come up with the best treatment for you might give you more confidence and lessen the embarrassment you feel around your health issues.
Consider Your Options
You might not always need to attend your GP for all of your health concerns. There are other options available to you. If you have a recurring health issue or feel confident in your self-diagnosis, you might be able to procure your treatment online. For example, if you have an STI like genital herpes, you can get aciclovir tablets online. Chemist Click allows you to purchase medications online to spare your blushes. Some medications, like aciclovir tablets, do require an online consultation with a professional before you are approved. However, if you have a current prescription, then you can upload this to expedite the process. If not, the process is incredibly easy, and your medications are sent directly to you.
Final Thoughts
Try to remember that everyone has health issues, and everyone will feel embarrassed by them at one point or another. Your doctor has likely seen it all already; they are a professional, it is their job to treat you, not to judge you. Seeing a doctor is important. Your health may deteriorate while you are working up the nerve to go.