Why there’s no such thing as embarrassing bodies

Incontinence, erectile dysfunction and STIs – what is your reaction when issues like this are brought up in conversation? No doubt many of you might feel a little uncomfortable, but it’s time to tackle that embarrassment. Because talking openly about these health concerns is the best way to end the stigma and enable more people to recognise the symptoms, so they can get the medical help they need. And as the health professionals at YourGP explain, there’s no better time to have that conversation about our “embarrassing bodies” than now…

Time to talk

September is officially Urology Awareness Month, a campaign designed to raise awareness of urology diseases such as bladder, kidney, prostate and male reproductive cancers and non-malignant conditions including incontinence, urinary tract infections (UTIs), erectile dysfunction and kidney stones.

All too often, people ignore new and unusual symptoms. Sometimes it’s because they’re just too embarrassed to discuss them with their doctor so they ignore them and (naively) hope their symptoms will disappear of their own accord. But quite often, that’s the worst thing you can do. Many health conditions are much easier and quicker to treat if they are caught early before they escalate into something more serious.

And that is why the team at YourGP have worked hard to create an environment that is open, welcoming, accessible and friendly. Our highly experienced doctors have seen it all, so there’s no need to put off making an appointment.

If that doesn’t convince you to take your urological health seriously, perhaps these statistics will:

• 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with a urology condition in their lifetime
• 1 in 10 men are thought to suffer from erectile dysfunction
• More than 78,000 people are diagnosed with a urology cancer in the UK every year
• 1 in 8 males in the UK will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lives
• 1 in 130 UK females will be diagnosed with bladder cancer in their lifetime

Early detection saves lives, so if you develop any new and persistent symptoms, it is always best to get them checked out by a GP right away.

Break the sexual health taboo

Us Brits have a bit of a reputation for being reserved when it comes to discussing our sexual health, particularly in comparison to our European neighbours. But this taboo really isn’t helping anyone. Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be irritating. And some can be life-threatening. So it is vital that we talk about sexual health in order to raise awareness of the risks of STIs.

Why not start the conversation now? Sexual Health Week runs 9th – 15th September, the aim of which is to encourage everyone to be open and honest about their sexual health to challenge the shame and stigma that can sometimes be attached to the topic. From contraception to STI screening, we all have a responsibility to look after our sexual health. And a quick look at the latest figures from Public Health Scotland shows exactly why more conversations about sexual health are needed urgently:

• Since 2019, cases of gonorrhoea infections among sexually active people under the age of 25 have doubled.
• There is also an increase in reported cases of chlamydia, the most common STI in Scotland.

When discretion matters

Whilst an openness about urological and sexual health issues is important, many patients choose YourGP because of our absolute discretion. Our Dundas Street and Dean Village practices offer a full range of GP services, so even if you’re spotted popping into either one, no one other than yourself need ever know the nature of your visit.

We offer confidential advice and assistance on all sexual health matters and our services include a comprehensive range of STI tests, including the Instant HIV test which provides results within minutes – all provided with complete confidentiality and the ability to remain anonymous.

If you would like to book an appointment, you can do so using our simple online booking system. Or you can email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.