Talking about private health issues is part of going to the doctor. Some health concerns, however, feel a lot more personal than others. But whether it’s a sexual problem, hidden rash or body odor, or a debilitating emotional issue, don’t let embarrassment keep you from seeking relief.
Here, in no particular order, are 10 sensitive health problems you can discuss with a health care provider, who won’t be shocked – just ready to help.
1. You have an object stuck in a bodily orifice. It’s probably not a patient’s proudest moment, but hospital emergency rooms routinely deal with sex toys or household objects that become embedded in the body.
While any opening can be involved, “a lot of the objects are inserted into the rectum and get lost there,” says Kate Patrizzi, a clinical nurse specialist in emergency services. “Other objects – a dildo, an ice cream scooper – are really inserted for the intention of pleasure but [patients] can’t get it back out once they’ve put it in.”
If this happens to you, don’t be shy – head to the ER. The staff can medicate you for pain, and they’ll order an X-ray or CT scan to find out just how far the object has gone. They may be able to remove the item then and there, while surgery might be required in other cases.
[Read: A Guide to Sex Toy Safety .]
