A Voice for Women Survey in the US showed the vast majority of women shy away from discussing intimate body issues with their doctor, and an Everyman survey at the European male cancer research centre showed that men would rather talk about the weather that discuss their health with a GP.
Yet tackling problems like bad breath, body odours, unwanted facial hair, vaginal itching and warts promptly can safeguard your long-term health, so don't delay in asking for help.
Bad Breath
One in four of us suffers from bad breath, or halitosis. Usually it’s caused by eating something smelly like garlic or onions, or by not cleaning your teeth properly. The bacteria coating your teeth and gums release sulphur compounds if left to fester, causing the unpleasant odour.
Brush teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. A good mouthwash helps too. Brush your tongue as smelly bacteria sticks to it, and sip water to increase the flow of saliva. This neutralises the smelly acids produced by bacteria.
Occasionally bad breath is a symptom of a worse problem, such as gum disease, a throat infection, stomach trouble, sinusitis, bronchitis, diabetes, or liver or kidney problems. If you can’t shift it with improved oral hygiene, see your GP.
Sweaty Feet and B.O.
A quarter of us suffer from heavy perspiration caused by overactive sweat glands. We sweat to regulate our body temperature, and excessive sweating is usually down to your genes or hormonal changes. Sweat itself is odourless, but when it gets trapped in hotspots like shoes or armpits, it breeds bacteria that produce smelly fatty acids.
Reduce your sweating or attack the bacteria that cause the smell – or both. Swap synthetic fabrics for cotton, linens, wool and leather that allow the skin to breathe. Wear clean socks every day and wear sandals when possible. Cut down on hot drinks and spicy foods as they make you sweat more. Use a good antiperspirant deodorant and odour-eating insoles. Maintain a healthy weight.
Occasionally excessive sweating can signify an overactive thyroid gland. Have your thyroid checked if sweating is accompanied by fever, weight loss, chest pain, a rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath.
Unwanted Facial Hair
When a woman grows excessive or masculine-looking hair on the face (or body) it’s known as hirsutism. The condition is caused by high levels of androgens - hormones men normally produce more of than women. It commonly develops after the menopause. Twenty five per cent of middle aged women remove unwanted hair.
Shaving, waxing, plucking and using hair-removing and bleaching creams are all temporary options you do at home. Electrolysis and laser treatments both aim to permanently damage the hair follicle and need to be done in a clinic. Choose a qualified practitioner, registered with the Institute and Association of Electrolysis or British Medical Laser Association. Your GP can prescribe anti-androgen drugs but hair growth returns when medication stops. Losing weight can reduce androgen levels and slow hair growth.
If your hair growth is mild and you have regular periods, there is unlikely to be an underlying medical problem. If your periods become irregular, hair grows very quickly or your voice deepens see your GP – you may have a hormonal imbalance.
Vaginal Itching
Getting overheated, sweating, wearing tight clothes or synthetic underwear can all cause feminine itching. Chemicals from detergents, fabric softeners and perfumes can also irritate. Vaginitis – the term for any infection or inflammation of the vagina, such as thrush - causes itching, irritation or abnormal discharge. It can be triggered by antibiotics, diet, sex, pregnancy, or possibly a sexually transmitted disease.
Use unscented soap, wear cotton underwear, avoid feminine sprays, eat yoghurt with live cultures when taking antibiotics and eat a healthy balanced diet. Avoid scratching and excessive sweating. Use a lubricant during sex to reduce inflammation. If itching lingers see your GP. It’s often simple to treat with anti-fungal cream.
If you also experience pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, burning urine, blisters or ulcers on your vagina, or your partner has symptoms too, you may have a sexually transmitted disease like chlamydia or genital herpes. See your GP.
Warts
Warts are caused by viruses in the human papillomavirus (HPV) family and can grow on your skin, inside your mouth and on your genitals or cervix, depending on the type of HPV you are exposed to. Some people are more susceptible than others. They are contagious and genital warts are very contagious during sex.
Treat all warts early to stop the spread. For common skin warts, your chemist can recommend a salicylic acid preparation, or your GP can treat them with the chemical cantharidin or freeze them with liquid nitrogen. Warts can also be burnt, cut away or lasered. Genital warts must be treated by a doctor and can be cut, frozen, dissolved or lasered away.
Genital warts are sexually transmitted, can grow inside and outside the body and can cause abnormal cells to grow on the cervix. Those cells can become cancerous if left untreated. Have regular smear tests to detect any pre-cancerous cells and use condoms to prevent the spread of genital warts.
Above all, remember that your doctor has most likely seen and heard it all before. Don't let embarrassment threaten your health.
Sources
The Vagisil(R) Voice for Women survey, US, was carried out by independent research firm Harris Interactive and published May 12th 2008. It found that more than one in two women are too embarrassed to discuss vaginal discomfort with their doctors.
According to a press release from the European male cancer research centre Everyman released in June 2008, men would rather discuss the weather than their health.
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