Everyone has something about their body or habits they don't want the world to know. But when it comes to conversations with healthcare professionals, honesty is key.
Your healthcare team needs to understand the full picture of your lifestyle and health to offer the right care and support. Even if it means discussing things you'd rather keep under wraps.
Here are 8 things your healthcare team wants the whole truth about — and how to bring them up.
You drink or smoke more than you'd like to admit
It can be easy to brush off having a few too many drinks or even the occasional cigarette as a social habit or a stress reliever. But these habits can have serious health consequences. And sometimes unhealthy habits can be symptoms of an underlying issue, like anxiety or depression.
If you're ashamed to tell your healthcare team about your drinking or smoking, chances are you could use help changing your habits. Try saying, "I know I've been drinking more than I should. Do you have any tips for cutting back?"
You've been trying cannabis
Marijuana has gained more public acceptance from medical professionals for its promising effects on anxiety, pain and sleep. Yet because the drug remains illegal in some places, many people hesitate to tell their healthcare team that they're using it.
But it's important for healthcare professionals to know if you're using cannabis either recreationally or to manage a health condition. Cannabis use can cause problems with certain medicines. Plus, using it without consulting a health professional can lead to incorrect dosing.
Don't hesitate to say, "I bought some gummies online that have been helping me sleep better. Could you take a look to see if they're safe?"
Your sex drive has plummeted
Changes in your desire for sex can happen naturally because of issues like stress or aging. But if a lack of interest in sex worries you, your healthcare team should know.
In some cases, the solution may be simple, like changing the type of medicine you take or addressing a chronic health condition.
Feel awkward talking to your main healthcare professional about sex? Consider whether you might be more comfortable talking to someone else on your care team, like a social worker or the nurse who takes your blood pressure.
For example, it's OK to say, "I have something that's bothering me, but I'd be more comfortable talking to someone of my own gender."
You've noticed a bad smell on your body
Strong body odor can be embarrassing, especially if you worry that other people notice. But a bad smell isn't always a result of poor hygiene.
If you are sweating more than usual or have noticed a new unpleasant smell or bad breath that won't go away, tell a healthcare professional. In some cases, a new smell may be a symptom of infection or other health problem that needs to be treated.
Be specific, including what treatments or products you've already tried. You might say, "I've noticed my breath has a fishy smell, even after using mouthwash. What might cause that?"
You're trying a new treatment you found online
Self-diagnosing and self-medicating based on internet research can be risky. A supplement that claims to reverse the effects of aging or promises miraculous weight loss might sound promising. But products like these are rarely backed by scientific evidence and may even be harmful.
Before starting any new treatment, consult with your healthcare team to make sure it's safe and appropriate for your health needs. Your team also should know about any vitamins, supplements or complementary medicines you're taking.
Not sure how to bring it up? Just say, "I ordered this health product online and want to know what you think about it."
You've been feeling anxious or depressed
A lasting shift in your mood can interfere with daily life. Even so, it can be tempting to brush off feeling anxious or depressed as an unavoidable part of modern life. Or you may feel ashamed, believing that mental health issues are a sign of weakness. They're not.
Don't suffer in silence. Your care team wants to know about your mental and emotional well-being. Anxiety and depression are usually treatable with talk therapy, medicine or both.
Sometimes mental health issues are a symptom of another health problem. In that case, your care team can help find the cause and appropriate treatment.
Bringing it up can be as simple as, "At work the other day I had to leave an important meeting because my heart started racing and I felt anxious. Is this normal?"
You're having bathroom issues
Whether it's constipation, diarrhea or leaking urine, bathroom issues are more common than you think. In many cases, these issues can be treated — if your care team knows about them.
When telling your care team about changes in your bathroom habits, be direct and specific. For example, say "I haven't pooped in 5 days" instead of "I've been having some trouble going to the bathroom." It's OK to use words that are comfortable for you.
You haven't been following your care plan
Maybe you haven't yet cut back on the bacon to help control blood pressure. Or you didn't finish the entire bottle of antibiotics for your sinus infection. Now you're at a follow-up appointment and your healthcare professional is asking how things are going.
It's not easy to admit that you haven't followed your care team's advice or treatment plan. But healthcare professionals don't expect you to be perfect. They would rather you be honest.
Don't get hung up on apologies. Instead, be direct: "I know I said I was going to start exercising, but I haven't yet. Do you have any tips for getting motivated?"
A final word
Remember, your healthcare professional is there to help, not to judge. Being open and honest about your health concerns — no matter how embarrassing they may seem — is essential for receiving the best care.