Questions Men Are Afraid To Ask Their Doctors

Every time we feel something awry with our bodies we usually go to the doctor for treatment.  But it seems that even if we trust our doctors to cure us of our ailments, there are still a number of questions that go unasked when we visit the doctor’s office.

Whether it is because we feel embarrassed by the question or perhaps the fear of being thought ignorant or the fear that something might be very wrong prevents many men from getting their queries assuaged. From the most trivial hernia exam questions to the more personal tender testicles, here are some of the answers to questions you dare not ask your doctors.

Question:  Can Body Odor be caused by stress?
Answer: In a sense, stress does indeed contribute to body odor but it is all not necessarily because of your boss or the bills.

The body makes use of a different sweat gland when sweating from physical exertion to the sweat that comes from stress.   Stress usually stimulates the glands in the armpits, groins, scalp as well as the palms and the feet.  Stress sweat is fatty as well and it is a good breeding ground for bacteria.

If perspiration is your only problem, it shouldn’t be since it is generally odorless but when it mixes with the bacteria found on the skin and even on your clothes, the bacteria will break down the fatty sweat and this is the stink that you ultimately smell.

You can easily solve this by reducing the bacteria on your body by showering regularly and making sure that your clothes are clean.  You should also make use of a deodorant to mask odor and make your skin acidic that also makes it less attractive to bacteria.

Question:   During a hernia exam, why is there a need for me to turn my head and cough?
Answer: The answer is quite simple, notice that when you cough, your abdominal muscles tighten. This increases abdominal pressure and as such it will make the hernia, if there is any, to pop out, making it easier to detect.  Some hernias are not easily palpable.

It is also used to diagnose varicoceles or varicose veins of the testicles.  With a strong enough cough, the veins will protrude and the doctor can diagnose the condition.

Question: Is it true that once you have herpes, you can’t get rid of it?
Answer: Sad to note, but herpes does not have a cure at the moment, nor is there a vaccine that can prevent its spread.  The virus is present in the body for life.  When the virus is active, the virus  travels along the skin’s nerves and sores become prominent.  After a recurrence, the virus usually goes to the bottom of the spine until the next outbreak.

But you need not worry too much. Herpes is very much manageable and controlling outbreaks is important for the patient’s comfort as well as to prevent or control its spread.  There are a variety of ways in order to take care of the sore and speed up healing. Ask your health professionals for what you need to do.

Question:  Is there really such a thing as a male birth control pill?
Answer: No, there is actually no known male birth control pills, at least one that is approved for use and it is unlikely that one will ever be developed.  The best thing for a man to do if they wish to control pregnancy is to  wear a sturdy condom, get a vasectomy or abstain from sex, altogether.

However, it is interesting to note that the hormone that gives men their sex drives and erections, the testosterone, have contraceptive side effects.  When taken as a hormonal supplement it eventually leads to a low sperm count, although long time use will lead to zero sperm count and sterility.

But you must keep in mind that testosterone supplements that come in gel or injectables are only approved as hormone therapy and not as contraception.  There are pills that are available outside of the US but they are unsafe and could damage your liver. Use of these supplements is not recommended.

Question:  Besides injury, what can cause tender testicles?
Answer: First and foremost, any soreness or tenderness in your private area should be brought to the attention of your doctor, a urologist if available.  It may all be just nothing but you can’t be too careful.  Here are some things that can be wrong:

Epididymitis or infection of the epididymis,  a long tube that is coiled up behind the testicle.  This is also the most common infection of the testes, and more often than not is caused by chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease.

Testicular Cancer, this can usually be palpated as a lump on the testicle.  It is generally painless although the site can sometimes be tender. It is also the most common cancer in this area but it is also very much treatable so there is no fear for males aged 15-45.

Torsion, this is a very painful condition. This is when there are no ligaments that hold the testicle to the scrotum allowing the testicle to spin free.  The cord can twist and cut off the blood supply of the testes.  Torsion is actually a surgical emergency and is treated as such. The testicle can die within hours if not treated immediately.

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