Common causes of abnormal discharge are bacterial vaginosis (BV) and thrush (candida, a fungal infection). Not even laser hair removal can permanently control excessive hair growth caused by this genetic disorder. Passing gas, leaking urine, and belching -- embarrassing as they can be -- are usually quickly overlooked in most social settings. Symptoms may include compulsive cleaning and grooming, wearing white robes, and sermonizing. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). So what should you do? See the separate leaflet called Peyronie's Disease for more details. Also known as hyperekplexia, it involves an extreme reaction to stimuli that causes uncontrollable jumps and startle-induced falls. Consider using dress shields (also known as armpit or sweat shields) to absorb excess sweat and protect delicate or expensive clothing. What follows is a guide to the five most common embarrassing body problems, their causes, and some quick tips on what to do about them. "Sometimes the body just doesn't do what we want it to do. Straining during bowel movements, having constipation or sitting for too long are often the causes. Sadock says anxiety can magnify the problem. 1. Episodes, which can last up to an hour, involve seeing objects or people as very big, very small, or further away than they actually are. Former U.S. The condition becomes progressively worse with time. Cotards has been recognized as a component of psychiatric illness, such as depression, but neuroimaging has also linked some cases of Cotards to neurological changes, says Dr. Montross. Male pattern baldness occurs in many men. In fatal familial insomnia, damaged proteins accumulate in the thalamus, a region of the brain that plays a crucial role in a persons ability to move and feel. Historically, the most famous case of Proteus syndrome was that of Joseph Carey Merrick (1862-1890), cruelly named the Elephant Man, in 19th-century Britain. Clothes should be changed and washed regularly. They also recommend brushing the tongue. There are various causes. Of course, usually these are minor annoyances, but if symptoms are new, persistent, getting worse, or associated with other symptoms, then you should get checked by a doctor. And Siegel offers this reminder: "If you know you have this problem, even occasionally, make sure you wear underwear, and carry an extra pair, just in case.". These hairs can be associated with aging or hormonal changes. If you're a person who sighs a lot, then you probably swallow air when you're anxious," says Sadock. Below, you can watch an interview with a British woman who, following what seemed to be a heavy migraine, suddenly acquired a French accent: However, some studies suggest that while most cases of foreign accent syndrome may be due to brain injuries, in certain instances, this condition may have a psychogenic origin. HOW TO DEAL WITH IT: This is a skin condition and not a pimple. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. If the itch is persistent and you are not sure of the cause, it is best to see a doctor. See the separate leaflets called Stress Incontinence, Urge Incontinence, Prostate Gland Enlargement and Bedwetting (Nocturnal Enuresis) for more details. Worse still, are the times you open your mouth to speak and a belch erupts or you get a case of the hiccups. About half of all people have had hemorrhoids by age 50, according to the National Institutes of Health. Heres how it works. Imagine this: you were born and grew up in New York, and you have a stereotypically metropolitan American accent. Having clammy or dripping hands and sweat-soaked clothes can be embarrassing. Foods like fennel, ginger and raw honey can naturally reduce gas. For people with genital herpes, she recommended taking an anti-herpes medication, such as Zovirax, Valtrex or Famvir, which can decrease the likelihood of passing on the virus. There are tablets which may be helpful, either taken regularly or as needed. Involuntary hand movements. It seems that fish odor syndrome occurs in people who have specific mutations of the FMO3 gene. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. These include Kegel exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor and bladder training -- stopping your urine flow mid-stream every time you go to the bathroom. But what about those that are so rare that very few of us will know about? "First, don't hold back and not have an orgasm or enjoy your partner because you're afraid of losing control of your body," Siegel tells WebMD. What can you do about it? Some symptoms that accompany this condition include belching, chronic fatigue syndrome, dizziness, disorientation, hangovers, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In our past Spotlight feature, we looked at the Alice in Wonderland syndrome, water allergy, the so-called walking corpse syndrome (Cotards syndrome), the stone man syndrome (fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva ), and alien hand syndrome. This occurs when the body is unable to break down the organic compound trimethylamine, which produces this strong fishy smell. However, researchers also note that exceedingly low levels of choline (choline deficiency), can result in further health complications, such as liver problems, neurological diseases, and a higher risk of cancer. These lesions can cause a burning sensation or irritation. First, Siegel says, see your doctor -- just to make certain there isn't anything more serious going on. In an interview for the BBC in the United Kingdom, a person with auto-brewery syndrome explained how the condition affected them before they received a diagnosis: It was weird; Id eat some carbs and all of a sudden I was goofy, vulgar. The discharge from thrush is usually creamy white and quite thick; however, it is sometimes watery. Your body odor can change due to hormones, the food you eat, infection, medications or underlying conditions like diabetes. WHAT IS IT: Often, pus-filled, inflamed or infected glands in the skin. "Sex isn't civilized or controlled, so physical things could happen," she said. fennel, ginger and raw honey can naturally reduce gas. Virginia Sadock, MD, clinical professor of psychiatry, NYU School of Medicine, New York City. For both men and women, if you experience a discharge or have any sores, you should bring that to your doctors attention immediately, said Ross. It means you ejaculate very soon after putting your penis inside (penetrating) your partner, or even before penetration if you are very excited. If you can stand the quick pain, just pluck them out but never rely on waxing or shaving. Keep a food diary so you can see which foods make the problem worse. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. It can also help to avoid eating heavy or gassy foods right before having sex; and don't drink a lot just before hopping between the sheets. What's more, there are also things you can do on your own, including exercises designed to tighten bladder muscles that control the flow. Stendhal syndrome: Can the beauty of art make us ill. We include products we think are useful for our readers. These include cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and broccoli, beans, and for some folks, dairy products and fried foods. Seeing your patients regularly can help make them feel more comfortable when embarrassing topics come up. Smoke can also irritate your gut. The condition affects nearly 3 percent of the U.S. population, according to the National Institutes of Health. You can also try emptying your bladder before engaging in activities that might bring on a leak, such as exercising or dancing, says Fabienne Daguilh, MD, a family practice physician. If you have caught pubic lice from a sexual partner, you should be tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Sadock says acknowledge it briefly and move on. Apart from the bald patch or patches, the scalp usually looks healthy and there is no scarring. Moreover, the candy will keep your mouth lubricated and saliva flowing, which will also help the cotton mouth. Siegel says it's also worth investing in disposable panty liners, but skip the menstrual pad section at the drugstore and go straight to the incontinence aisle. Here are 20 often common and gross things that happen to our bodies and how you can fix them: WHAT IS IT: Yes, most of us sweat when we get nervous or master all those sit-ups, but if you experience excessive sweating throughout the day, it could be a medical condition called hyperhidrosis. Prescribed topical antibiotics such as clindamycin or erythromycin are often used to treat adults with mild-to-moderate acne. Just as you rise to give your presentation a loud growl is heard throughout the conference room. Is exercise more effective than medication for depression and anxiety? That is, regular teeth brushing, cleaning between the teeth, cleaning the tongue, and mouthwashes. WHAT IS IT: A thin mucus that's naturally discharged in the eyes, nose and mouth as you sleep. Avoid clothes made with man-made fibres such as Lycra and nylon. "Stroke is the most common cause, but trauma, tumors, and other neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis may also cause patients to begin speaking with a different accent," Montross says. The options for treatment include medicines which may be taken by mouth, applied to the surface of the penis or injected into the scar tissue. The best way to avoid BO is to keep the areas of your skin that tend to sweat clean and free of bacteria. Treatments to promote hair re-growth work in some cases. This can result in bending or changes in the shape (deformity) of the penis. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Doctors say it's more common than you think. One day, however, as you are engaged in one of your favorite sports, you receive a heavy blow to the head, and you pass out. Oh, you'll know: cysts have a foul smell and are often mixtures of pus and dead cells. "Belches and growls are usually due to gassy foods; hiccupping is the result of an irritation to the diaphragm which can also be made worse by gassy foods," she says. But when they happen during our most intimate encounters, they can feel like snafus of a lifetime. "You can also chat about the various medications and other treatments for overactive bladder.". Some studies suggest it can be as common as thirty men in a hundred. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. numbing sensation is caused by either compressed arteries (your tissues and nerve cells not getting enough nutrients), or blocked nerve pathways. Women are more prone to getting STDs because the lining of the vagina is thinner than that of the penis, making it easer for bacteria and viruses to penetrate. Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. Most of the time, changing diet and lifestyle will help. For most of the problems listed, there is more information available when you follow the links provided. Believe it or not, just educating patients about the condition and reassuring them that its not dangerous can lead to a reduction of episodes in some cases, he says. Some remedies are available from your chemist. In this Curiosities of Medical History feature, we look at the Stendhal syndrome the phenomenon of becoming unwell after 'overexposure' to art. These tend to be round in shape, and about the size of a large coin. Studies show that at least 2 percent of adults can't control their bladder during the night, according to the National Association for Continence. In this Special Feature, we investigate how common hallucinations really are and look at what science says about the mechanisms behind these phenomena. 8 Ways Everyday Health Editors Practice Self-Care. There are, however, people who experience intoxication and hangovers without drinking a significant amount of alcohol, or even without ingesting alcohol at all. bacteria that live in the back of the mouth and produce sulfuric-like compounds. However, many cases are due to narrowing of the arteries that take blood to the penis. We adhere to the principle of Leaving No One Behind, which requires special effort to design and deliver health services informed by the voices and needs of people.. Sometimes it's a result of a problem we already have, like an overactive bladder. Other treatment options are available. Treatment involves killing the lice by using an insecticide lotion or cream. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a major public health challenge in the U.S. A bald patch gradually develops in the middle of the scalp. What is the latest research on the form of cancer Jimmy Carter has? An easier way to prevent excessive sweating is simply to try an antiperspirant deodorant, Siegel says. You can also ask your dentist for additional support. The Embarrassing Bodies doctors offer an innovative way to raise health awareness and de-stigmatise 'embarrassing' body parts and medical conditions Sign in to play Series 9 Episode 8 Go ad. Part of HuffPost News. According to Mark Hallet, MD, chief of the medical neurology branch at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke in Bethesda, Md., the accent usually isn't very good and native speakers can recognize that its not authentic. A lot of times, people mistake them as pimples and try to pop them. A further step in treating this condition involves taking antibiotics and antifungal therapies. But seriously, haemorrhoids are the holy grail of embarrassing body conditions and actually come in three different forms: internal, prolapsed and external. However, situations and conditions producing stress, including allergies, hormonal disturbances, nutritional deficiencies, psychological disturbance, Reiters Syndrome, and even spicy foods are related to GT, according to a 2005 case study. In women it tends particularly to affect the top of the head. Kicking off proceedings is Kali, who has embarrassment written all over her face. In many cases, the best way to improve bad breath is with proper dental hygiene, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). [P]sychogenic [foreign accent syndrome] is related to the presence of a psychiatric or psychological disturbance in the absence of demonstrable neurological damage or an organic condition that might explain the accent, the authors write. Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? Fortunately, times and mentalities have changed, and we now understand that any given medical condition does not make up a persons identity. This is because the scabies mite cannot jump or fly. Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) Hair loss (baldness or alopecia) Itchy bottom (pruritus ani) Scabies Smelly feet Vaginal discharge Wetting yourself (urinary incontinence) Wind (flatulence, gas) Anogenital (anal or genital) warts Anogenital warts are small lumps that develop on the genitals and/or around the back passage (anus). There's no need to go into explanations," she says. The rubber band treatment, for example, is one procedure where the doctor places one or two tiny rubber bands around the bottom of the internal hemorrhoid, cutting off the circulation and causing the hemorrhoid to shrink and fall off within a week. But what if you just can't ignore it? Make this an area where patients can discuss potentially embarrassing conditions or uncomfortable questions with you. Some common problems are listed below. Create a space in your pharmacy with privacy, so patients feel comfortable speaking openly, without the fear of being . "Male pattern baldness is a well-known phenomenon but it can also affect women. Known as stress incontinence, it's the most common type of bladder control problem in women. Senator Al Simpson served in the Legislature for 12 years before moving on to Congress. You may also find it difficult to talk with your doctor about them. https://patient.info/treatment-medication/embarrassing-problems-leaflet, See the separate leaflet called Anogenital Warts for more details, See the separate leaflet called Pubic and Body Lice for more details, See the separate leaflet called Peyronie's Disease for more details, See the separate leaflet called Seborrhoeic Dermatitis (Dandruff) for more details, See the separate leaflet called Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence) for more details, See separate leaflet called Premature Ejaculation for more details, See the separate leaflet called Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis) for more details, See the separate leaflet called Scabies for more details, See the separate leaflet called Bacterial Vaginosis for more details, See the separate leaflet called Vaginal Thrush (Yeast Infection) for more details, or go to your nearest genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic, See the separate leaflet called Wind/Gas and Bloating for more details, Erectile Dysfunction (ED) | Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment, Urinary Incontinence (Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment), How to handle smelly farts, loud burps and bad breath. The typical pattern is for one or more bald patches to appear on the scalp. This oddly named syndrome involves psoriasis-like symptoms of the mouth, in which harmless but potentially painful lesions develop on the tongue. "When you're engaging in sex, particularly orgasm, you are giving up control of your sphincter muscles, the ones which normally control both urine and bowels," says Siegel. Merrick himself reported that the way in which others treated him, including medical doctors, made him feel like an animal in a cattle market.. Fabienne Daguilh, MD, medical director of Montefiore Williamsbridge Family Practice Center, New York City. Stress incontinence and urge incontinence are the most common types of incontinence. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? please check our, Toronto-based dermatologist Dr. Julia Carroll. Even though it does not cause physical pain or swelling, the symptoms are alarming and disruptive. You need close skin-to-skin contact to pass on the virus. There are over 100 types of this virus. See the separate leaflet called Seborrhoeic Dermatitis (Dandruff) for more details. You can also treat them with off-the-counter medication that works to 'freeze' and remove them. "The bladder sits in your pelvis, so as women age, the bladder can sag a little, making it possible to pee a little during sex.". They will have seen these problems many times before and will not laugh at you or think you silly for asking for help. This is particularly true of carbonated beverages, which are both liquid and gas, Siegel warns. The way to prevent it, he says, is to condition ourselves ahead of time for facing stressful situations. The condition is likely brought on by insomnia, general sleep disruption, and certain types of anxiety, according to Dr. Sharpless, who stresses the benefits of keeping patients informed. HOW TO DEAL WITH IT: The best treatment is in a prescribed pill format, but early or mild cases may clear with a medicated nail lacquer. NASA warns of 3 skyscraper-sized asteroids headed toward Earth this week. See the separate leaflets called Male Pattern Baldness and Alopecia Areata for more details. Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. Registered in England and Wales. The good new is, acne (including the stuff on your back), can be treated (or become less visible) with medicated ointments or by eating healthy foods like avocados and nuts. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. The human body is strange and flawed and unpredictable, writes novelist Paul Auster in Sunset Park. Deodorants mask the smell of BO. To deal with this, contact your doctor for prescription medication. Imaginary noises in your head. This also goes for coffee and tea, which can act as diuretics. This is similar to the way the heart arteries are affected in people with heart disease. Previously, Medical News Today have covered a range of medical conditions so unusual that, at first glance, you may even question if they were even real. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms?