Answers for Your Awkward Health Questions

Common Awkward Health Questions

We all have health questions that make us uncomfortable, but it's important to address them. Let's tackle some common concerns that you might hesitate to bring up with your doctor.

Is my pee normal?

“Normal” can be hard to define, whether you’re talking about body shapes or pee. Your urine is a pretty personal thing, and what’s typical for one person may be unusual for another: urine varies widely in color, smell, and frequency. However, your urine can provide valuable insights into your health.

The color of your urine can range from pale yellow to amber. These shades can change based on your hydration levels, diet, and medications. For instance, if you’re dehydrated, your urine may appear darker and more concentrated. Some vitamins, such as B-complex supplements, can turn your urine a bright, neon yellow. Most color changes to your urine are temporary and not something to be concerned about.

Most people would say that urine has an unpleasant smell, but that scent is usually mild and barely noticeable. Stronger odors are often a result of dehydration or your dietary choices. Concentrated urine will have a more noticeable smell. Foods and beverages that can impact the scent of your urine include asparagus, coffee, alcohol, fish, garlic, onions, and pineapple.

Urination frequency will vary based on your fluid intake. In general, the more you drink, the more you'll pee. Most people urinate between 6 to 8 times a day, but this can range from 4 to 10 times and still be considered normal. However, any deviation from what's normal for you is worth paying attention to.

When to see an urgent care doctor about your urine:

• If your urine is red, dark brown, or you see blood
• You experience sudden urges to urinate but can't
• Your urine smells sweet or ammonia-like
• You're going more than 8 hours between trips to the bathroom

Why am I losing so much hair?

Hair loss is a common concern, but some hair shedding is entirely normal. Hair growth occurs in cycles, and shedding is a natural part of this process. On average, people lose about 50-100 hairs daily. You might notice this hair loss while showering, sleeping, or during brushing and styling.

However, if you're experiencing more hair loss than usual, several factors could be at play. Stress is a common culprit: both physical and emotional stress can trigger increased hair shedding. Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders, can also affect hair growth cycles.

Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in iron, protein, or vitamins, may lead to hair loss. Some medications can have hair loss as a side effect. Even certain hairstyling practices, like tight ponytails or harsh chemical treatments, can cause hair to fall out.

The good news is that hair loss from these causes is often temporary. Once the underlying issue is addressed, hair growth typically returns to normal. There are also medical conditions that can cause more persistent hair loss, but many of these conditions are treatable.

Signs you might need to see your primary care doctor about hair loss include:

• Sudden or patchy hair loss
• Bald spots
• Scalp issues like redness or scaling
• Accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue or unexplained weight changes

While some hair loss is normal, any changes that worry you are valid reasons to schedule an appointment with your doctor.

I always feel gassy and bloated after eating. Why?

Gas is a normal byproduct of digestion, but excessive gas can cause discomfort. Gas typically causes symptoms like burping, flatulence, rumbling or gurgling sounds in your stomach, or abdominal pain and cramping.

Bloating is the sensation of fullness, pressure, or swelling in your abdomen. It often makes your stomach feel larger than usual. Bloating can be caused by gas, but it can also occur without excess gas. Fluid retention, constipation, and other medical conditions can contribute to bloating.

Everyone experiences gassiness or bloating after eating from time to time, but frequent symptoms can be uncomfortable and disruptive to your daily life. Diet plays a significant role in your digestive comfort.

• While high-fiber foods are nutritious, they can lead to both gas and bloating, especially if you’ve recently increased your fiber intake. Your body may need time to adjust to these dietary changes.
• Dairy products can cause discomfort for those with lactose intolerance. Similarly, individuals with other food intolerances may experience digestive difficulties after eating triggering foods.
• Carbonated beverages introduce extra gas directly into your digestive system.
• Artificial sweeteners, found in many sugar-free products, can be difficult for some people to digest, leading to gas and bloating.

How you eat can be just as important as what you eat. Eating too quickly often leads you to swallow air, which can contribute to bloating. Talking while eating can also increase air intake. Unsurprisingly, large portion sizes can overwhelm your digestive system, leading to feelings of fullness and bloating.

While what and how you eat do play a role in how you feel after meals, several medical conditions can also cause gas and bloating. If you notice unexplained weight loss or changes in your bowel habits along with bloating and gas, these could be signs of a more serious condition that requires medical attention.

If you're experiencing persistent symptoms that last more than two weeks or if your symptoms are impacting your daily life (causing you to miss work, school, or social events, or leading you to skip meals), it's time to schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor. Your doctor can help identify the root cause of your digestive discomfort and suggest appropriate treatments or dietary modifications.

Why do I have all of these unexplained bruises on my body?

A bruise, also known as a contusion, forms when small blood vessels under the skin rupture – usually due to an impact or injury. The discoloration you see is blood pooling beneath the skin’s surface. The discoloration you see is blood pooling beneath the skin’s surface. As the body reabsorbs this blood, the bruise changes color and eventually fades.

Bruises are fairly common injuries, but when they appear without an obvious cause, it can be concerning. Some people just bruise more easily than others. Older individuals or those who have sun damage are especially prone to bruising. As we get older, our skin becomes thinner and loses some of the fatty layer that helps protect blood vessels from impact. Sun damage has a similar effect. These age-related changes in skin and blood vessels can lead to easier bruising.

Certain medications can increase your likelihood of bruising. Blood thinners, for example, reduce the blood's ability to clot, leading to larger or more frequent bruises. Some steroids can also make skin more fragile and prone to bruising. Nutritional factors play a role in bruising as well. Deficiencies in vitamins C and K can affect blood clotting and skin health, potentially leading to easier bruising.

Sometimes, unexplained bruises aren't as mysterious as they seem. Intense physical activity can cause bruises that may not appear immediately. Alcohol consumption can impair your judgment and coordination, leading to bumps and bruises you might not remember getting.

While occasional unexplained bruises aren't usually cause for alarm, there are times when you should consult your primary care provider. If you're experiencing frequent, large bruises without known causes, or if your bruises don't heal or continue to get larger, it's worth discussing with a doctor. Additionally, if you notice other symptoms accompanying your bruises, such as unexplained bleeding or fatigue, these could indicate an underlying medical condition that requires attention.

Remember, your body often communicates through changes like these. If you're ever concerned about unexplained bruising or any other bodily changes, don't hesitate to seek medical advice. Your primary care doctor can help determine if there's an underlying cause that needs to be addressed.

Get Answers to Your Most Awkward Health Questions

Your first instinct might be to turn to the internet for answers when you notice something unusual about your body. While online resources can provide you with general information, they often lead to more confusion than clarity.

When you search for a health condition or symptom online, you’ll often find a spectrum of responses that range from, “It’s perfectly normal,” to, “Go directly to the emergency room.” This conflicting information can leave you feeling even more anxious and uncertain than before.

Healthcare is personal, and your primary care doctor is your best resource for answering those awkward health questions. They want to help, even with the concerns that might make you blush. Some of those weird symptoms that are difficult to discuss might be the missing piece in understanding your overall health.

Your primary care doctor is a partner you can trust, and they’ll provide you with information tailored specifically to you. They have a comprehensive understanding of your medical history, current medications, and lifestyle factors that online searches can't account for.

So, how can you ask your doctor about these sensitive topics? Here are a few approaches:

1. Schedule an appointment: This allows for a face-to-face discussion where you can explain your concerns in detail.
2. Send a message through your patient portal: This is particularly useful if you've started a new medication or are managing a chronic condition. Keep in mind that your doctor may still need you to come in or schedule a telehealth appointment depending on your concern.
3. Prepare questions in advance: Before your appointment, jot down your questions in a notes app or on paper. This ensures you don't forget anything important during your visit.

Remember, no health question is too awkward or insignificant for your primary care doctor. They've likely heard it all before, and addressing your concerns is a key part of maintaining your overall health and well-being.

At MedHelp, our primary care doctors are here to listen without judgment and provide compassionate, relationship-based care. We understand that discussing health concerns can be challenging, and we're committed to creating a welcoming environment for all patients.

Primary care doctors at all MedHelp locations are currently accepting new patients.