Four Common Health Questions People Are Too Embarrassed to Ask

The human body is incredible. It can give birth, mend broken bones and perform Olympian feats of athleticism. It can also randomly malfunction in uncomfortable ways. Who hasn’t dealt with a “weird” health or body issue, or something too mild to address with a health professional, but troubling enough to make us ask, “is this normal?”

The good news is that whatever it is, it probably is normal. In fact, that mortifying thing you’ve been dealing with is likely more common (and more fixable) than you think. Before you fall down another Google rabbit hole, let’s explore – and answer – four common “embarrassing” health questions that people are often too afraid to ask.

Q: Is it normal to have bad breath even if I brush my teeth regularly?

Even if you brush your teeth twice a day, floss consistently and rinse with mouthwash, your breath may not always be as minty fresh as you’d like – which can be awkward in social or work settings. Why does this happen?

A: Bad breath isn’t just about oral hygiene.

Even with excellent habits, your breath’s freshness is at the mercy of factors like chronic dry mouth (especially overnight), sinus issues or post-nasal drip, and pungent, lingering ingredients like garlic and onions. In addition to brushing and flossing frequently, make sure you’re brushing your tongue, staying hydrated and regularly seeing your dentist – if your bad breath persists, it could signal gum disease or other oral health issues.

Q: I shower daily and use deodorant. Why do I still have B.O.?

Not only can unexpected body odor make you smell off, but it can also make you feel off – you might question if your daily routine isn’t working. Am I unhygienic? Do I not know how to take care of myself? What’s the deal?

A: A combination of personal and external factors can impact your body odor.

You probably already know that B.O. happens when sweat interacts with skin bacteria. But it can also be caused by things like hormonal changes, spicy foods, alcohol and wearing the wrong fabric. Before you start scrubbing your skin raw in the shower, try switching to a clinical strength antiperspirant, narrowing down and limiting food triggers, or wearing breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics instead. And if you suspect the issue is hormonal (or if you have a sudden or unusual change in odor), your doctor may be able to help.

Q: Why am I so gassy?

Gas, indigestion, “bubble guts” – whatever you want to call it, it can be as embarrassing and impolite to discuss as it is to have. And yet, we all deal with it from time to time. How come?

A: This one’s easy – it’s probably just something you ate!

Most of the time, gas is caused by whatever you’ve recently ingested. Maybe you ate too fast and swallowed too much air with each bite or sip. Maybe you ate something fibrous – like beans, broccoli or whole grains – or had something carbonated to drink. The good news is that if it’s just gas, it’ll pass. But if there’s severe pain, unexplained weight loss or persistent digestive distress involved, it may be something more serious.

Q: Am I going to the bathroom too much (or not enough)?

Another topic we hesitate to discuss openly: bowel movements. How often is too often? Is more than once a day weird? Is only a few times a week a problem?

A: Bathroom habits vary widely, so everyone’s “normal” is different.

Typically, anywhere from three bowel movements a day to three a week is considered normal. But ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer – especially since everyone’s “normal” is subject to change depending on their diet and how hydrated, stressed and/or active they’ve been recently. What your bathroom habits look like this week may look completely different next week, and as long as persistent constipation or diarrhea aren’t involved, you’re likely alright. Despite how it might feel, your body isn’t “weird” – well, not uniquely weird. The truth is that all bodies are quirky and uncooperative sometimes, and nobody knows this better than healthcare professionals who have seen and heard it all. So, keep asking questions about your body and your health – even the uncomfortable ones – and when you’re ready to talk to a healthcare professional about it, AtlantiCare is here to help. For more information or to book an appointment with a provider, visit AtlantiCare.org.