6 “embarrassing” body issues that are actually very common.

Put your hand up if you have had an embarrassing body issue.

I hope everyone’s hand is up. Because let’s face it – EVERYONE has had one at some point.

Sometimes we feel brave enough to talk to our GPs about it and sometimes we’ll confide in a few close friends. Sometimes, though, we are too embarrassed to even discuss the issue.

But we shouldn’t be. Here are 6 “embarrassing” body issues that are actually very common.

1. Psoriasis/eczema.

Dry flaky skin. Red bumpy eczema. It hurts, it itches and it looks less than desirable. I used to suffer from eczema so badly that every day I had people asking if I was okay. I was fine. I was itchy, but I was fine. It wasn’t until I got treated that I learnt how common eczema was. It’s been years now and I still get break outs occasionally, but now that I know it’s nothing to be embarrassed about I head to the GP for a prescription for a cream to treat it and I’m fine.

Just as an FYI, this post is sponsored by PeriCoach. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100 per cent authentic and written in their own words.

2. Incontinence.

The one issue so many suffer from and no one talks about – which makes no sense, because one in three women experience it. Urinary Stress Incontinence caused by pelvic floor weakness is common and it shouldn’t be something embarrassing to discuss.

Marietta Mahanni, Pelvic Floor First Ambassador for Continence Foundation of Australia, says that although incontinence is very common, with one in three mums suffering, it shouldn’t be seen as normal.
By looking after your health and speaking to your GP you will probably realise that you don’t need to be suffering in silence.

“There is a lot that you can do about incontinence, unfortunately a lot of women assume that it is either normal or a rite of passage for being a woman or a mum,” she says.

“Performing pelvic floor exercise regularly – once a day, will go a very long way to making sure that your muscles on the inside are as strong as the ones on the outside. These exercises will ensure that women can enjoy intense workouts and perform daily tasks without the concern of leaking.”

Take the time to learn about how you can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles to reduce, and hopefully eliminate, your symptoms. This can take literally a few minutes every day – a small time commitment can mean huge benefits. Exercise such as pilates and yoga can also treat incontinence and give you back the confidence you need to jump on the trampoline with the kids again or giggle with your girlfriends without worrying you’ll wet yourself.

3. Dandruff.

Dry scalps are not attractive but it doesn’t mean you have to put up with white flakes over your nice new black top. Speak to your hairdresser or local chemist and they can tell you which shampoo to try in order to treat this condition.

4. Bad breath.

Bad breath is caused by a variety of issues, all of which are treatable. Head to you dentist or your GP and have a chat about what may be causing your breath to smell less than fresh.

5. Acne.

It is hard not to feel self- conscious when we are shown smooth-skinned celebs on a daily basis. Let me tell you, at 28 I thought I would be over this – but I’m not. And it sucks. But I’ve learnt that acne is a very normal skin condition and with the right diet and treatment the damage can be kept to a minimum.

6. Stretch marks.

No, you don’t have to have a baby to have stretch marks. And, yes, some will stay forever, but stretch marks are normal and there are a variety of ways you can treat stretch marks in order to make them less visible. What many of us don’t realise is that nearly all women will have stretch marks appear on their bodies at some point. They are common, and normal, and definitely nothing to be worried about.

Can you relate to any of these? What have you felt too embarrassed to go to the doctor about?

These Mean Girls quotes are never short of awkward:

PeriCoach is a personal trainer for pelvic floor muscles for women who suffer Stress Urinary Incontinence.

This debilitating condition is mostly caused by trauma to the pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. Around 4 million Australian women suffer from incontinence and it is estimated that by 2030, more that 5 million women in Australia alone will be affected.

Designed and developed in Australia, PeriCoach comprises a discreet sensor device, web portal and smartphone app. It works by evaluating activity in pelvic floor muscles and this information is immediately transmitted via Bluetooth to a smartphone. From there it can be uploaded and accessed by via a cloud based portal and shared with a healthcare professional, such as a women’s health physiotherapist, who can analyse and make recommendations to achieve the best results.

More information can be found at: www.pericoach.com