cover of episode Embarrassed to go to the doctor?

Embarrassed to go to the doctor?

2024/12/26
logo of podcast 6 Minute English

6 Minute English

Key Insights

What percentage of people surveyed in the UK delayed visiting their doctor due to embarrassment and were later diagnosed with a health condition?

21% of people surveyed in the UK delayed visiting their doctor due to embarrassment and were later diagnosed with a health condition.

Why do people delay seeking medical help due to embarrassment?

People delay seeking medical help due to embarrassment because they feel self-conscious, uncomfortable, or fear being judged. This can lead to significant delays in diagnosis and treatment, causing them to suffer in silence.

What techniques do doctors use to make patients feel more comfortable during consultations?

Doctors use techniques such as transparency, assuring confidentiality, creating a non-judgmental space, and employing non-verbal cues like facial expressions, hand gestures, and tone of voice to make patients feel calm and relaxed.

What are the consequences of delaying medical visits due to embarrassment?

Delaying medical visits due to embarrassment can lead to late diagnoses, missed opportunities for early intervention, and prolonged suffering. This can worsen health conditions and reduce the effectiveness of treatments.

What does it mean to 'suffer in silence' in the context of medical embarrassment?

To 'suffer in silence' means enduring pain or discomfort without seeking help or sharing the problem with others, often due to feelings of embarrassment or fear of judgment.

Chapters
Many avoid doctors due to embarrassment, leading to delayed diagnoses and serious health consequences. This avoidance stems from feeling different and impacts doctor-patient relationships, sometimes resulting in suffering in silence.
  • Significant percentage of people delay seeing a doctor due to embarrassment.
  • Delayed diagnosis due to embarrassment can have serious health consequences.
  • Embarrassment can lead to suffering in silence, avoiding necessary medical help.

Shownotes Transcript

What are the consequences of medical embarrassment?

Find a full transcript and worksheet for this episode to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2024/ep-241226

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