How do I Talk to a Doctor about Colon Problems?

Colon problems can be scary. Our digestive tract is often something we take for granted until it is not functioning as it should. With the news full of stories about colon cancer, and the problems that stress, diet, and lack of exercise all cause with our everyday lives, having a problem with your colon can be frightening, to say the least. Talking to your doctor about such a delicate subject can be almost as terrifying as having the problems themselves. Knowing some tips can help.

Instructions

How to Talk to a Doctor Abut Colon Problems

• 1

  Find a doctor your are comfortable with. It may take some time, but make the effort and don't be afraid to "shop around." In some cases, it may make you feel more comfortable to have a doctor that is the same sex as you are. Whatever it takes, the first step to being able to talk to your doctor about colon problems is being comfortable with talking to him or her at all - and this includes making sure there is not a language barrier.

• 2

  Do some research on the colon before you go to the doctor, so you have a better idea of where the focus of the exam should be.

• 3

  Tell the doctor that you need to discuss something personal, and be sure and let her know you may have trouble expressing yourself due to embarrassment or other reasons. If you feel more comfortable having a nurse in the room, ask for one, or, conversely, if you are not comfortable discussing your problems in front of a third person, ask the doctor to dismiss anyone else in the room.

• 4

  Explain the nature of your problem. If there is pain, describe it as thoroughly as possible. Focus on the problem rather than on the anatomy of the area which you are discussing. The doctor is a professional and will be very familiar with the colon and the rectal area, so a detailed description of the problem is more important than the details of your anatomy.

• 5

  Ask questions. If you seem unable to begin the conversation, start it by asking the doctor a question related to your problem. For example, if you are having bleeding issues, you can say, "Is it normal for a person to bleed when they defecate?" The doctor will be instantly alerted to your concern and can do what needs to be done.

• 6

  Be ready to have the doctor examine you. While talking to the doctor about your problems is certainly a start, no doctor can make a diagnosis without an examination. Wear loose, comfortable clothing, and remember that your health is more important than your sense of dignity. Your doctor is a trained professional, and nothing about the human body is considered repulsive or embarrassing.