Dr Karan Rajan

Seeing patients die from embarrassment was the trigger for the TV doctor’s taboo-smashing read

- WITH HANNAH STEPHENSON

There are some subjects many of us find hard to talk to doctors about – toilet habits, sexual organs and personal hygiene spring to mind.

But we need to face these fears, says surgeon and social media star Dr Karan Rajan, 35, who has more than 10 million followers on social media and regularly appears on TV.

He has followed up his bestselling guide, This Book May Save Your Life, with a new book, This Is Vital Information, which highlights many taboo health subjects, from excessive wind to bad breath and erectile dysfunction.

“The reason I'm concerned about the stigma is not just because they are awkward topics but that people could literally die from embarrassment,” he warns.

As well as posting taboo-busting health videos online, he also hosts a podcast, Dr Karan Explores, meeting experts in science and medicine.

The Hampshire-based doctor, who is taking a sabbatical as he and his wife are expecting their first child, says that a combination of factors stop people from visiting their doctor.

“Some bury their head in the sand because if they do raise a flag, it means more tests, more investigations, they may receive bad news that it's a chronic disease, it’s cancer, it needs surgery, which may disrupt their lives.

“Sometimes it may be for fear of being judged by other people.”

So, what are the biggest subjects that people are reluctant to discuss with their doctor?