Some people could literally die from embarrassment

SURGEON AND SOCIAL MEDIA STAR DR KARAN RAJAN TELLS HANNAH STEPHENSON WHY IT'S VITAL THAT WE GET HONEST ABOUT OUR AILMENTS

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THERE are some subjects many of us find hard to talk to our doctors about - think bowel habits, sexual organs and personal hygiene.

But these are problems we shouldn't be afraid to discuss, says surgeon and social media star Dr Karan Rajan.

With more than 10 million followers on social media, he has featured on BBC Morning Live, Good Morning Britain and BBC News and is author of the bestselling guide This Book May Save Your Life.

Dr Rajan’s new book, This is Vital Information, highlights many taboo health subjects, from excessive wind to bad breath and erectile dysfunction, and why we really should not feel afraid to bring up these awkward topics with our doctor.

“The reason I’m concerned about the stigma is not just because they are awkward topics,” says Dr Rajan, 35. “They will continue to be awkward topics and people won't ever want to share intimate details - but people could literally die from embarrassment.”

He posts taboo-busting videos about health, science and medicine on various online platforms that, although entertaining, come with a serious message and hosts a podcast, Dr Rajan 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 to discuss health abnormalities.

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

“Sometimes it may be for fear of being judged by other people. The problem with society is that we often tie a moral value to certain things. For example, if someone has an STD [sexually transmitted disease], you can get an STD through no fault of your own.