8 Things to "Come Clean" About

We've all been there before. You're filling out paperwork at a healthcare provider's office and stumble across questions about how much you drink or exercise. You're not the only one if you've slightly fudged the numbers.

A study published in 2022 found that 60 to 90% of patients have fibbed when talking to their doctors. Maybe it's because they are embarrassed or don't want the doctor to lecture them, but what may save your ego in the short term could have serious consequences—including misdiagnoses and medication problems.

If you've stretched or omitted the truth in the past, it's okay (obviously, most of us have before). From this point forward, just vow that no more Pinocchio-ing is allowed in your doctor's office, especially regarding these 8 aspects of your health.

1. Bathroom Issues. Maybe talking about bathroom habits makes you feel like a party pooper, but it's important to come clean. Issues with urination or passing stools could be a symptom of a larger problem like infection, pelvic floor disorder, gastrointestinal conditions, diabetes and other issues.
2. Doctor's orders. Not following your medication schedule? It's crucial to inform your doctor to find alternative treatments or adjust your plan. Otherwise, your condition might not show the expected response to their initial recommendations, and your doctor won't know why.
3. Eating and exercising habits. Maybe don't tell your doctor you're eating salads when you're really eating a whole bag of chips for lunch every day. Being honest enables the identification and early detection of possible health concerns, encouraging a proactive approach to your overall well-being.
4. Medications and supplements. Don't be afraid to tell your doctor what you're taking, even if it's a viral social media supplement. This helps your doctor understand your full health picture and prevents potentially dangerous interactions between different substances.
5. Mental health. Feeling like Eeyore or so anxious your heart feels like it's racing? Your doctor can suggest counseling, prescribe medication and identify or rule out underlying causes. It's important to remember that some physical health issues can cause symptoms of mental health conditions.
6. Sex life. Many people feel embarrassed about discussing sex, but doctors handle these conversations sensitively and confidentially. It's important to be honest about sexual desire, performance, satisfaction and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for proper treatment.
7. Sleep hygiene. If you have trouble sleeping or feel excessively fatigued during the day, it's important to tell your doctor. Lack of sleep can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of chronic conditions or be a sign there's an underlying problem.
8. Substance use. Don't tell your doctor you have four glasses of wine a week when it's four per night. Smoking, alcohol and illegal drug use can affect how your body responds to medications, anesthesia and other treatments, so it's important to be honest.

Remember, your doctor will not judge you for any of these issues. Being honest with them better helps them do their job, which is to find ways to keep you as healthy as possible.

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