Sometime ago, a young lady had come in with lower abdominal pain and some issues with her period. She was seen by a male gynaecologist who had asked her if she had any abnormal vaginal discharge and she said no.

However, when it was time to examine her, what we call a pelvic examination, we realised she had a lot of discharge from down below which was foul smelling.

When asked why she told a lie to the doctor, she said she was shy.

See, there are three people you must never lie to when you are in trouble because they could save your life – Your lawyer, your pastor and your doctor! No matter who you lie to about your medical condition, don’t ever lie to your doctor! Be completely truthful and say things the way they are.

I understand that for ladies, we could become quite uncomfortable with male doctors especially when it comes to the private areas of our bodies but if you cannot have a female doctor see you, then by all means be honest with the male doctor, else, there’s no point! You would just end up wasting your time and his.

Doctors are not magicians; a lot of our diagnoses is based on what you tell us and what we find out through examination and investigations. But when your story is not matching up with the tests, then you put yourself at risk of mismanagement.

Thankfully the doctor that saw this lady was able to reach a meaningful diagnosis and she got treated properly.

Tell your doctor the whole truth and nothing but the truth. No point feeling guilty or shy.

We are there to help you, care for you and not to judge you .

I hope this helps someone?

Dr Blessing Ekundayo