Five things I am told every week that are not true

Some misconceptions are harmless. These five are not: each one sends people to the wrong remedy, or stops them seeking help at all.

1. "This problem means something is permanently wrong with me."

The majority of complaints I see are situational, treatable, and far more common than the patient believes. Permanence is the assumption, not the diagnosis.

2. "Strengthening tonics will fix it."

Nepal has a large informal market in tonics and capsules sold for sexual performance. They are not regulated, their contents are frequently not what the label claims, and some interact badly with blood pressure and cardiac medication. If a product promises a quick cure, treat that promise as a warning.

3. "Sexual problems are a young man's or an old man's issue — not mine."

They occur at every age, and in women as often as men. Women are simply far less likely to present for them in Nepal, which is a failure of our health system rather than a fact about biology.

4. "If I had a serious infection, I would know."

Many sexually transmitted infections are silent for long periods. Silence is not a clean bill of health, and testing is quick.

5. "My doctor will judge me."

I have been doing this for three decades. Whatever you are about to say, I have heard it, and my only interest is in treating it.

If one of these sounds familiar, that is usually a reason to book an appointment rather than to keep reading.