Embarrassing Problems

Anogenital (anal or genital) warts

Anogenital warts are small lumps that develop on the genitals and/or around the back passage (anus). They are caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are over 100 types of this virus. The virus is passed on by sexual contact. You need close skin-to-skin contact to pass on the virus. This means that you do not necessarily need to have penetrative sex to pass on infection. Sharing sex toys may also pass on infection. Very rarely, anogenital warts may be passed on from hand warts. They may also rarely be passed on to a baby when a woman gives birth.
Treatment options include chemicals or physical treatments such as freezing to destroy the warts. If you have anogenital warts, you will usually be advised to have tests to check for other sexually transmitted infections.

Bad breath (halitosis)

In most cases of persistent bad breath, the smell comes from a build-up of bacteria within the mouth - in food left hanging around the mouth, in plaque and gum disease, or in a coating on the back of the tongue. Good oral hygiene will often solve the problem. That is, regular teeth brushing, cleaning between the teeth, cleaning the tongue, and mouthwashes. Other causes of persistent bad breath are uncommon.

Body odour

Body odour (BO) is caused by germs (bacteria) on your skin breaking down sweat into acids. Sweat (without the bacteria working on it) does not smell. However, sweat may smell if you eat and drink certain foods such as garlic, spices and alcohol. Antidepressant medicines may also make your sweat smell. Being overweight or having certain medical conditions such as diabetes can also make BO more likely.
The best way to avoid BO is to keep the areas of your skin that tend to sweat clean and free of bacteria. You should wash armpits, genitals and feet with soap every day. Clothes should be changed and washed regularly. Antiperspirants reduce the amount of sweat you produce. Deodorants mask the smell of BO. Shaving armpit hair can help reduce BO, as hair can trap sweat and bacteria.

Crabs (pubic lice)

Pubic lice are tiny insects that live on humans, usually in the pubic hair. They are passed on through close body contact, such as when having sex. Infestation with pubic lice can cause itching, but not everyone affected has symptoms. Treatment involves killing the lice by using an insecticide lotion or cream.
If you have caught pubic lice from a sexual partner, you should be tested for other sexually transmitted infections.
For further information see separate leaflet called Pubic Lice.

Curving penis (Peyronie's disease)

This is a condition in which patches of scar tissue (fibrous plaques) develop along the shaft of the penis. This can result in bending or deformity (changes in the shape) of the penis, painful erections and difficulties with sexual intercourse. The options for treatment include medicines taken by mouth, applied to the surface of the penis or injected into the scar tissue. Stretching, electrical treatment, lasers and surgery are other options. In rare cases, the condition may clear up completely but most men find that it either stays the same or gets worse over time.

Wind (flatulence, gas)

Most men fart 14-25 times a day. Most women 7-12 times a day. Gas collects in the gut in two ways. Small amounts of air are swallowed at the same time as you swallow food or drink; or by gas being produced as a result of the process of digesting food. Some foods produce more gas than others such as beans, cauliflower and cabbage. The body removes the gas by burping and farting. These are normal processes like breathing. An unpleasant smell is usually caused by a gas called sulphur. This is produced when food isn't digested properly and begins to decompose. Excess wind may be a symptom of an underlying problem such as constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.
Most of the time changing diet and lifestyle will help. For example, eating more, smaller meals instead of three large ones. Choose foods that are generally easier to digest such as potatoes, rice and bananas. Having plenty of exercise also helps your bowel work better. Stopping smoking can help, as smokers tend to swallow more air than normal. Smoke can also irritate your gut. Occasionally, medication may be needed. Some remedies are available from your chemist. Ask a pharmacist for advice.