1. It can be dangerous
We understand that nobody is entirely comfortable talking about their signs and symptoms with the doctor. While you may think that it is harmless to lie about how many pints you downed on the weekend or the fact that you are indulging in premarital sex, it cannot be further from the truth.
2. The three lies
When you omit tiny details like occasional smoking, skipping medications or even your sexual history, it can impact your chances of getting a correct diagnosis. So, whether your stool has been stinkier lately or you have not been taking the prescribed medications regularly, it is important to be honest with your doctor.
Remember, you are not the first patient with these symptoms or complaints, the doctor has most likely heard all this before. So, stop getting embarrassed and start talking. Here are three common lies that people tell their doctor and why you shouldn’t.
3. Lie number 1: “I did not have sex with anyone”
We understand that it may not be easy to tell your doctor that you have had premarital sex, have more than one sexual partner or had unprotected sex. However, it is important to be honest with your doctor about your sexual history as it paves the way to receive better care. Remember that the doctor is there to give you the best treatment possible. If you lie about your reproductive health, you make it difficult for your physician to give you a correct diagnosis.
Also, elaborate if you are experiencing any pain or weird sensations down there.
4. Lie number 2: “I am taking the medications on time”
Yes, it is completely normal to be scared of getting scolded by your physician if you did not take the prescribed medicine. However, lying about the same can have a detrimental effect on your health. Think about it. When you tell the doctor that you have been taking the medications on time and the symptoms haven’t alleviated, he/she is bound to give you a stronger dose or put you on a different medication.
5. Lie number 3: “Yes, it is the only medication I have taken”
A lot of times patients tend to omit other medications they are taking (in addition to the one prescribed by the doctor) because they don’t think it matters. However, it is crucial that you let your doctor know if you are taking any other medicine regularly. Your doctor needs to know what other supplements you are taking to rule out any dangers of taking them together. It is also important to list down any herbal supplement you might be taking to check whether it is interacting with the medicines.
