Lies You Tell Your Doctor
- M.R. Grigsby
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Somerset, KY--Michael R. Grigsby, May 2, 2025, 11:23 EST
Your doctor's office is the best location to be open and honest about your health and habits. Don't worry about the humiliation; your doctor is there to help, and the more information they have, the more they can do.
"I Don't Binge Drink."
Don't want your doctor to know how much you party? If you have health issues, binge drinking might cause your doctor to make incorrect diagnoses and skew test results.
"I gave up smoking."
Your doctor needs to know if you smoke, even though it could seem like a harmless method to escape a lecture. It may help explain your symptoms and conflict with some medications. And with counseling or medicine, they might be able to help you permanently break the habit.
"Unless there are doughnuts nearby," "I Eat Mostly Kale."
Your tall tale may result in less effective treatment if you ignore this final detail while your weight and "bad" cholesterol soar. Since you're not alone in having a weakness for doughnuts, be honest with your doctor. They may be able to assist you in controlling your eating patterns.
"I go for a daily run."
Be honest with your doctor about how you work out. It will assist them in determining how to maintain your health. It's acceptable if you're not the kind to visit the gym daily. One can lead an active lifestyle in a variety of ways: Take a vigorous walk around the block, play with your dog, or tend to your garden.
"This year, I had sex with one person."
A visit to the doctor is not a morality test. It may help explain some medical issues and put you at danger for some diseases if you have sex with multiple people. Your doctor is there to help, not to pass judgment.
‘I Don’t Have Any STDs’
If you think you have one, know you have one, or have had one in the past, tell your doctor. It may be awkward, but some STDs can be dangerous if they’re not treated. They’re also contagious. One awkward moment with your doctor now could save you awkward moments with sexual partners later.
An uncomfortable encounter with your physician now could save awkward situations with sexual partners later.
"I'm not having an affair."
It seems to be rather normal to lie about having sex or about who you're having sex with. Being open about whether you're with the same sex, the opposite sex, or both may seem like no one's business, but it's crucial. It can have an impact, particularly if your physician is attempting to determine the possible meaning of specific symptoms (pregnancy, for instance).
‘My Sex Life Is Great’
If you have trouble in the bedroom -- low sex drive or erectile dysfunction (ED) -- it can be a sign of an illness, and your doctor should know about it, especially if you’re young and otherwise healthy. Plus, your doctor may be able to improve your symptoms with medication or a referral for psychological therapy.
"I feel fantastic!"
Don't disregard little issues that may be troubling you; they might provide your doctor with important hints. Do you experience headaches after working out? That might not seem like much, but it might indicate a significant problem.
"I don't use drugs."
This untruth may be harmful. You could become ill or experience other issues if your doctor recommends medication that interacts with illegal drugs. Additionally, drug usage might lead to other problems that your doctor might not be aware to check for. Your doctor might be able to assist you in quitting if you have an addiction or drug problem.
"I refuse to take supplements."
Are you scared to discuss those vitamin supplements you buy at the grocery store with your doctor? Your physician must be aware. Some could be harmful if you have certain medical problems or use them with other medications.
"I take my medications."
Approximately 50% of individuals with chronic illnesses do not take their medications as prescribed. Tell your doctor if you skip it because you're concerned about adverse effects or because you don't like how they make you feel. Maybe they can change it. They could assist you in finding ways to reduce the cost if money is an issue.
"I Don't Use Over-the-Counter Drugs"
Informing your doctor about all of your medications is crucial. It can occasionally and dangerously alter how prescription drugs function.
Conclusion:
In the complex dance between , untruths often slip through the cracks of conversation. The lies we tell our doctors—whether about our exercise habits, medication adherence, or substance use—might seem harmless in the moment, but they create ripples that affect the quality of care we receive.
These deceptions aren't simply moral failings; they're protective mechanisms born from fear, embarrassment, or the desire to appear as "good patients." Yet in protecting our pride, we may be compromising our health. When doctors work with incomplete or inaccurate information, their ability to diagnose correctly and prescribe appropriate treatments diminishes significantly.
The path forward requires effort from both sides of the examination table. For patients, recognizing that healthcare providers aren't there to judge but to heal can ease the pressure to present an idealized version of ourselves. Remember that doctors have heard it all before—your smoking habit or sexual history isn't shocking to them, merely clinical information needed for proper care.
For physicians, creating spaces where patients feel safe to share uncomfortable truths is essential. This means approaching sensitive topics with empathy rather than accusation
and acknowledging the very human tendency to minimize or avoid discussing behaviors we know aren't ideal.
The most productive healthcare relationships are built on trust—a resource that grows stronger with honesty and transparency. By committing to truthfulness in medical settings, patients gain access to more precise care tailored to their actual needs rather than their presented personas.
The next time you're tempted to round down your drinks per week or round up your daily steps, consider what's truly at stake. Your health deserves the dignity of honesty, and your doctor deserves the opportunity to treat the real you, not the version you wish you were. In the end, the most powerful medicine might just be the truth.
This article was written by Michael R. Grigsby, one of the news editors for LCTI, LLC. Michael is passionate about the outdoors, photography, strength sports, bodybuilding, and powerlifting. He provides accurate and insightful news reports on diverse topics. He loves connecting with readers and is always happy to answer any questions you may have.
DISCLAIMER
This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is purely for educational and informational purposes. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult a physician or other healthcare professional.
Copyright 2025 LCTI, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without attribution to the author. If you use any quotes from this article, please credit LCTI, LLC.
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