Spotted Dick

For those of us who had lots of school dinners we know that this was a dessert that quite often tasted better then it sounded.

Now I am a GP though it has an altogether different meaning to me.

Quite often I will see a young man (usually he is young but not always) who has discovered some worrying spots on their tackle. It usually causes great consternation as all sorts of horrible things go through their minds. Will I need to go to a GU clinic – what will they do to me? Am I going to pass it on to anyone? Will it get worse? Will I need an operation on it??

Last month a young man, aged 20, came to see me with spots he was worried about. I had a chat with him and found out how long they had been there, and whether his partner had any problems.

Of course I needed to take a look and a quick glance made it clear to me that he probably had warts on his penis. This is sexually transmitted and can be dealt with by a GU clinic (you can find the number for them from your GP surgery or in the phone book). I can reassure you that they will not do anything to you like the stories you might hear in the pub!

It is always important to use condoms to prevent these sorts of problems and if you do become infected I always try and say to patients that they should also tell their partners so they can get treated too.

I saw the same chap last week and he told me he had been to the clinic and they had dealt with him confidentially and with no fuss. He was pleased he had them sorted out.