don't panic

Afraid of wasting your doctor's time on an embarrassing lump, pain or discharge, but worried that it could be serious? Here are 12 common symptoms which you shouldn't ignore. They don't necessarily mean that you have a serious illness, but speedy treatment will make you feel a whole lot better and could save you from bigger problems later on.

1. Blood on the toilet paper

It's probably piles, but it could be cancer of the bowel. Either way, it shouldn't be ignored and does need treatment. If your GP can't sort it out, you can usually get a specialist appointment in just a few weeks, so don't suffer in silence.

2. Blood in your urine

This can be caused by an infection which needs treatment, but is sometimes a sign of more serious kidney problems. Either way, this needs investigating. So, off to your GP.

3. Coughing up blood

A hacking cough can sometimes cause a tiny blood vessel to burst in the lungs. But if you cough up blood it should always be checked out to make sure it's not something sinister. Your GP will probably arrange a chest X-ray.

4. A discharge

A discharge from the vagina or penis usually means an infection. Common infections, such as thrush, urethritis, chlamydia and bacterial vaginosis can all be treated. But ignoring them could make you or your partner sterile. If you're too embarrassed to tell your GP, check out the Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) clinic at your local hospital.

5. Warts

Don't pass them on! If they're on your hands and feet, get creams from your pharmacist.

If they're on your penis or your vagina, see your GP or go to the STD clinic at your hospital. Treatment for genital warts will usually get rid of them, but if you do nothing genital warts can cause cancer – for you or your partner.

6. Impotence

No need to make excuses. Impotence affects most men at some time. In most cases it is caused by psychological problems (eg: tiredness or stress) and is temporary. But in some cases the cause is physical (eg: diabetes complications) and hoping for things to improve may not be the answer. Go to your GP who can check if the cause is physical. There are good treatments for impotence, including Viagra.

7. A pain in your testicle

Sudden pain and swelling could mean that your testicles are twisted and you need urgent treatment, so go to your GP or your hospital Accident & Emergency Department (A&E) straight away.

Don't ignore painless lumps in your testicles. They may be cysts, but they could be cancer and need urgent treatment. Get to know the look and feel of your testicles, so you'll know if there's a change.

8. Trouble peeing

Men (usually middle aged or older) often have trouble peeing because their prostate gland is pressing on the tube from their bladder. They can have it fixed with medication or surgery. Sometimes, the prostate has a cancerous lump which needs treatment. See your GP.

9. A lump in your breast

Don't delay, show your GP. Most breast lumps are harmless, but in some cases they could be cancer – for men as well as women. Hospital scans and tests can give you an answer within a few weeks. Then you can find out the right treatment for you. Early treatment for breast cancer gets the best results.

10. Painful or heavy periods

If these develop quite suddenly and are a change from your ‘normal' periods, see your GP. In rare cases you might have a gynae problem that needs investigating.

If your periods are usually heavy or painful this is rarely due to something life threatening, but miserable just the same. Your pharmacist can advise on painkillers, or your GP can clear the way to a specialist. Some hospitals run special clinics for women with period problems, so give yours a ring and find out.

11. Bleeding between periods

Spotting or bleeding between periods should always be investigated by your GP. The majority of cases are not serious and may be due to hormone changes especially around the menopause, but they can indicate more worrying gynae problems.

12. Missing a period

If your periods are usually regular and you miss one, do a pregnancy test. Tests from chemists are very accurate and can be done as early as the day your period is due. Better to find out early.