“Many cases of men contracting sexually transmitted diseases, such as men’s genital diseases, go unreported due to psychological apprehension and misplaced trust in online ‘miracle’ advertisements, leading to financial losses and health complications.”
Choose a “discreet” clinic because you’re afraid of delicate matters
"Mr. H.M. (27 years old, Hanoi) had a sexual
encounter with a stranger without using a condom. A month later, he started
experiencing itching and discomfort in his genital area. Worried about
contracting a sexually transmitted disease, Mr. M. searched for a discreet
men’s health clinic in Hanoi on the Internet and scheduled an appointment for
examination.
At this clinic, he was diagnosed with gonorrhea,
and the doctor prescribed treatment medication with a cost of 5 million
Vietnamese dong.
"Due to the high cost of the medication, I
decided not to purchase it. Later, I went to another hospital for a
reevaluation, and the doctor told me that I only had an inflammation and not
gonorrhea. It was then that I realized that many people who had visited the
same clinic initially were misdiagnosed just like me," Mr. M. shared.
Dr. Ha Ngoc Manh from the Vietnam-Belgium Urology
and Andrology Hospital in Hanoi revealed that he has encountered numerous cases
of men seeking men’s health clinics on the internet."
"Most of the time, when men encounter issues
related to sexual health and men’s genital diseases, they tend to seek out
‘discreet’ clinic addresses on their own, and patients rarely discuss these
matters with each other. They tend to take the doctor’s word for it without
thoroughly researching the medical condition," noted Dr. Manh.
Dr. Manh shared an incident where he once
received a male patient from Bac Giang province who had sought treatment for
erectile dysfunction at a discreet private clinic in his province. The doctor
at the clinic prescribed 4-5 types of medication to help with erectile
function. However, after taking the medications, the patient had a continuous
erection for two days and could not walk. Only then did the patient seek
medical attention at a hospital. Fortunately, timely intervention prevented
further complications, as untreated, it could have led to penile necrosis.
In Ho Chi Minh City recently, the Department of
Health Inspectorate has rescued several patients who fell victim to clinics
with foreign influences that engaged in fraudulent practices.
One notable case involved a 20-year-old male
patient who underwent a circumcision procedure at a clinic in District 5,
initially costing 7 million Vietnamese dong. However, during the procedure, the
clinic fabricated additional health issues and demanded an extra 15 million
dong. The patient sought help by calling the hotline 0989.401.155 provided by
the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health to be "rescued" from the
situation."
"Wasting precious time in
treatment."
According to Dr. Ha Ngoc Manh, some patients only
come to the hospital for examination when they cannot afford the expenses at
private clinics. One common procedure is circumcision, which is relatively
straightforward.
In private clinics, they often initially
advertise prices of 2 to 3 million Vietnamese dong. However, once the patient
is on the operating table, they add various additional costs such as
antibiotics, special care, and more, which can push the total cost up to 9 to
10 million Vietnamese dong.
What’s most concerning is that when men are
uncomfortable discussing intimate matters and avoid visiting hospitals for
check-ups, they miss the opportunity for early treatment. This can lead to the
progression of diseases, increased severity, and economic losses.
Moreover, many patients end up at hospitals after
experiencing complications from unauthorized private clinics. The most common
complication is infection following procedures like wart removal, laser
treatment, or infrared therapy.
According to Dr. Manh, there are two key points
to consider. First, to avoid misdiagnosis and financial losses, men should
refrain from seeking treatment at underground or unlicensed clinics and instead
opt for reputable institutions and hospitals with specialized urology
departments.
Second, when visiting a doctor, patients should
not just listen passively but should openly share their concerns and ask the
doctor for a clear explanation of their condition. Afterward, they should take
the initiative to research information about their condition and available
treatment options to make informed decisions.
Dr. Tran Nhan Nghia from the Department of
Urology and Andrology at Thu Duc Regional General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City
also noted that the hospital often receives cases of men with sensitive
conditions who initially sought treatment at private clinics and experienced
complications or were charged exorbitant fees before coming to the hospital for
treatment. These patients typically suffer from sexually transmitted diseases
such as genital warts, gonorrhea, syphilis, or erectile dysfunction and premature
ejaculation due to believing in misleading advertisements on social media.
Dr. Nghia advises that when individuals suspect
they have a sexually transmitted disease or a male genital condition, they
should overcome their hesitations and avoid seeking treatment at unauthorized
places with flashy advertising, as they may encounter complications. Instead,
they should choose reputable institutions and hospitals to consult with
doctors, undergo examinations, and receive timely treatment. It is important to
listen to the doctor and thoroughly understand one’s medical condition.
From: tuoitre.vn
