Ep 1. Series 5 Episode 1
Embarrassing Bodies is a British medical reality television series that aims to remove the stigma surrounding bodily peculiarities or illnesses by exposing them to a wider audience. Series 5 Episode 1 aired on January 21, 2013, and is the first episode of the fifth season.
The show kicks off with the three presenters, Dr. Christian Jessen, Dr. Dawn Harper, and Dr. Pixie McKenna, informing the viewers what to expect in the episode - various unusual, embarrassing, and often painful conditions that they will help treat. The presenters then head off to different locations to meet different patients who have come forward to have their ailments diagnosed and treated.
The first set of patients we meet are Jamie and Rhiannon, a young couple from Cardiff, who are both facing intimate health issues - Jamie has a painful penile condition, while Rhiannon has a cyst on her vulva. They have been suffering for a while without seeking treatment due to embarrassment. Dr. Pixie meets them to diagnose their conditions and refer them for treatment.
Next, Dr. Christian visits a hair salon in Sunderland, where he meets 60-year-old Suzanne, who has been dealing with hair loss for over two decades. She is frustrated that she has tried various treatments without success. Dr. Christian gives her a scalp examination and recommends options to restore her hair, including hair transplantation.
Dr. Dawn travels to Basildon to meet a couple who are both suffering from bowel problems. 40-year-old North Londoner Phil and his wife Sharon from Basildon have both been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and are seeking help to deal with the symptoms. They struggle with feeling embarrassed and frustrated by the impact it has on their lives. Dr. Dawn provides advice and recommends dietary changes that can help alleviate some of the symptoms.
Dr. Pixie goes to Brighton to meet with 33-year-old artist and illustrator, Annalise, who is dealing with a severe case of psoriasis. The skin disease affects her entire body, and she struggles with feeling self-conscious and embarrassed due to the scaly red patches that cover her skin. Dr. Pixie diagnoses her condition and refers Annalise to a dermatologist to receive treatments that will help manage her psoriasis.
Lastly, Dr. Christian meets an older man, 68-year-old retired bus driver, Tom, who has a small lump on his testicle that he is too embarrassed to see a doctor about. Dr. Christian examines Tom and checks for signs that the lump could be cancerous. He urges Tom to see a specialist for follow-up treatments.
The episode concludes with follow-up conversations with the patients they have helped. Each patient shares how they feel more informed and empowered to take control of their health, now that they have received a diagnosis and treatment. The presenters leave the viewers with a message to seek help when dealing with any painful or embarrassing medical issues, reminding everyone that it's okay to seek help and not let fear or embarrassment prevent proper medical care.
Overall, series 5 episode 1 of Embarrassing Bodies offers a compelling and informative look at various medical conditions that some may feel too embarrassed to address. It is a reminder that everyone deserves access to professional medical care without shame or judgment.
