TV programming in the UK is vastly different than what we have here in the US – what I notice primarily is an honesty about talking about sex (sexual health and sexual situations) that domestic TV won’t even touch unless it’s to ridicule or exploit for ratings. For instance, I recently saw this Channel 4 program and I would do anything to have shown over here, for the very sake of its sexual health coverage and information – though the show itself shows a number of (non-sex) medical shockers. Sexual health is not its primary topic. Yet it is a show that could save so much pain and heartache in the US. So…
Since cable networks have us strangled for content until we can topple them, we’ll just have to work around the problem. One way is to send you to the terrific online resources for the Channel 4 show, Embarrassing Bodies. The name is unfortunate but the sex-related information on the website is pure gold – it addresses many of the most common sex educator questions: the “is this normal?” kind. And it is for all ages. For instance, right now the featured front-page video is How to Check Your Vulva, and there is a Vulva Gallery so people can readily see typical styles and variations. Yes: there is also a Penis Gallery, and a video on checking for healthy semen. There are lots of FAQs, like Am I Normal After Sex. Love this site, love this site…
Also on the front page are the latest questions, which look (right now) mostly like people are asking if a genital variation – or a rash, etc – is “normal” or not, and the doctors respond.
One thing I’m going to refer to a lot – their amazingly awesome STI Checker.
Alan Ralph said “Most probably, in hopes of getting free treatment in return”. This is the UK, we get treatment for most things free on the NHS anyway. The exclusions are small and limited to unapproved drugs (sometimes very expensive), cosmetic procedures for someone who already looks fine, and sometimes gender re-assignment (but there are some hospitals that will do that free after a long wait). Pretty much everything else is free, though it varies by region.
The more likely reason for people to appear on the show with very advanced “how could you let it get this far?” conditions is a combination fear of going to the doctor and/or apathy. Men in particular can be very reluctant to go the doctor in the UK, it is a recognised health problem in itself.
Channel 4 was the UK’s first “Alternative” TV channel, being the fourth analogue terrestrial channel which started broadcasting in 1982. It tried to be different right from the start and this served it well. Embarrassing Bodies is the kind of show that belongs on Channel 4 and exemplifies what the channel should be about (it has become diluted in the era of hundreds of channels). Long may shows like this continue to be made and shown on Channel 4. Shows like this make me proud to be British.
Have you seen Channel 4’s new show The Joy of Teen Sex? Equally good, covers things from STIs through “Am I normal?” and “I’m a lesbian what can I do with other girls?” to “I’m a gay man scared of anal sex”.
I know, it’s a confusing package of great resource and ick-factor “reality show”. I just wish it wasn’t called “embarrassing” because sending people there for an “am I normal” question makes it look like they’re…not :(
Still, the info is excellent. Wish we had the show here. The episode with the women with uterus didelphys was incredible – I got to see what it looks like.
Unfortunately, the trailers for this show are seriously cringe-worthy, and make me wonder why some of these people were not able to go talk to their doctor about their problems, but have no problem exposing themselves on television. (Most probably, in hopes of getting free treatment in return).