Physical exam question

Yes, a physical is not the most enjoyable moment in life(regardless of the sex of the doctor). Like Brian said though, it's just one of those things you have to do. Earlier this summer I had to go and get a physical before i got my job. My regular doctor is female, but for this exam I had a male doctor, which made me a little nervous. The whole thing was going ok, my nerves were settled a little because I wasn't having to endure anything that was too embarrassing. And then, of course, he had to give me the breast exam! I got the shakes as soon as he said "ok, go ahead and take your shirt off". I know it's an everyday routine thing for the doc, but for you and me that's not. I was embarrassed not of my body, but being half naked in front of a man i didn't know who was also feeling my boobs. I knew i was going to have to have this done in order to start my job, so I got through it, got dressed, and got my job!

I understand completely what you are saying and why, but the situation is a little different with a male. The employer will likely be scared not to hire you because he is worried about being sued. With a male it is a little different. Dispite what you are told, the law regarding discrimination is not a two way street.

Actually, the proper answer to your question is that testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer found in males age 20-35. It is important to perform self exams just as women are encouraged to perform breast exams. Cancer can be deadly so preventative exams are nothing to be embarrassed about. For more information search prostate cancer or testicular cancer at nih.gov.

ok this is probably not part of an employment physical, but in my eyes you consented to her doing it. If you were not happy you are within your rights to refuse. Can i ask if you thought this was not part of the physical why did you consent? Remember consent does not have to be vebal or written. If you undressed by your own free will for the examination to be carried out thats consent.

Is there a family history of testicular cancer or has the patient stated something that may be of concern?

i would question the doctor as to why i would have to bend over the table..... You do have the chance to object.

I have come to the conclusion in the last 10-15 years that female Drs. are more comples in what ever they are doing. If i am spending my money then I want the most for it so I will always go to female when possible and not let it bother me what ever she does. My polio is comming back and it took a female to discover it.

Yes she was very through!! and the job physical did not require most of what she did it was very embarassing to have to get the exam with a female doc I am asking if it is normal to get a prostate exam at under 40

Listen, I am sorry for you that you felt embarassed and really hope that you can get past that.

For most women who have paps they are not 'checked thoroughly' although they are SUPPOSED to be!! Yup, in hindsight it is to our (as patients) benefit for thoroughness to occur.

So, for the same embarassment you are feeling is likely a reason that many people uneccessarily go undiagnosed.

The "exam" is not to embarass you/us, it is to protect us, and sometimes, legally-to protect the provider via ensuring thoroughness.

I am more aghast upon discovering that the average gyne exam includes charging for the full exam, (which includes the digital rectal insertion in order to palpate more thoroughly) and that it is NOT done. I have had paps since about 1983...only discovered this news last year in my nursing class.

Gen-hope you realize that a physical exam is not "to embarass" you

I am a 29 year old male during a job physical at a local clinic the female doctor gave me the most complete physical ever it included a testicular and prostate exam do you think is it normal for a healthy 29 year old to recieve a prostate exam it was very embarasing

Hi,

my question is, should I be concerned that I did NOT get the normal testicular and prostate exam during my annual complete physical? I have no embarrassment about it (not sure what that guy was upset about) it's the usual requirement so it's no big deal, doctors and nurses are professional. Anyway, I'm 42, fit and pretty active, healthy, but sit all day at a computer for work, no family history of cancer, etc..

The doctor was a young female if that makes any difference. My last dr was a male and he was always short with me and didn;t seem to listen. My ex-girlfriend is an OB and she said (the same thing that I read on this board) that female docs are more thorough. So I feel wierd asking but I'm wondering why this normal part of the exam was skipped.

When the doc was done I kinda joked (as I had had the normal nervousness anticipating it the entire time) as she was leaving, "So I won't have to turn and cough?" and she said, "No, you're fine." And I thought, "Oh, cool!" But then later I was thinking, hmm, isn't it a big deal to check for that stuff for men, especially after age 35-40?

Of course I'm not going to specifically ask for it, that would seem a little odd or perverted. But you go in once every few years for a physical so you'd like to get your money's worth and be sure about everything.

(The doctor knows that I'm avid biker (bicycle), riding about 100-200 miles a week, for fitness and training, if that makes any difference. I'm no Lance Armstrong... hey, wait, didn't he? ... ) I also had an MRI a month ago for possible lower back/pelvic/leg issues.

Thanks for any feedback!

I really appreciate it because again, it would feel wierd to question the dr or her nurses, as if I was asking for a pubic and rectal exam, ya know? But I just want to know I'm completely heathly.

If I called on the phone and spoke to the nurse would they take it as a legitimate question and be able to answer it for me? Or would they have to pass it on to the doctor? I guess I'm a bit uncomfortable with the idea of anyone thinking I'm overthinking this or that I'm being a wierdo and specifically requesting that the dr examine me "down there".

I hope this all makes sense.

Thanks again!

Hi,

my question is, should I be concerned that I did NOT get the normal testicular and prostate exam during my annual complete physical? I have no embarrassment about it (not sure what that guy was upset about) it's the usual requirement so it's no big deal, doctors and nurses are professional. Anyway, I'm 42, fit and pretty active, healthy, but sit all day at a computer for work, no family history of cancer, etc..

...

I hope this all makes sense.

Thanks again!

Hi there,

Now I see this post...

It is a tough call, some providers do not do the prostate digital until age 50...my *ex* husband was 40 and his provider never even mentioned it, yet she was going to prescribe him medicine for BPH, (benigh prostate hypertrophy I think) anyhow, I called and requested a baseline prostate digital rectal be done first.

It was.

The providers I worked for did baselines at age 40.

Cancers do not wait until 50 and I am for thoroughness. Not wastefulness but, thoroughness. If you had/have any symptoms or familial history then call and request a check up.

Good luck,

Gen

p.s. if anything an easy way to request this is to mention that you know (so and so) had cancer very early and you want to request a baseline because of x y and z. Sometimes we all overthink but, if you are concerned to the point where you cannot stop overthinking it, then it sounds best to have a baseline to rule it out of concern.