Question about rectal exam

BabyRN2Be · Mar 18, 2004

I've had some doctors do rectal exams and some don't. I do know the SS of colon/rectal cancer and wouldn't hesitate talking to someone if I had a concern. I know it's embarrassing, but it's important.

Now what I REALLY questioned was a freaky GI doc who INSISTED on doing a breast exam every time I came in for problems. Now then, I felt violated. I stopped going to him though... *shudders* IMHO, he was borderline incompetent anyway.

rachel18us · Mar 18, 2004

I appreciate everyones help in this matter. From this discussion I have realized that it is up to the doctor weather or not to do a rectal. I know some of you have got them some have not and apparently age don't matter. It seems weird that the doctors are not standardized in their exams and thanks again for all your help

smk1, LPN · Mar 18, 2004

ive never had one or been offered one even after my baby was born, i guess they could feel all that they needed to lady partslly. (at least i hope so because now i am a bit concerned, as there has been a hx of of different cancers in my family.....)

smk1, LPN · Mar 18, 2004

just as a side note... i always ask about something now if i feel uncomfortable about it, once when i was 15 i went to urgent care for a horrible sore throat and i have a long and extensive hx with strep throat, the doctore wanted to do a breast exam! i had never had that happen before but i figured he was the doctor and knew best, and maybe there was some lymph node or something in there that he could tell something from. well after a THOUROUGH and extensive breast and nipple check, he has me lay down and unbuttons my jeans and looks "down there". thats it no touching or palpitating anything. I was a sick kid and didn't know what to think. This is a big reason why i always ask lots of questions about what my providers are doing and why they are doing it now.

BabyRN2Be · Mar 18, 2004

Yes there was a female nurse in the room but that brings up another question is she supposed to actually watch or just be in the room the nurse was watching the entire time kind of made me feel uncomfortable
And about asking for a female next time I can't for insurance reasons I have to go to my primary physician for all primary care and if he feels like it is warented he can refer me to a specialist trust me I tried to get a female to do the exam I would of went to a cheap clinic but I could not afford it maby next year

Hey Rachel,

I didn't catch this before, but you're in OKC - I'm in Tulsa. What about going to see someone at the OU Health Sciences Center in OKC? I'm sure they'll accept ANY insurance and they'll definitely have a female on staff. Maybe this is something you could look into next time...

Katherine

glopop11 · Mar 18, 2004

Now what I REALLY questioned was a freaky GI doc who INSISTED on doing a breast exam every time I came in for problems. Now then, I felt violated. I stopped going to him though... *shudders* IMHO, he was borderline incompetent anyway.

This reminds me: I saw a chiropractor when i was in my mid 20's. the first 3 visits were normal, then on the 4th visit, he told me he was going on vacation for 2 weeks and could he have a hug? I was a little freaked, but consented. It turned out to be a little "more" than a hug. Iwas soooooooo embarassed and felt totally violated.

Needless to say I have NEVER been back there, or any other chiropractor!

rachel18us · Mar 18, 2004

I didn't catch this before, but you're in OKC - I'm in Tulsa. What about going to see someone at the OU Health Sciences Center in OKC? I'm sure they'll accept ANY insurance and they'll definitely have a female on staff. Maybe this is something you could look into next time

I never thougt of that, don't they only only see students at OU. Do you have any info on prices or a website

BabyRN2Be · Mar 20, 2004

I never thougt of that, don't they only only see students at OU. Do you have any info on prices or a website

Do you mean that OU only sees their own students or asking if pts are seen by medical students? I think that there are some doctors on staff in private practice who charge a little less. Pts. may be seen by residents, not medical students.

It's really worth checking in to. Do a google search of OU Health Sciences Center and they'll give you a link to the clinic.

Hope this helps.

Katherine

Energizer Bunny · Mar 20, 2004

I am 18 and recently had my first pelvic exam and the doc (male) said (before the exam started) part of the exam was a rectal exam I asked if we could skip that part and he said it was important to check that everything devoloped normally so I agreed and got the exam I have read on the net and it says you don't need a rectal until 40 years old so was he feeding me a line of crap and also how many of you have recieved rectal exams
rachel

I had one the first time I went, at age 19, but they don't do them any longer since they know everything is okay. I have also recently been to gastroenterologist for a sigmoidoscopy and rectal so when I went to my OB/GYN again last week, I made sure he knew. No reason to go through it more than you have to! :chuckle

Energizer Bunny · Mar 20, 2004

I've gone to PP for years in three different clinics in two states. Rectal exam was a standard part of it.
I would try and impress upon you, as I did another (male) poster who was concerned whether is was "normal" for him to get a rectal exam, a thorough exam is generally a sign of a good provider.
My grandmother died of colorectal cancer and you can bet I have no problems with being checked. I will also seek appropriate stool testing and possibly colonoscopy as I age.

My grandmother died of what started as colorectal cancer as well and I have been checked more than once. In fact, two weeks ago, I had a sigmoidoscopy as well. I would much rather be safe than sorry...got these kiddies to take care of.

igloorn93 · Mar 20, 2004

Hmmmmmmmm I have never had a rectal exam as part of my annanual gyn. exam. Have never even heard of a rectal exam being a part of it. I've had rectal exams done as part of my workup before a colonoscopy and barium enema....but part of a gyn....nope..... :confused:

sherichance · Mar 21, 2004

Everytime I go to OB they do a rectal. Even my primary doctor has done due to bleeding between cycles. The first time I had one done was when I was 17. I was embarassed and scared. It does seem kind of odd at first about getting one but it is true that doctors do rectals.