Question about rectal exam

[rachel18us]

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

[mshultz]

CNM2B:

Thank you so much for your reply. It's nice to hear that someone else is curious about what is being done to them, even when it is an embarrassing procedure. I posted my colonoscopy experience in the Gastroenterology Nursing Forum, under recent colonoscopy experience. Since then, I have looked at http://www.gastro-pro.org/. Their description of abdominal compression sounds promising in terms of reducing pain. I intend to memorize the technique before my next colonscopy, so I can do it myself if necessary. It will be an interesting experiment. I would think that keeping the sigmoid colon from looping would also make a sigmoidoscopy less painful.

[Energizer Bunny]

I am actually scheduled to have a CT scan on Saturday so that is my next "fun" thing to check out! I think i'm a little bonkers! LOL!

I think it is fabulous to take a lead role in your own healthcare!