Recommended age for rectal temperature changing through history

@VA_RT The electronic thermometers came to homes in the late 1980s, I think, so even children born in the 1970s experienced the glass thermometers. But yeah, post, say, 1995, there was little need for them.

Every older medical book I ever read said to switch to oral by 5. I don’t think medical professionals were recommending rectal temperatures for kids above 5 either. Although my doctor’s office did rectal temps until 13 I think that was only a clinical policy back then and not meant to be a rule used by parents. Rectal was done more for safety issues in clinical settings.

I remember how it was like when I was growing up in Sweden. As @Jacana described, it was commonplace for adults also taking their temperture rectally - even here. That is why I never swiched to oral - instead I had to learn how to insert the thermometer and take my temperature rectally by myself. It happened when I was about 11 years old.

My doctors office finally stopped taking my rectal temperature around 12/13. They tried orally a number of times, but I had breathing issues as a kid & I could never keep my mouth closed long enough for a reading. Atleast that's what I was told. I fully believe my nurse growing up got off on taking rectal temperatures & it seemed she liked when she had to force one of us down too. Thankfully around 12/13 I went to a new doctor & the rectal temperatures stopped until I was in my 30s.