To Teen Guys: Yes, We Really Need To Check ‘Em

Adult exams include genital and DRE.

There is absolutely no reason to include a DRE as a part of every adult exam. None.

There is absolutely no reason to include a DRE as a part of every adult exam. None.

I started seeing a urologist regularly at a fairly early age (had occasional visits before, of course) because my father experienced various prostate issues early in life. The urologist I go to orders a PSA test twice a year, and every time I come in for an exam, he performs a genital exam and a DRE. I guess it depends on the doctor.

I remember every physical exam I had growing up was always in my underwear. I don't think the doctors office even had gowns. It always included lowering them to my thighs for a hernia exam. This was in the 80s early 90's.

Mine were checked every year at my physical, my first was around 11/12 and my mom was in the room and it was a male doctor. After that we moved and I got a new female pediatrician who checked my penis and testicles from 13 on to 18, and then my family doctor after that into my mid 20: The first few were embarrassing because I was a late bloomer and hated showing my small genitals to people.