Standing Genital Exams With Parent in the Room - Which Way Did You Face?

As I remember it, until I was about 6 or 7, I was always lying down, however, my underwear was lifted or only slightly pulled down. Mom sat several feet away and the table wasn't exactly line of sight and faced the foot of the table. After that, I stood, back to mom, and again, until about 12 or 13, it was more a visual and a squeeze, with my back to mom. After that, she I would go in alone, and it was the typical drop your underwear and get a genital/hernia check. I was a shy kid, but from as young as I can remember, I was instructed to do what the doctor and nurses told me. Honestly, I think I was more embarrassed getting shots in the butt.

@WannaJ why do you think it’s sick if a mother observes her sons genital exam? She is her son’s caregiver, nurturer and protector. She should observe the whole procedure. It’s ok if a mom sees her child naked. It may be embarrassing but he will get over it. Life is full of uncomfortable and embarrassing moments. And if the mother consistently goes with her son to his physical exams, it should become a normal experience for him. Once a mother sees her son naked, she can’t unsee it. Really, after seeing the first examination of his penis, there is no need to be embarrassed any further.

When it came time for my genital exams my pediatrician would roll his little stool right up in front of my mom so that he was sitting sideways to her. I would then stand in front of him which meant that I was standing sideways with my profile to my mom. This gave her an unrestricted view of him examining my genitals - penis, testicles, and then the hernia exam - and I am sure that he deliberately took this posture so that the boy's parent could see exactly what he was doing .

Pretty much facing my parents. My dad was with me most of the time. The doctor showed him how to check me for testicular cancer, which needed to be done once a month.

My dad was with me most of the time. The doctor showed him how to check me for testicular cancer, which needed to be done once a month.

Checking a non-adult monthly for testicular cancer? That's somewhat excessive I'd think. Obsessive and unnecessary. Sort of like being in the same order of fears like worrying about penile cancer developing if not circumcised.

Both fears that have a very low statistical probability of ever happening.

I remember a few that my genitals were checked in plain view of my mother and usually my brother, I remember seeing him get examined to. As we got a little older the NP who saw us started doing them on the other side of the exam table so there was a little privacy. As I was old enough to be alone in the room she started doing them while I was lying down but always reminded you that she was going to check for hernias when I stood up so they would be coming right back down.

Checking a non-adult monthly for testicular cancer? That's somewhat excessive I'd think.

Nope, that's the recommendation as soon as puberty starts according to the Cleveland Clinic and other major cancer centers:

"Testicular self-exams help you become familiar with your testicles so you can easily detect changes. Most lumps are benign (not cancer). But talk to a healthcare provider anytime you notice changes. You should start examining your testicles at least once a month, starting around age 15."

If I was standing, I was usually with my back to them.

@Jimbob Do you recall what they were checking down there?

@Jacana it’s been a long time but they always just felt my testicles and around my pubic area. So I’m guessing just checking development. I was probably 12 when turn and cough started.

@Jimbob No checking the foreskin? (but maybe you're obviously circumcised)

@Jacana yes I am. Trying to remember but I think I was in my early 20’s before a doctor even touched my penis.

Nope, that's the recommendation as soon as puberty starts according to the Cleveland Clinic and other major cancer centers:

My misunderstanding. The text made it sound like a doctor should be doing a monthly check. Or that is how i took it in any case.