Times, they are a changin'

And not necessarily for the better in you're a medfetter.

For most of us, I think that part of the appeal of medfet is not just the exposure, vulnerability, submission, and pleasant humiliation, but also the gentle and intimate touch of another human being. Unfortunately, that seems to be going away in many cases.

I once again experienced this firsthand during my last doctor visit. When it came time to take my temperature, the nurse used one of those digital infrared laser thermometers, that don't even touch the skin. I mentioned to her how much quicker and safer that must be, she agreed 100%.

So yes, times are definitely a changin'. While advances in modern medicine have made great strides in patient privacy, dignity, and safety, I can't also help but think about how much of the human factor has been lost in the transition- especially for medfetters.

I agree. There is definitely a lack of touch going on and then when you are touched it is through clothing or a gown, and at my last physical the only time I was exposed at all was during the genital and rectal exams which my doctor seemed to get done as quickly as she could.

Some friends of mine tell me that unless they're due for the pap smear or specifically request it, they don't even get looked at between their legs during their annual and it's pretty much them braless in panties under the gown and the most intimate thing they get is a quick breast exam. I still get the works every year, so, maybe I'm just seeing an "old school" office that is set in their ways -- but, I've definitely heard from others, especially mothers, that even their late teens/20s daughters are getting less and less exams during their gyno stuff than they did at their age.

Most people dont like being touched. The new digital age is making it easier to gather information without the need. Providers also don't have the time they need to actually spend time with their patients. Its easier to throw a pill at people and check the issue again in a couple months than to try and figure out the issue. My gyn office makes appoitments every three years now. They said there is no longer a requirement for a yearly pap. So i would agree times are very much changing.

I agree with everyone that, as far as medfet is concerned, it isn't what it used to be.

... at my last physical the only time I was exposed at all was during the genital and rectal exams ...

However, I would say that these are the two main areas that contribute to my medfet enjoyment. I would love to get this much exposure and examination. It's been years since I've had to stand up and drop 'em. At this point, I don't think I would complain at all if that was the only time I was exposed.

It’s a good thing for the healthcare industry and the patient. It’s eliminated invasive and embarrassing procedures, and reduces wait times. Of course, it’s done nothing to lower costs to consumers.

It’s a good thing for the healthcare industry and the patient. It’s eliminated invasive and embarrassing procedures, and reduces wait times. Of course, it’s done nothing to lower costs to consumers.

@JJM I have to disagree. It isn't good for the patient when they start cutting corners. I am in my late 20's which means I have a higher risk of testicular cancer. Fortunately my current doctor gives me that exam during my annual physical. Yeah, it feels a little awkward but given a choice of a few moments of getting my junk fondled by my attractive female doctor or a cancer diagnosis the choice is clear.

I am starting a new job in a new city in a couple of weeks. I like my current doctor and I will miss her. She is very competent with a nice personality to go along with it. When I find a new doctor I shouldn't have to ask him/her for that exam (or any other normal procedure exams for that matter) especially for a new patient physical.

The day will come when a full body imaging system may come along where a full body scan will be less invasive and more accurate so an actual physical exam will be rendered obsolete. Until that time I will stick with getting a complete physical on a yearly basis.

Been living in the US over 26 years never had an examination ever when I have even had to remove any clothing even my shirt. It’s always, blood work vitals and unless I am ill never anything else.

I’ve read the news about the DRE being phased out as it’s proven 99% ineffective, if you have a high PSA and/or symptoms of a prostste issue they will recommend imaging and avoid now the prostate biopsy. I’ve never ever had a check for a hernia never, I guess it’s symptomatic.

The U.S. healthcare system as a whole has become the absolute worst. The older practitioners understood the importance of good, honed, diagnostic skills (a.k.a. physical examination). They didn't have all of these technologies many years ago so they had to rely on precise physical examination skills. Nowadays, every little ailment is referred for a computerized diagnostic test or a speciality service. The U.S. healthcare system needs to get back to the basics of healthcare.

I see it here in where I live with the closing of clinics in the smaller rural area's. One major medical health care system (corporation) is closing clinics saying it is do to staffing issues and that they can provide their patients with better care at their bigger clinics. I personally think it has more to do with their profits. It cost money to run the smaller clinics to keep them open. The doctor's they have in the smaller clinics will be reassigned to the larger clinics, some will more than likely retire, some might leave. But with the ones that stay and go to the other couple of larger clinics they will be able to push more patients through their larger clinics with less overhead, thus make more money. The clinic I go to is one that is closing, personally it won't affect me as much as some. I drive and can get to the larger clinics. But the elderly people and the ones that don't drive, or can't drive are now going to have a problem getting health care. So I don't think it's has so much to do with providing better health care or providing for their patients needs, it's about them making more money. I am not saying there are not good doctors, nurses and health care providers out there. But the larger health care systems are motivated by money, the faster they can you out the door, the faster they can get the next customer in. It's become big business in today's world.

I think some of the changes are positive. Medfet stuff aside, doctors can still be thorough while being more mindful of patient modesty/privacy in the real world. It’s not a zero sum game. You can do both. The biggest reason for a lack of thoroughness in medicine today (in the US specifically) is how big healthcare systems maximize profits by shortening appointment times so doctors can see more patients every day.

A friend recently brought this up tangentially. Her son had his annual physical. She remembered boys in her school growing up complaining about being totally undressed at the end for the genital exam. She commented that she was surprised to see the pediatricians office offer him a gown at the start of his physical. They still did the genital exam at the end. But she wasn’t expecting that from what she had heard boys physicals were like.

I suspect what we have here (the concern that doctors are less thorough) is akin to people my parent’s age believing bad tasting medicine was more effective. If it’s too easy then you’re not ‘getting your money’s worth.’

The simple fact is that disease is being recognized earlier and treated more effectively than at any time in human history.

Even nowadays, in France you have much more chances to get in your undies at the Dr (without gown) than in the US.

But sooner or later, the future of medicine is labs and imaging with AI doing the diagnostic.