Something unusual, or is this a thing elsewhere

Hi,

I've noticed something unusual, and I'm wondering if this has happened to anyone else.

Lately (over the last few years) I have had to have several radiology exams, (CT, Ultrasound, x-ray, etc.) of the abdomen/pelvis/kidney/bladder/prostate regions. (Stones, BPH, etc.) Not always, (more so than not) but lately, I've noticed that they do not always have me take off my pants and gown, especially at the hospital or if the procedure is in the office. Instead, they will simply have me pull my pants down to about the knees and do the test.

This first happened when I had a TRUS about 2 years ago. It was at the urologist's office, and it didn't phase me. (Of course, that was with pants and underwear down since they needed access to my butt.) However, another time a few months later, I had to have an abdominal/pelvic CT scan, and it was at the hospital as an outpatient. They had me do the same. I was in underwear, and they gave me a sheet, but it seemed a bit unusual. The tech said it is done with guys often. Since then, I've had a few more procedures in the same vein. Ct's, ultrasounds, and just today an x-ray. Sometimes they offer me a sheet, but if it will be quick, like the x-ray, I just tell them I'm not worried about modesty if they aren't (10 years in the Navy burned all the modesty out of me) If it will take a while, like a CT, they automatically give me a sheet so I don't get cold.

This happens only at the hospital or the office. If I go to a place that just does that sort of test, it is always strip and gown.

I'm not complaining, I'm just curious if that is something that happens elsewhere to others.

Same here, I had a CT scan with and without contrast for urolical issues before an out-patient cystiscopey and a biopsy.

They had me leave my shoes on, pulled my pants to my knees. Covered with a sheet! To me this was very uncomfortable. I much would have rather removed my shoes as well as my pants. Sheet optional. As you mentioned at my age modestly is not a big deal to me. The scan took some time, and they dint want you to move for 15 minutes. With shoes on and pants by then neat my ankles, I was very uncomfortable. If I ever do it again the shoes and pants are coming off before I get on the table.

I suspect it's in the interest of speed. If the room is unavailable for five minutes before and after a procedure because the patient is removing or putting on their clothing, it probably adds up to one or two less patients able to access that room per day. Hospitals face very heavy pressure to cut costs in every way possible.

I have also had this happen unexpectedly, I think twice. My wife used to work in the medical industry, so I've always used the same imaging center she was affiliated with. I've had many issues with my body over the years, so unfortunately, I've visited this place often.

Usually, when they first brought me back, they have me undress in a small changing room and put on scrubs. Depending on what was being done (MRI, CT, X-ray, etc) and what location on my body, they may or may not have me remove my underwear. I think there was once or twice I put on a gown instead, but I can't remember why. After changing clothes, they have you wait in a small waiting area in back. I always thought it was weird, and yet arousing , sitting next to other patients you knew weren't wearing any underwear under their scrubs. That's kinda hot.

The time or two in question, I remember thinking it was odd that I didn't have to change, especially because I knew they were imagining my abdomen and pelvis. One female technician led me into the CT room where another female tech was waiting. They got me on the table and positioned when they both placed a thin sheet over me and told me to pull my pants and underwear down to my knees. It was so awkward and embarrassing to pull my pants down under the sheet while they stood above me watching and holding the sheet in place. I believe my knees were partially bent with my feet on the table, so feeling the cooler air hit my nether regions felt so surreal. When I was finished, they placed the sheet on top of me and finished setting up the machine. I remember seeing the thin sheet cling to my body and leave little to their imagination. I was so embarrassed and turned on at the same time. Not actually physically aroused, just mentally aroused. I also remember thinking about how when they run the test, they'll be able to see the shadow, shape, and size of my genitals on the image. That always turned me on too.

I have had three abdominal CT scans in the past two years -- two at outpatient locations and one at a major hospital. The first two were performed with contrast media; the third was not. For all three scans, I was placed on the table, given a sheet and asked to lower my jeans to the knees. By way of comparison, when I go to the hospital for an X-ray , or MRI checkup on my new knees, I am escorted to a changing cubicle. I am asked to remove my shirt, shoes, and pants, given a gown and hospital sox and then escorted to the room, where I am placed on the table for the procedure. Next time, I will ask about the difference.

@srg rik

If I were to guess, I would probably think the difference has nothing to do with the scan and more to do with what the tech/facilities SOP are.