Most likely situation that will result in a rectal temperature

I'm in my mid 20's, switch means I was born in the late 80's, subsequently missing the "time of rectal temperatures" as I've often heard they were the norm for young people throughout the 60's and 70's.

My ultimate fantasy is to have my rectal temperature taken in a real medical situation. However if I was to bet on it happening I'd be given very long odds. So it got me thinking how is one most likely to get a rectal temperature taken?

Here is what I think:

1) Emergency ER event

2) The bizarre case where a rectal thermometer is the only available device and the doctor is insisting they are getting a temp. (It's happened to a mate of mine)

3) You present with a bad head cold; swollen throat, stuffed nose and frequent coughing coupled with pot luck you are been attended to by a practitioner who again is insistent on a temp, deems an oral will not suffice and also does not have an ear thermometer.

4) An old fashioned doctor who just does rectal.

5) A patient request. Not sure how that would go, it is the most accurate way and could be both argued inappropriate or a personal preference from one who takes an interest in their own health.

6) Saying the right things at the right time to suggest to the practitioner you practice rectal temps and hope they follow suit. For example saying " ya my temp was high earlier but I took it rectally too so that could be a reason".

Anyone have any thoughts or other suggestions. Don't be mistaken, speaking for myself I am not looking for ideas to put into practice I'm simply curious.

I'm pretty sure that they are still used at times to diagnose appendicitis, as well as for hypothermia and heat stroke

IamArrow is correct as far as he goes. Any condition of extreme body temperature in either direction is certainly an indication for body core temperature. Of course, if a person has reduced mental ability or deceased level of consciousness or is physically unable to cooperate with oral or temporal measurement rectal temps are indicated. (Usually a person can be restrained without too much difficulty or discomfort in the prone position.) True body core temperature is important in the diagnosis and treatment decisson of many conditions.

Any heat or cold related illness (heat stroke) would be the most likely situation to get your temperature taken clinically. However, you can save yourself a lot of trouble and embarrassment and just find a friend or relative to do it for you, or meet someone with similar interests. Getting your rectal temp taken clinically will likely not be as fun as you imagine it, and the lengths you would have to go to to try would likely end up embarrassing you.