Testicular exams for older men?

Not certain what your definition of "older men" might be... But a while back when I was around 50 my regular PCP left the state and I found a new doctor and setup an appointment for a physical. A lady doctor about my age and after a 15 minute history she conducted a basic exam. I had mentioned that it was several years since I had a PSA test and noted she had not included the test in my original blood work. Maybe it was time for a test and exam? Sure she said and with the voice of authority told me to raise my gown and bend over the table... Her finger or fingers checked every accessible part of my prostate. And then she told me to turn-around so she could examine what I had up front. Aggressive is not an adequate description of that part of the examination. This was not the usual hernia check but a full testicle and shaft exam while she asked a number of questions about my urine patterns and performance. Ten minutes later she said there was another patient waiting and time to go, but told me to schedule for a followup after the PSA results come in from the lab. I do not know what to expect next.

I’m in my late 60’s, and I’m not aware of any such thing. My gp asks a few standard questions, possibly followed by blood work. I personally don’t want to be poked, prodded, or squeezed.(At least, not by a doctor).

Post number7

djboy

4.6K / 388

It should NEVER be skipped. No exceptions!

I hate to burst your bubble (well ok I am enjoying this, actually) but the fact is rates of testicular cancer decrease significantly in men after age 40. So it CAN be skipped. That is the exception.

Testicular cancer is not common: about 1 of every 250 males will develop testicular cancer at some point during their lifetime. The average age of males when first diagnosed with testicular cancer is about 33. This is largely a disease of young and middle-aged men, but about 6% of cases occur in children and teens, and about 8% occur in men older than 55.

Self checks are simple and easy - whether your doc checks or not.

My current doc has basically told me the same thing as others posted. Men over 40 can get testicular cancer but it is not common. So he doesn’t do the check. But he also encourages me to do self checks and come in if something doesn’t feel right. He also says that I am far more likely to have some type of injury that warrants attention than cancer.

Imagine a world where docs felt it was necessary to check professionally, whether self checks are done or not, and everyone was delighted to be checked. So that there were NO lawsuits, and both doctor and patient enjoy the experience and go home happy.

My pediatrician advised me of the importance of monthly self exams in my teens. Since my age group is at a higher risk, I perform monthly self exams in addition to having it done during my annual physical. Do I get an erection? Yes I do. Do I feel embarrassed? Not really but even so I would rather feel a few moments of vulnerability than having to fight cancer for years on end

Never had a testicular exam (I'm 50) but then, I don't go very often to the doctor. There's no "annual physical" in France, it's up to me to ask for one. And I don't do it I must say.

But as I'm in my fifties now, I think I'm gonna ask for a "global check up" soon and see what my doctor (female in her 50s too) will check.

My pcp actually checks my penis, testicles and prostate every year when I go for my annual physical. I see my urologist every 6 months and she also checks my testicles, penis and prostate. She does it twice a year vacates of family history of testicular cancer and prostate cancer. Always very professional but really nice to have it done. Female doctors have gentle fingers. My pcp is older and my urologist is very young

I'm 53 and my doctor still checks my testicles.

Ever since I've been referred to Urology, I get my testicles checked by the urologist over the PCP.

Testicular cancer is a young man’s disease. Unless the patient detects a lump through self-examination or presents to the doctor with complaints about other issues ie BPH, ED etc it wouldn’t be unusual not to do a testicular exam

I'm 54, and I always make sure that my doctor examines my testicles when I go for my physical. Usually that's the first thing he does after my underwear come down, but if he doesn't go it automatically, I will ask him to. I feel like that is important at any age.

I just turned 40 and haven’t had one for about 4 years.

Over 70 and my doc does a quick check but asks if I do regular exams. Been like that for years.

PCP doesn't but uro does.

I had it done last year I was 58. He just did it as a regular part of the physical. I go in for this year's annual physical in two weeks. I would think it will be a regular part of physical this year as well. He never asks just does it as part of the exam.

I'm 84 and she wasn't going to check them during my nude physical a few months ago. My wife had her "wellness check" before mine and she mentioned that I wanted a real nude physical so she (the doc) did mine as what she called a nude physical for the first time since I began seeing her 10 years ago but I/we had to request it. I also had to request the testicle check during the physical telling her I knew what I was supposed to look for but I felt better if a professional checked me once a year. She replied "I know what you mean" and did it but it was obvious she wasn't planning on it until I requested it.

55 here and my pcp makes it part of every annual physical to check my boys, do a hernia check, and finish with a dre. i understand he's in the minority in today's medical culture.