A number of posters, particularly women, indicate that they have never had their rectal temperature taken as best as they can remember. Are rectal temperatures dying out? With the new electronic thermometers and other devices, do kids not get their temperatue taken rectally anymore? When I grew up, it was the only way it was taken and it was taken frequently. I doubt there are many rectal temperatures taken today in doctor's offices, clinics or hospitals. Will the rectal temperature fetish slowly die out and disappear?