Male annual exams

When I was working with a company insurance plan, I saw my doctor twice a year. Sort of divided the physical in half. ECG and blood work for both visits. In eight years she did 2-3 DRE's and hernia exams. When my PSA jumped up a bit she referred me to a urologist who did a DRE and PSA test annually.

Retired now and medicare only covers a wellness check. Only difference I've noticed is no ECG or DRE - although she mentioned that if my PSA jumps up she would check the prostate. Went in a couple weeks ago and spent almost an hour with her. Apparently Medicare has added some questions to screen for depression, alcoholism, diet, smoking etc. Got kinda personal and I told her I wasn't comfortable answering some of them. She completely understood and said she just has to go thru the process of asking, now worries if I don't answer.

I quit smoking 20 or more years ago, but in the past 7 years I took up cigars. Started out at one/week and for the past two years it's more like 3 or 3 per day. My doc really jumped on this and it was probably good that she asked I never would have offered up how much I was smoking. She mentioned the cancer risk and admitted for most that isn't the necessary motivation to quit - nobody thinks it will get them. But the discussion made me think about why and what would motivate me to quit.... it's all about the Benjamins, baby!!!! 2-3 cigars/day at anywhere from 7-12 dollars per stick - do the math! Eight days without a cigar and absolutely no withdrawal and no compelling urges to get one!! So maybe the stupid medicare questionnaire actually accomplished something.

For many years, starting in the mid-'80's, I had an annual physical and every single one included a genital exam and a DRE. The last couple of years I've had to change doctors for insurance reasons and now find that the GU/DRE exam is no longer a given. For that matter, two years ago I had what amounted to a physical exam (without removing a stitch of clothing) that even included a hernia check through my pants. Last year's exam did include both, but it was a drop-your-pants/underpants situation and was only because I had been having some prostate-related issues. Things have changed in the medical landscape, from my perspective.

I see my pcp less than once a year. And I think they only do genital/rectal exams if I request it.

I used to go for an annual physical and it usually included a genital exam but not a prostate exam. Past half dozen years with insurance changes my PCP has changed almost every 2 years! They move, switch practices, become concierge medical providers. Last year's PCP barely made a year when he dropped my insurance. The provider prior to that didn't believe in genital or prostate exams because he said at 44 I was in the in between years where a genital or prostate exam wasn't necessary and my blood tests revealed plenty. I'm on my next PCP and anticipate an annual physical probably within the next month. I had made the male Dr in the practice my PCP but briefly visiting him...unfortunately he appears to be behind the time. Also had a brief visit with the much younger female Dr and though I am not in favor of a female Dr by choice due to embarrassment...I think she is the better Dr and will forego my comfort for a better evaluation.

I get an annual physical that always includes a genitalia check, mainly a turn your head and cough routine. To me the hernia exam is always necessary in order to be thorough

I make sure and go for a complete physical every year. This includes a genital and prostate exam as well

@Christian_Patient why’d you start going mid twenties?

I experienced some problems in this age, especially an unspecific burning while urinating. The reason was not easy to define. So I started to go for these exams of my genitals earlier than average.

I get a full complete exam every year and it does include both a genital and rectal

Last week I had my first annual physical exam in several years, so maybe now it'll be really more of an annual thing. It was with a new doctor, my first in many years. I've had lots of physicals with studies I've been involved with over the past 8 or 9 years, so not like I haven't been seen by a doctor in a long time. Sometimes I've had more than five physicals in the same year.

This one did involve fully undressing, and wearing only a gown. It was moderately thorough, everything was checked, until the doctor asked me about testicular and prostate health. I answered that it had been a while since I'd been checked any of these issues, but apparently I wasn't clear enough, because after she did a testicle and hernia exam, she just said I could get dressed. I was caught off-guard because I thought she'd just do the prostate exam too, and I wasn't quick enough to think of something to say which wouldn't sound too obvious, (like begging!) So, I didn't get the prostate exam, and I'm still feeling cheated! ?

I was caught off-guard because I thought she'd just do the prostate exam too, and I wasn't quick enough to think of something to say which wouldn't sound too obvious, (like begging!) So, I didn't get the prostate exam, and I'm still feeling cheated! ?

@Medical_test_subject , since you're over 50 as per your profile, I'm quite surprised she didn't do a prostate exam.

I tend to go once a year for an annual physical. And every year she performs a genital exam on me, but have never needed a rectal exam as of yet (thankfully).

Twice a year for a full physical exam.

Always include genital exams.

Have not had a prostate exam yet (19 years old).

Twice a year for a full physical exam.

Always include genital exams.

Have not had a prostate exam yet (19 years old).

WHY?

Do you have a chronic illness or do you make up chief complaints so your insurance/MY MONEY pays for your unnecessary exams?

Twice a years is excessive for anyone much less a 19 year old kid. I am interested in understanding why a 19 year old gets two exams a year too.

Mashie

The interesting thing is I just applied for a job today, AND I have my annual physical scheduled for later this month. If the company I applied to work at has their own physician that they'd want to examine me, I may very well get examined twice within a month or so. Which is fine by me. I'm slated to get laid off in 8 weeks after 30+ years. I just want a fucking job.

I have a physical/genital examination every couple of years which normally leads to me being sent for an ultrasound scrotum scan as my doctor found a small lump (cyst) between my testicles years ago. She checks it every time I see her.

I go to the endocrinologist every 4 months for diabetes check. No genital or rectal. I go to my urologist at least once a year. Always genital and rectal check, urine flow and bladder ultrasound. I go to my PCP every six months for checkup and STD/HIV testing. That involves rectal and urethral swabs.

I see my doctor yearly. She checks everything at that time along with a full run of blood work. She is very detailed and she does not miss anything.

I usually go for a check up about once a year, but I have been overdue for a little bit, so I need to schedule another appointment. Yes, for every physical the doctor gives me a genital exam and always tells me that I need to have one since I'm still young and in my 20s.