Alone or Not for your Physical Exam?

I prefer alone.

Since we are retired, my wife is almost always with me for any medical appointment.

Exception is the dentist office, we don't go in with each other there. We do however try to schedule cleanings at the same time, so we are typically in the chairs with different hygenists at the same time.

By going to the doctor with each other, there is a second pair of ears to listen to what he or she has to say, and to prompt for clarification if needed. We see the same family doc, cardiologist, and ophthalmologist, so we usually have back to back appointments.

My preference would be alone with my doctor, but they always insist on a female nurse / witness being present. If hubby wanted to be with me, that is no problem but certainly not necessary.

I prefer to go with someone- helps calm the nerves. Amazing how something that can turn me on in fantasy is so troublesome IRL :/

Hmm, I don't know I don't think I've ever had someone come in with me although it might be fun if we were partners and both into it. Most of the time I've been alone with the doctor, or doctor and female nurse. My all time favorite 2 doctors and nurse.

The last pap smear I had I brought a friend and held her hand in something akin to abject terror.

The last pap smear I had I brought a friend and held her hand in something akin to abject terror.

Terror? Concern I might understand, but abject terror? Unless there was a very specific expectation of an unwelcome outcome of the results?

Please Chao explain the circumstances which led to abject terror if you can.

I wasn't worried about the results.

It was panic - PTSD from rape trauma and from witnessing non-consented obstetric procedures. Intense feelings of powerlessness and vulnerability. Very hard to stay present and not have flashbacks.

I prefer to be alone. This has to be done in private

Odd thing relating to this (and a long winded post) I saw a new GP for the first time yesterday, during the appointment (new patient, fully clothed medical history blah blah) I mentioned that I had kind of a rash from my shorts on my thighs (dammnit, chub rub) and he wanted to look at it. He told me to pull my pants down but leave my underwear on and stepped out to get a nurse (what?!?) even though my SO was with me (one of the reasons I bring him...that and I'm a little wuss at the doctor- see earlier post). He gave me a sheet, which I honestly felt unnecessary (underwear still on and everything) and then came back in with the nurse. Point being, I think it's so sad that medical professionals have to resort to that- I don't mind it, but it's still crazy that they have to use up the time of a nurse who could be doing something medically necessary just because doctors are so often accused of abuse. Rant over.

Point being, I think it's so sad that medical professionals have to resort to that- I don't mind it, but it's still crazy that they have to use up the time of a nurse who could be doing something medically necessary just because doctors are so often accused of abuse. Rant over.

I go back and forth on this all the time. I HATE the litigious society that is America. However, I think I hate the bad apples that ruin the face of any profession, especially healthcare, when the vast majority of providers worked their ass off to provide ethical, professional services. I'm also fortunate enough to have amazing experiences including a provider I would feel leaving the most vulnerable patient with alone.

Now my rant's over as well 😃

I would have no problem with someone joining me during an examination, but not for moral support but merely just entertainment. I am a big boy and can go to the doctor all by myself.

I'm fine alone unless they have someone in for teaching purposes.

Would love to be in during my SO's exam but she'd hate it.

I think I'd much rather be alone, but that's not usually the case.

My physician usually requires a nurse to be in the room.

I really believe that it's for his own protection from false accusations etc.

Shame that this is the way the world is now.

C.

Every time I had a physical exam it was just a doctor and nurse. I would have wanted to have my husband with me but he did not offer, I did not ask him either.

Just recently I told him that moving forward I prefer he stays in, but I completely understand if he doesn't. And the reason is that he feels uncomfortable.

I actually would like to be alone but I can't. I am disabled and have a horrible memory. I have to have a friend with me to remember anything important. Sometimes I long to go into a doctor alone.

I have always been alone as an adult when having a physical exam. As a child Mum was always present for any medical exam by our family GP. I have accompanied a could of friends when they have had a GP's consultation,

They wanted me along for moral support but also to ensure all their concerns, questions etc were answered and ensure that what was said they got the gist off. Its quite normal at times for patients to forget to ask key questions or forget what was said to them during an exam or consultation.

For a real exam it's just the Doctor, Nurse and myself. For a play exam I don't mind an audience.

I love being alone in the exam room with my gynecologist when he does the basic parts of the exam but when he examines my breasts, vagina and butt there's a nurse in the room :/ but I'd love it to be just me and my gynecologist in the room alone the whole time while he examines me from head to toe

I prefer to go in alone, so no friends or partners. What I don't mind is some extra medical staff being in while the exam is being done. Maybe a medical student watching (even better if they touch me) or maybe a nurse walking in for something.

I was always alone for any exam that included the genitals. I went with my mother to the Dr. when I was sick but it never involved any undressing.

My Mom and 4 years younger brother were both in the exam room with me until I was 13. After that I've been alone.

I definitely prefer alone. I don't need or want moral support, though I have no problem with a med student or fellow being there or participating, as long as the doctor also performs the exam.

I love to have someone come with me - sadly it is not as often as I would like.

During my last exam, my husband was in the room with the doctor and nurse. The doctor examined my breasts and did his normal exam of my vaginal cavity. He did spend a little extra time with his fingers in my vagina. I think it was because he saw my husband smiling.

I prefer to be alone during my exams.

I prefer to be alone during my exams.

Exactly the same for me.

Definitely alone - No question on that point.

Alone, without a doubt. My high school physical included a standing hernia check with my dad in the room. I have no desire to have an audience again, even if it was just an audience of one.