Physical Today - First in 5 Years

I have a birthday coming up (mid-30s) and realized that I hadn't had a physical in five years. I made an appointment last week, and it was this morning. I'd seen the doctor for other minor things, but never for a full physical. A few unusual things, but I didn't mind very much. After we talked in the exam room, he asked if I was wearing underwear, and then asked me to undress to my underwear and sit on the exam table. He didn't leave the room while I was undressing, but I figured he was going to see me naked anyway, and I'm not that shy. The exam was pretty quick, and when he was ready to check my penis and balls, he asked me to slide my underwear down. I was still lying on my back. He checked me for testicular cancer but that was it. No hernia exam. He's the second doctor I've had say that hernia exams are kind of needless because you'd know if you had a hernia. Didn't check my penis either. I had wondered if I was going to get a rectal. I'd had one at that last physical I had. No rectal. Not sure whether I was disappointed or not. I think I was slightly. The other strange thing, this is the first doctor who has said to me that I should be examining my testicles once a month. Not even when I was younger had a pediatrician ever said that to me. I just kind of new to do it (kids talk, especially at camp). And I am always good about checking. Strange at this age to be reminded.

You are still at an age where testicular cancer is prevalent so reminding you to check is pretty usual I'd say.

Sounds like a fairly disappointing exam overall. Are you going to switch to a more thorough doctor for the next exam?

Where are you and where was this doctor based? Nice that he asked if wearing underwear.

I agree with the other comments. If I had an exam like this, I would be very disappointed. I would certainly be looking for a different doctor for next year's full physical.

I do think it's interesting that he asked you if you were wearing underwear. I don't think I've ever had a single doctor ever ask me that. What is the purpose of a question like that anyway? If you say you're not, is he going to alter his exam in some way? Or just provide you with a gown?

I think it was to see whether I needed a gown. In the area I'm in, I guess some guys don't wear underwear? Yes, slightly disappointing. We'll see what I do next year.

Yes, it does sound like a very disappointing exam. I am sure I would seek another doctor. Yes, it sounds strange that he would ask if you were wearing underwear and also strange that he remained in the room while you undressed. I wonder what he would have said if you had not been wearing underwear. If you are unlucky enough to have to see that doctor again, maybe you should not wear underwear and see what he would do then.