Doctor commenting on circumcision status

Every year, my pediatrician (a woman who I don't think had ever seen an uncircumcised penis before) would pull it back and forth multiple before telling my mom to have me circumcised.

I am curious what area you lived in and whether your mother got you circumcised?

I am curious what area you lived in and whether your mother got you circumcised?

I am curious too and add which decade you are talking about to list as well ... if it was the 1950s/60s an American doc like that wouldn't be all that uncommon. If it was later ... well ...

During an athletic physical exam that I had at my doctors office, the doctor went thru the form from my trainer. There was a usual "genital" line and a line that had two check boxes. One for Circumcised, and another for uncircumcised. After he did his exam of my penis he said, "..and your circumcised, I'll mark that." Then he said, "Your circumcision was done just right."

😃

At my annual the Dr said "...and your uncircumcised.." while she lifted my penis and retracted my foreskin halfway. Im pretty sure she was talking to herself, as I was already aware of that fact.

As a child growing up uncircumcised in the 60's I always had my penis examined at medical's.

In fact I seem to remember being the only child uncircumcised at school in my year and consequently I must have been the novelty for doctors back then.

Then years later I had to undergo a circumcision.

However just recently I had to see a urologist and interestingly he asked me how long it had been since I'd been circumcised.

He was very impressed with the neatness of the surgeons work and so began a conversation about why etc.

Penis examinations were the norm for me then now I've reached that stage in life where my prostate is getting all the attention. Fortunately all I have is an enlarged prostate.

Such is life.

I went to a new urologist today. As she was examining my genitals, she asked if I was circumcised and I told her I was. I’m really small and when I’m flaccid, my glans retracts and it looks like I’m not circumcised. She just retracted the skin and examined my penis.

My GP and urologist have always commented on my uncircumcised status! They pull back my foreskin, telling me they will do so, then ask if I ever have any problems with it. Very erotic!

My GP and urologist have always commented on my uncircumcised status! They pull back my foreskin, telling me they will do so, then ask if I ever have any problems with it. Very erotic!

What do they say to comment on your uncircumcised status? I would like to know the words they use if you recall.

I recently moved and as part of that found a new primary care provider. Went to an intake examination / checkup and the doctor came in, she's fairly attractive, early 30s (I'm mid 30s). Went over all the usual stuff, then she asked if I conduct regular testicular self-exams (no); whether I'm sexually active (yes); women, men, or both (just women); when was the last time I had an STD test (a long time ago).

She then said that she doesn't normally conduct genital exams on healthy men of my age, BUT that if I didn't mind she would like to do one on me, to check for testicular cancer as well as STDs. I said that was fine, and unbuckled and pulled my pants and underwear down far enough to give her access. She did the testicle check first, everything was fine. Then she said "I see that you're not circumcised - that's relatively uncommon in men your age. Have you had any problems with your foreskin? Tightness, redness, swelling, anything like that?" I responded with "Uhh nope, medically no problems". She then asked if she could retract my foreskin to check for any problems under there. I gave her the ok and she did so, again no problems. She left my foreskin retracted and said "Ok, looks good! Go ahead and pull your pants back up now." I felt really awkward about touching my penis in front of her so I pulled my pants back up without returning the foreskin to its normal position, which is kind of uncomfortable for me.

After that she took her gloves off and threw them away. She then said "Now, one of the things we've started informing our male patients of is that circumcision can reduce your risk of HIV and other STDs. Is that something you're familiar with?" I said I'd heard about it, and she asked if that was something I was interested in. I said "Well, to be honest I've considered it before, but more for I guess social reasons than medical." She said "Ok, well, I can give you some more info on it from the medical side. It's something we're trying to encourage. I know it's a big decision, you don't have to decide right now. Your absolute risk is fairly low, and you should always use condoms with untested partners, this would just be something that is like an additional level of protection." She printed out a sheet for me, I said thanks, and she said "Yeah, just give that some thought, and let us know what you decide. If you're interested I can get you a referral to a urologist as well as some information about the aftercare and recovery."

Then she said "I see that you're not circumcised - that's relatively uncommon in men your age. Have you had any problems with your foreskin? Tightness, redness, swelling, anything like that?" I responded with "Uhh nope, medically no problems". She then asked if she could retract my foreskin to check for any problems under there. I gave her the ok and she did so, again no problems. She left my foreskin retracted and said "Ok, looks good! Go ahead and pull your pants back up now." I felt really awkward about touching my penis in front of her so I pulled my pants back up without returning the foreskin to its normal position, which is kind of uncomfortable for me.

In my opinion, she treated you disrespectfully. What does it have to do with anything that it is uncommon that you are not circumcised? I also think not replacing the foreskin over the head of the penis was uncaring. Leaving the foreskin retracted was almost like she was drawing further attention to your uncircumcised status in a disdainful way. How did you feel about the manner in which you were treated and examined?

In my opinion, she treated you disrespectfully. What does it have to do with anything that it is uncommon that you are not circumcised?

Maybe she didn't treat Panda Man disrespectfully as such, but rather acted in a very smug and knowing way about circumcision, which wasn't all that knowing in reality. Circumcision is either a religious matter - in which case all rationality goes out the window - or it can be a tradition or social custom - in which case rationality also takes a back seat.

The doctor must apparently not know that much about foreskins or an uncovered glans, because indeed, an exposed glans can be extremely sensitive to touch, especially of clothing rubbing up against it. There may be the excuse that being female she has no first hand knowledge, but as a doctor it is below par. Just shows how little she was taught about the matter, how dismissive and lacking some teaching about foreskins/circumcision seems to be.

In my opinion, she treated you disrespectfully. What does it have to do with anything that it is uncommon that you are not circumcised? I also think not replacing the foreskin over the head of the penis was uncaring. Leaving the foreskin retracted was almost like she was drawing further attention to your uncircumcised status in a disdainful way. How did you feel about the manner in which you were treated and examined?

To give some context on what she said, she said pretty much same thing regarding my wisdom teeth. When going over medical history she asked if I'd had any surgeries, I said no, she said "Even wisdom teeth?" and I said "no, still have those" and she said "Wow, that's fairly uncommon these days". So I kinda viewed it in the same light as that, just an observation.

Regarding leaving the foreskin retracted, maybe she didn't feel comfortable returning it to its position? It's not like she told me not to adjust it, that was just my own awkwardness. Sometimes it takes a bit more adjustment than just sliding it back into position, so maybe she just didn't want to get involved with that. In retrospect I doubt she would have cared if I'd adjusted it myself, it just felt wrong/weird at the spur of the moment.

Overall I didn't feel disrespected. The exam was maybe a bit cold/"professional" but that seems to be standard medical practice.

Overall I didn't feel disrespected. The exam was maybe a bit cold/"professional" but that seems to be standard medical practice.

The "cold" quality exhibited ny a doctor during a physical adds a lot to the embarrassment of the experience for me. Her coldness is also pretty obvious with what I consider an unnecessary statement at the beginning of your genital exam:

I t she said "I see that you're not circumcised - that's relatively uncommon in men your age."

I love the fact that she commented on your circumcision status which is see as condescending and totally unnecessary. What difference does it make if that is uncommon in men you age? It seems to me she was trying to make you feel awkward.

@Panda_Man said

To give some context on what she said, she said pretty much same thing regarding my wisdom teeth. When going over medical history she asked if I'd had any surgeries, I said no, she said "Even wisdom teeth?" and I said "no, still have those" and she said "Wow, that's fairly uncommon these days". So I kinda viewed it in the same light as that, just an observation.

I think the clue to her attitude is in this quote, and also in what @agracier said. To me she sounds like one who rushes to surgically intervene, or advocates it, in all manner of things. There is no need for intervention with wisdom teeth unless they are causing problems, but to me it sounds as if she would advise surgery at the first sign of their emergence. So similarly, she views foreskins as abnormalities needing to be corrected.

@Panda_Man

The CDC currently recommends circumcision for males of ALL ages.

Here is the link:

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2014/12/03/368008742/cdc-considers-counseling-males-of-all-ages-on-circumcision

I had a school medical not long after being circumcised, and the doctors commented that it was better for boys to be circumcised and that it was satisfactory,

I next had a medical at 21 for a bus driving licence application and my doctor remarked oh yes we had you circumcised, I’d better have a good look at that, which he did and commented that it was still tight enough

Had a recent Urologist genital exam. She dictates her finding to her assistant at the computer as she proceeds through the exam.

She first palpated both testicles calling out items checked being within normal parameters, then visually examined scrotum skin pulling it slightly taught from side to side, then checked for inguinal hernia with my straining cough, she then palpated the shaft of my penis beginning at the base moving towards glans and lifting it to visually exam the underside calling out anatomical parts and their normal status. Once at the glans she opened my meatus to exam the urethra opening and called out as part of her dictation; "circumcised". it was all a clinically professional experience.

At play doc examinations, the docs have remarked that my circumcision looked very well done, and that i have been de-sensitised a lot, not only am I pleased to have had my circumcision remarked upon, but I'm sure the Dr that circumcised me would be thrilled to know he did a great job 😃

(This is an experience a friend of mine shared with me after a recent physical. I thought it was exciting.)

I was having my third annual physical exam by a female nurse practitioner to whom I had been referred by a male coworker.I was thinking as I sat in the waiting room that I was a bit more calm than usual when I am getting a physical. “Mark.” I looked up to see a nurse or medical assistant looking in my direction. “Are you ready to come on back?” I was ready to get this over with for another year so I stood up and briskly walked toward the door she held open. She led me down the hallway to an area where a scale was located. She told me to take my shoes off and step on the scale. After my weight, I put my shoes back on and followed her to a exam room. “Take off your shirt and have a seat on the table.” I complied and she took vital signs and then did an EKG. “Alright, now I need you to undress to your undershorts, here is a gown if you want it, and Ms. Powers will be with you. After taking off my slacks, shoes, and socks, I sat back up on the table wearing only my white Hanes briefs. I decided to forego the gown since I always find them more awkward and the nurse practitioner has seen me naked a couple of times already.After a few minutes wait, the NP knocked and came in. She greeted me, asked how I had been feeling, and if there were any health issues since I last saw her. Then she hit me with “I have a nursing student shadowing me this month. You wouldn’t mind if she observed, would you?” She positioned it in a way that made it awkward to decline, so, I agreed. The NP opened the door and told the person outside to come in. In walks a young girl around 20 years old who was decent looking. She was dressed like the NP in a white lab coat but had on blue scrubs rather than slacks like the NP always wore. “Mark, this is Heather. She’s a third year nursing student.” I was thinking what a bad idea it had been to agree to having this girl in the room for my physical! Too late now. The student took a place next to the door about five feet from me. I was sitting on the end of the exam table so she was looking at my right shoulder. The wall was close to me on my left and the sink and cabinet were at the foot of the table a few feet away. The NP worked from in front of me and from my right side over where the student was standing. She looked in my eyes, ears, throat, felt my neck, and checked my reflexes. Then, she put on her stethoscope and listened to my heart and lungs. (I was thinking about the genital exam. She had done it with me standing at the foot of the table so that would mean the student would not be able to see my genitals. It would be embarrassing having her witness it but at least she would not get a look at my penis.) the. She had me lie back as she pulled out the foot extension on the table. As she auscultated and then palpated my abdomen, the panic began setting in. We all know what comes next! She moved to the glove box on the counter and gloved up. She walked to the side of the table on my right and I heard “Stand right here and go ahead and pull down your underwear. Standing in front of her my hands were shaking as I reached for my waistband and, with a sick feeling in y stomach and my head spinning, I pulled down the front of my Hanes presenting my genitalia to the two women. I noticed the student looking right at my genitals. “Now when a man is not circumcised, it is important to be sure his foreskin will retract” as she retracted my foreskin and the shiny purple head came into view. She looked over the head briefly and then replaced the foreskin over the glans. This experience was extremely humbling to him because he is very self-conscious about being uncircumcised as distinctly different from the vast majority of his peers. For him, this was a very effective exercise in embarrassment and humiliation.

I received many comments from my pediatrician during penis examinations. One time I was bring to my aunt friend (they studied togheter at local medicine school) to have her advice for my phymosis. During the genital exam she said - I am very surprised that your pediatrician has not yet done the surgery on you-. It was unexpected for me and I dreaded she would arrange a circumcision surgery on the spot. Luckly for me my auntie wanted only an advice from her...

When growing up in Europe, not a single doctor commented on circumcision status of my penis. Having an uncircumcised penis was considered very normal.

During me first physical exam in the United States, the doctor looked in my chart and asked "I see that you were born in Europe, is that right?" I told him "yes," and he asked "Ah-ha... so, has your penis been circumcised?"

Few months after my initial exam with the doctor he referred me to a urologist. When he saw my penis, his comment "So, you have not been circumcised... I see..."

When my regular doctor examined my penis after it was circumcised, he asked "So, I know you had a minor surgery not that long ago," and I responded with "yes." He then said "Very well... let's take a look at your circumcision."

During me first physical exam in the United States, the doctor looked in my chart and asked "I see that you were born in Europe, is that right?" I told him "yes," and he asked "Ah-ha... so, has your penis been circumcised?"

Few months after my initial exam with the doctor he referred me to a urologist. When he saw my penis, his comment "So, you have not been circumcised... I see..."

When my regular doctor examined my penis after it was circumcised, he asked "So, I know you had a minor surgery not that long ago," and I responded with "yes." He then said "Very well... let's take a look at your circumcision."

Obsession obsession obsession ... why weren't the American doctors curious how everyone in Europe stayed just as genitally healthy, able to be sexually active, procreate and so on with an uncut prick? You'd think in the spirit of scientific curiosity they might have pondered the question, maybe even momentarily? Didn't they even ask if you had had any problems previously?

And how did they even convince you in the first place? What argument did they use that got you to consent? Or were you more or less railroaded with the doctors acting like there was never any doubt you'd not wish to be cut?

During me first physical exam in the United States, the doctor looked in my chart and asked "I see that you were born in Europe, is that right?" I told him "yes," and he asked "Ah-ha... so, has your penis been circumcised?"...

Here is a hypothetical corollary question: suppose that instead of the US, you had, for whatever reason, gone to live in a Muslim country, Saudi, Iraq, Iran (before their Revolution), Egypt, wherever and the doctors there had commented on your lack of circumcision and strongly advised you to get cut, would you have taken their advice on the matter? After all, in their countries is was the norm and the expected thing to do.

Would you have listened to them and had the circumcision? Would you have given their medical advice as much consideration?

Just curious for an honest answer.

@agracier, that isn't even a fair question. 😃

Going to a new country where you know few if any people, would YOU be inclined to have a procedure recommended or performed by a third world person, or by a physician in the United States.

I know my husband would tell a third world person to buzz off.

@agracier, that isn't even a fair question. 😃

Going to a new country where you know few if any people,.

The question is entirely fair. Who says anyone from the EU moving to the US knows many people either or has much knowledge about (real) American culture? Some of the things I have read here about American medical practices, especially attitudes and assumptions, seem very weird and strange at times, especially the less obvious things and underlying cultural axioms that influence a country's outlook on life. And I have lived in both places and can compare my experiences.

Besides, physicians are supposed to trained to more or less international standards - to a point. And if I am not mistaken, due to the dearth of medical graduates 'in-house' so to speak, many 'Third World' citizens with medical degrees come to the US to practice medicine.

Would you therefore willingly and knowingly tell such a physician practicing in the US to buzz off?

Of course it is not unusual for people to be wary of things when in other countries and cultural regions other than their own. I am just saying that this attitude should be thought entirely compatible for EU citizens coming to the US. If their (American) opinions clashed with my deep held (medical) cultural assumptions, I'd tell them to buzz off too.

By what objective medical finding would be the difference of an American or a Muslim doctor (strongly) advising you to get cut? Both are based on cultural assumptions.

Personally I would tell both to buzz off with their advice. But it's interesting to ponder what other's reaction might be.

During me first physical exam in the United States, the doctor looked in my chart and asked "I see that you were born in Europe, is that right?" I told him "yes," and he asked "Ah-ha... so, has your penis been circumcised?

Few months after my initial exam with the doctor he referred me to a urologist. When he saw my penis, his comment "So, you have not been circumcised... I see..."

When my regular doctor examined my penis after it was circumcised, he asked "So, I know you had a minor surgery not that long ago," and I responded with "yes." He then said "Very well... let's take a look at your circumcision."

Im curious and have a few questions if you dont mind. What led you to agreeing with to be circumcised? How long had you been in the US when it came up? What was the reason for the exam, for instance immigration, simply health or an employment physical?

What do you think of being circumcised now?

In the exams I do, I will ask about circumcision status in the patient history and if a guy is cut then during the exam I will note if the circumcision is normal.

@codykv hey, what type of circumcision do you consider to be "normal?"

Men, when getting a physical exam, has a doctor ever commented on the fact that you're circumcised or uncircumcised? If so, what have they said?

I now do volunteer work at a local free clinic. I was able to acquire one of the forms for the physical exam. Under Genitalia (male) it asked Penis: Circumcised ____ Uncircumcised ____. I concluded that it was the same form that the doctor used when I had my pre-employment physical.

@uncutforeskin you should post that form on here.