First Phyiscal in years.

I'm about to go in for a physical and I don't have any idea what to expect. I tried looking online but I still want to know if anyone my age, being 21 or about that, can help me out with that might happen when I go? I doubt it's some to really worry about but I'm just one of those people that just wants a good general idea.

You dont believe it - give yourself an answer by reading through all the stories in this thread!

Nothing should be terribly different from any other physical you've had in your life. 😃 Since it's been a few years since your last physical, they might want to make sure you're caught up on vaccinations and what not. They'll check your vitals, height and weight, check your eyes, ears, mouth, etc. Listen to your heart and lungs, and probably an abdominal exam. Since you're a guy, the doctor will probably do a brief hernia check and check for testicular cancer. I'm sure they'll ask you loads of questions since it's been a while, like if you smoke/drink, family disease history, if you're taking any medications and if you have any allergies. No big deal at all! Actually, I think physicals are really fun. 😉

Since it has been a few years your doctor will probably want to be very thorough. Have you been under the care of this doctor or are you establishing yourself as a new patient? New patient physicals are often intense but nothing painful or horrifying. The doctor may have you completely undress and provide you with a gown or may have you strip down to your underwear or maybe not much disrobing at all. Chances are you probably will not have your prostate checked unless there is a risk factor. I was given a prostate exam during my first "adult" physical at age 24 then about once every 5 years there after then yearly at age 40 despite not having the risk factors. They will probably want you have to have blood drawn and a urine specimen too and maybe an EKG. I can understand the anxiety factor but an hour or so of your time and feeling a little stressed is a bargain if you walk away with a clean bill of health. I am sure you have read some stories on this page. Take them with a grain of salt. Every doctor, every patient and every situation is different. My story is somewhat detailed but I think you can handle it. Here is the link. Good luck and remember a yearly physical is worth the time.http://www.zity.biz/index.php?mx=forum;ox=display;msg=573630

At 21, you may not get much of an exam and it depends on the type of doctor that you will be seeing. If a family doctor, you may not have to undress at all or, if you do, it may just be your shirt that comes off and your pants may come down for a hernia check but otherwise you may stay in your clothes. If you are seeing an internist, the chances are better that you will be undressing to your underwear only or undressing completely and putting on a gown. You will probably get checked for a hernia but probably will not get a rectal exam due to your age. I got my first rectal exam in my 20s but I would guess that at your age the chances of that happening are small. Once you have the exam, you can report back here.

Be sure to shower and wear clean underwear before you go.

You dont believe if - beeing 21 and never had a phyisical in you whole life!

First, congratulations on taking personal responsibility for your health. It's important. This should not be a big deal. If you get a component doctor, he should do the following:

Take a complete medical and family history.

Ask questions about your current life style (diet, exercise, medication, etc.).

Inquire as to your current sexual activities (including, but not limited to, the ability to get and retain and erection).

Sleeping habits ... the amount and quality of your sleep ... rather you get up during the night to take a piss.

After that, the doctor will either ask you to undress completely and put on a gown, or undress to your boxers, or take off your shirt only, or strip naked and have a seat on the exam table.

Next, ears, nose, and throat. Feeling of the limp nodes. The heart and lungs. Then palpation of the chest. Next, testing of the arm and leg joints.

At this point, in the event you still have anything on, the doctor will remove all remaining clothing and commence to examine your penis and testicles, at which point he will ask you to stand up for the "cough" test, which will determine whether you may or may not have a hernia.

Next comes the tricky part. At your age, the doctor may or may not which to establish a prostate "base line". If so, you will be required to bend over and spread your butt checks, where upon the doctor will insert his gloved lubricated index finger into your anus to feel your prostate, all the while examining your rectum wall. Takes about 20 seconds.

At this point, you may or may not have a full blown erection, but don't worry if you do. It's what men do. Good luck, Sir.