What to expect from a penile and testicular exam:
A penile examination is performed after the patient has been informed about the purpose of the medical visit. A physician will examine your member with special attention to its size, shape, coloration, consistency and sensitivity. Your doctor may order other tests such as blood work or imaging studies depending on your specific situation.
Some common questions are answered here: What happens if I get hard during a physical?
If you feel uncomfortable during a physical exam, it’s okay. You don’t have to go through it. If you’re having any problems, tell your doctor right away so they can take care of them. Sometimes there are times when the doctor doesn’t want to see anything except a normal looking member of the opposite gender. However, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
Why do doctors make me cough while holding my testicles?
It’s not because they hate you! They just need to check for any abnormalities in your member. When a doctor holds your testicle, he/she is doing it out of concern for your health and well being. It helps keep things orderly and prevents unnecessary trouble. It also keeps the doctor from accidentally squeezing or poking you during the exam.
Testicles are very delicate, so please cooperate with your physician.
Can you refuse a testicular exam?
Not really. Though it is rare for men to refuse an intimate male physical, it does happen. It is never acceptable to refuse a testicular exam. If the patient says they do not want to do it, a doctor needs to find out why immediately. Withholding information is never allowed.
Why do doctors make you cough when holding your testicles?
Doctors make you cough when they hold your testicles in order to check for any irregularities or growths. This is a very simple check that doesn’t take too much time. It’s also necessary for your health. However, getting poked in the testicles is very painful. Don’t worry though! If there’s anything wrong with your testes, a doctor will resolve it quickly. Follow-up visits might be necessary, so write down all questions and concerns for later.
Sources & references used in this article:
The adolescent male genital examination. What’s normal and what’s not by WP Adelman, A Joffe – Contemporary Pediatrics, 1999 – go.gale.com
Caring for the uncircumcised penis: what parents (and you) need to know by CJ Camille, RL Kuo, JS Wiener – CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS …, 2002 – cirp.org
Making the most of the adolescent male health visit: part 2: the physical exam by AV Marcell – Contemporary Pediatrics, 2006 – go.gale.com
Revisiting the adolescent male genital examination by T GREGORY – Patient Care, 2000 – go.gale.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Testicular Cancer by P Johanson – 2007 – books.google.com
Effect of developmental status on the approach to physical examination by PS Algranati – Pediatric Clinics of North America, 1998 – Elsevier
Testis size, ovulation rate, and breast cancer by RV Short – One medicine, 1984 – Springer
Bates’ guide to physical examination and history-taking by L Bickley, PG Szilagyi – 2012 – books.google.com
