TIPS: What to say... What to keep track of ... What to wear... What to wash...

There are a couple of things that you should know about the exam. Doctors perform the exam in different orders, depending on the doctor and the history elicited from you. For instance, some docs do the cardiovascular exam first, others examine your ears first; some docs do the exam by system whereas some docs do the exam starting at the head and progressing downward; and so on. If your doctor knows you well, he may simply focus the exam on parts of you that your history indicated may be out of order. Some docs don't even do pelvic exams. But whatever the case, most physicians will want to check out your heart, lungs, abdomen, and head (eyes, ears, nose, and throat) every time you visit. Although the order of the exam may differ from doctor to doctor, your doctor will likely examine you the same way each time. Why? Otherwise, she might forget something. Since docs have to see a lot of patients, efficiency is key. Thus, many MDs will ask you to change into a gown or remove your shirt ahead of time.

There are a set number of things that a doctor examines, noting what is important, regular, or irregular in the chart. Many times, what you think is weird or drastically wrong is just plain normal. I'm not saying that you shouldn't tell your doctor about such things - in fact, I would argue that you should. But don't be surprised that, in general, most of what you are is totally fine. Remember that doctors have seen hundreds of patients every week, and you've seen only you and, at best, a small number of other people. So what's out of your range is often not out of your doctor's.

KNEE JERKS

Reflexes are an important part of the physical exam. Abnormal reflexes may indicate drug toxicity, peripheral nerve disorders, or a lesion in the central nervous system (brain or CNS). Neurologists, who test reflexes more often than other specialists, often use a hammer even bigger than the one shown above.

1. Generally, it pays to limit your comments to the history part of the visit - unless your doctor is of the type to talk to you a lot (i.e., perform the history) during the exam. Talking during the exam may distract your doctor and tends to make parts of the exam difficult to perform. That's why it's good to write down your history and questions so that you don't forget anything.

2. If your doctor asks you to keep track of your blood pressure or glucose, record those religiously at home and bring the records to the doctor's office. Or you could keep a diary and bring it to the exam. This will make the exam more efficient.

3. Take a shower and brush your teeth beforehand as a courtesy to those who will be examining you.

4. Be prepared to dress in a gown. Wear clothing that is easy to remove and put back on. And don't forget: always be prepared to take out your dentures.

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I have a question regarding an occurance during a physical exam. Yesterday while visiting my Dr for a routine physical exam, he asked me to remove my shirt, then proceeded to listen to my lungs. He then asked me to lay on my back. At this point, he very, very lightly took the tip of his finger and began lightly running it from my side, just under the rib cage to the center of my stomach. Of course my stomach flinched, as this is a sensitive, somewhat ticklish area. After repeating this several times, he said "sorry, I need to check your liver" and he began the normal deeper compressions lower on my stomach. Was this feather-light touching to test my neuro response? Ive never had a DR do this before, and I must admit, I was kind of surprised. Hope someone can give me some insight!!

Thank you

pj_tucson_az@yahoo.com

-- PJ, August 2, 2002

My question concerns my annual breast exam from my primary physician. I wear the usual paper gown for the exam. I am never completely disrobed during the exam including, from the waist up.

I am only examined from one side of the table, and my doctor reaches under the paper gown, showing very little if any of my breast in the supine position. In the upright position my paper gown is not removed and he only feels around my neck area. The complete breast exam takes less than two minutes.

How do I tell my doctor (without hurting his feelings), that I think I am not getting a adequate breast exam. He has been my doctor for at least fifteen years and I am completely satisfied with him otherwise. I mentioned to him once before that I was concerned about breast cancer because two of my friends had breast cancer. One of them the mammogram missed. He offered to do another breast exam for me but did it the same way.

I know I should be more concerned about breast cancer than my doctors feelings, but he has been an excellent doctor and I would not like to lose him.

How should I handle this problem?

---

The information below was found on the Internet as to how a Adequate Breast Exam is performed.

Although sensitivity to the patient’s modesty is important, a thorough breast examination requires that the patient be completely disrobed from the waist up so that the area can be completely examined. The breast exam usually takes two minutes or less.

The examiner should have access to the patient from both sides of the examining table. Moreover, the patient should be examined in both the upright and supine positions, and sufficient time should be allowed for the examination to be conducted in an unh

ried manner.

The most frequent errors made in conducting a thorough clinical breast examination are failure to have the patient disrobe, examining the breasts only while the patient is reclining, and a rushed or hurried exam.

-- Barb, September 6, 2002

Actually, It's a time to get back to our human being awareness of our existance here as a natural living organism.

So I've never been uncomfortable, if anything I would be upset when the doctor omits a "private part" in the physical. If it's part of the anatomy the annual exam should check it.

Also the token gown is rediculous, it just gets in the way so if it's not cold nothing shoud be worn to interfere.

We're all human beings.

-- Ros, October 21, 2002

I'm a 23 year old female. Recently I've been going to the doctor and I've had a lot of uncomfort during my abdominal exam. She presses down very deep into my stomach to where i feel pain, and she listens to it for long amounts of time. I'm just wondering if anyone knows why she as to press so deep and listen to my stomach. I'm very sensitive there.

-- jen, December 7, 2002

In late 1980's,I suffered a traumatic but thought-provoking encounter with a

an m.d. During an examination to have a form filled out for Oregon State University, the physician wanted to palpate in location where I denied permission. He then became coercive and argumentative. I acquiesced but felt contaminated. He had trivialized my dignity and autonomy. I did not know his name at the time but have since tracked him down during the current year on the Internet. I don't think I have any legal recourse. I now believe that the responsibility for controlling such incidents lies with the client, to the extent of their sense of empowerment. Ordinary people can join in the feeding frenzy when physicians are taken task in public forums. I did this by writing a letter to the Editor in the 1999 case of

Ramlah Vahanvaty. A better defense, however, is an assertive attitude-to match the physician's coercion and and to demand not to be treated as an intellectual vassal. Doctors are not invincible. Fear helps keep them in check

-- carmen, December 9, 2002

I think Physician's before doing P.E. or any proceedure to their patients irregardless of gender should explain the proceedure and should established rapport with their clients, so the patient will built trust and confidence in their doctor, sad to say a lot of doctors making physical exams view it something as a daily routine. to a patient undergoing PE for the first time is often embarassing or traumatic at times. But for me I prefer a male doctor when I have my Physical Exams,for sure they understand my anatomy well and Iam not embarass to ask questions related to my health.

-- Mr.Philippines, December 16, 2002

Many people share the anger which Carmen's letter suggests. At this juncture there needs to be made a distinction between a willful humiliation and mere embarrassment. The former, I believe, is deeply imbedded and in medical education and culture. Power and control are the foundations of a physician/patient relationship. The prestige which Western civilization heaps upon medical practitioners serves patient into an almost feudal relationship (at which Carmen also hints). Patients have little recourse against culturally sanctioned emotional abuse and will have even less if tort reform legislation passes the U.S. Congress. maybe the lowly baseball bat with the threat of its use is the tool needed to bring medical personnel into line.

-- Anonymous, February 4, 2003

Hi there, I have a female doctor and I'm always to shy to be open with her even if its about my privates. How can I change? and how long should a guy get their privates checked? please help.

-- sam 22, February 13, 2003

I recently went to a new doctor for a physical. I'm a mid forties male. The exam was less than thorough, I thought.

The nurse practitoiner gave the exam ( a female). She gave a breast exam(something new to me, being a male) she looked at my skin, listened to my heart, blood pressure check, weight check, digital rectal exam,

and blood tests. there was no check of eyes, ears, throat, penis, testicles, or

reflexes. At this age should the penis and testicles still be examined, or is the risk for cancer very minimal. I'd appreciate your responses and experiences. Thanks!

Vincent

-- Vince, March 1, 2003

I was reading about everyone's different experiences. I am 26 and I have a new female doctor. Last week I went in for my first complete physical with her. She took a brief medical history and then I was asked to get competely naked and sit on the examining table with a sheet covering me. I had always been used to wearing a gown. When she came in, she looked in my ears, eyes mouth etc. Then she asked me to sit up straight and she pulled down the sheet to listen to my heart and back and then to examine my breasts. First she did a visual expection and then examined my breasts sitting up. Then when I lied down, she continued to feel around my breasts and arm pits for lumps. Even though I had checked my own breasts in the past, she wanted to watch me perform a BSE. When she examined my abdomen, she pulled the sheet right down exposing my pubic area. It was this part of the exam that I felt most exposed. Even during the pelvic exam, I felt more covered. I think gowns should be used rather than sheets for comfort.

-- grace, March 3, 2003

As a Director of a local non-profit organization many families who were involved with our organization had concerns about seeing a medical professional of the same sex. I worked closely with medical professionals for a period of seven years. Most medical professional are not sensative to the general public when it comes to this issue. I do know that most medical professionals are very careful when it comes to viewing or examining some one of the opposite sex. They have cloth and paper covers and try to be as non intrusive as possible. The typical response from doctors and nurses was I am a professional and I do not look at a person's naked body parts in an unprofessional way. I worked with 2 Chirstian Doctors in my area to educate other Doctors about running a same sex doctors office. With the rise in female docotors and male and female nurse practitioners this seemed to be a realistic alternative. All the patiences that we interviewed felt no stress. Knowing that a same sex medical professional would be seeing them. Could you give me your thoughts on this and please send me any information that you know of. Thanks

-- Amos Ramirez, October 9, 2003

Reply to Jen-

Yes, abdominal exams can be uncomfortable, especially if you are not relaxed. We are all ticklish there. The goal is to try and make your belly as soft as possible so that your doctor can feel your insides. Try putting your feet flat on the table so your knees are bent and flexing your hips a bit. Take some deep breaths in and out. Imagine that you are lying on the beach, totally relaxed and comfortable. When your doc is listening to your belly, she is listening for any decrease or increase in your bowel sounds and any possible obstruction of the abdominal blood vessels. When she lightly presses on your tummy, she is just trying to make sure that everything is soft and nontender. As she presses deeper, she is feeling for some of your organs (liver, spleen, kidneys and colon), your aorta and for any unusual masses. Just relax, you'll be fine.

-- larry, October 20, 2003

I'm in my mid 40's and go the VA Medical Center for annual physical check-ups. If you have anything that needs to be addressed you are sent to another doctor in the VA who specializes in your problem. I was scheduled to see a dermatologist who was a female and a female nurse was in the room to assist. I had to strip down to my underwear and stand there while they looked over my skin on my whole body. I then had to take my underwear down so they could check my buttocks and genital area. About this time a male doctor, the female doctor's supervisor, entered the room and while she was still checking me over he was trying to ask her out on a date. I felt this was inappropriate as this shouldn't be the time for him to be doing this.

Another time when I had to see the dermatologist it was a different female doctor and a different female nurse. Same procedure all over again and this time the nurse had to leave the room to get something and opened the door and as she went out everyone in the waiting room could see me standing there naked with the doctor checking my genitals. I don't feel most medical people look at their patients as humans, but only as objects of their work.

-- Michael, November 1, 2003

I always have the worst time when my doctor tests my reflexes on the bottoms of my feet. Normally she uses her thumb nail starting at the heel and goes up and then across the ball of my foot. I am extremely ticklish there and I laugh very hard. My foot jerks so bad that she has to hold my ankle to keep my foot still and this only makes it more intense. Now I am laughing even harder as my foot jerks against her grip. I literally can not take tickling especially on the bottoms of my feet. This is very embarrassing for me because I can not control the laughter. Even though I laugh, it's not at all fun. It is the worst form of torture. It's very confusing why I laugh so hard but HATE every minute. She tells me I need to go barefoot more because toughening the soles of my feet might help. As badly as I hate foot tickling I will try anything.

-- Lisa Holmes, December 6, 2003

re: Amos Ramirez' post about matching Patient/Doctor genders.

I have not regularly visited doctors. Within the last 30 years, the only times were for a hernia surgery, a hand infection, and a couple of stitches when I cut my palm. I am signed up now with a great HMO and decided to take advantage of a Health Evaluati0on (PE). Part one was a simple check for vitals - Ht/Wt, BP/Pulse, Eyes, Ears, EKG, and Blood Test. Removed shoes for HT/WT. and raised shirt for EKG. Exam done by two females - nurse and assistant. Part 2 was 2 weeks later. I arrived earlier than scheduled, so waiting room jitters had begun to set in when my name was called by Francine, a Nurse Practioner who introduced herself, said she would be doing my evaluation. Well, I was happy the wait was over and figured I could live through it. Went to the exam room where she took my envelope with stool samples and said she was going to the lab to check them an I sjould take off everything except my shorts, and be sure to take off my shoes and socks, and to sit on the bottom of the table and she'd be right back. She did all the upper body stuff, then checked my feet and legs (and the knee tap) She would always remark about her findings, good or bad and give me a chance to reply or discuss them. By this time, she had had her hands all over my body, and listening to and looking at things inside me, so it was only natural when she told me to lower my shorts as she was donning latex gloves. She remarked about a hernia surgery scar (from sixty years ago) We discussed my other surgeries, my tongue got twisted, and as I tried to correct myself, tongue was still twisted, so we both got a good chuckle at the words that came out. She examined my testicles, showing me how I should do it, and watched while I did the exam and told me to do it at least once a month. While she did my prostate, she gave me the good news about it, then told me she would turn in her report and get orders for blood tests,immunisations, etc, pointed out the tissues so I could clean myself and said to get dressed. When she returned, we discussed nutrition, weight control, the immunisations, the prescriptions, exercise, etc, and additional exams and blood tests I was to arrange. She made sure I understood it all!

Everyone that I have lealt with at this organization has been equally helpful and friendly, and I would like to say that the personality, including the bedside manner) of the care provider is so much more inportant to me than is the gender!

C.G.

-- curious guy, December 27, 2003

I am going to a dermatologist for the first time next week. I am going for a general "full body check" I have no idea what this entails. Could somebody give some idea of what to expect?

-- Cris, January 22, 2004

I am a seventeen yr old virgin. Due to absent periods, I feel the need to go to be examined. I have never been comfortable with doctors of any kind and feel not embarrassed, but violated whem a dentist puts his fingers in my mouth. When I talk to our family doctor I don't feel like she's listening to me. This has added to my fear of doctors. I know this appointment is nessasary, and I'm ready to do it, but am very, very scared. I am not very streched and when I did have my period, had a hard time using tampons. I am worried the pelvic exam will be painful b/c two fingers won't easily fit. Any tips on how I should act, questions to ask, or how I can stop freaking out about this? Please don't just tell me I'm being a baby, I already know that. Thanks.

-- Anonymous, January 28, 2004

hi, i want to know why the doctors test the reflexes on the bottoms of the feet. It is too torturous for me, n i laugh hysterically all through the exam. he has to hold my feet still or i will kick him... can anyone PLEASE answer my question n help me get through this?

-- Anonymous, February 4, 2004

I too find the tummy exam unconfortable and emabbarsing and find they take a long time pressing hard and want to know any more ways to relax my belly and make the muscles soft so they can feel easily.

-- Anonymous, February 14, 2004

I'm going for a physical in a month, but am worried about the abdomen exam. Can someone please give me details on what to expect & what the Dr is likely to do?

-- Smithers, February 25, 2004

I am 17 female, and i had many traumatic doctor experiences when i was a kid. I had the unfortunate problem of bed-wetting due to poor pelvic muscles, and i spent a lot of time at the doctor's office trying to get the problem fixed. Each time the procedure would be the same, and it would be both humiliating and traumatic for me. My doctors were mostly females, but there were a couple of males, and the exam would always start with me taking off my pants and panties in front of everyone. It was really degrading as a kid, and there was this once, when there were 4 intern docs in the room as well. And my doctor asked me to lie on the bed, and to hug both my legs while lying on my side. Then she would spread my vagina and do her thing and the 3 interns would be looking intently at what she was doing. She would explain what she was looking for, and ask one of the interns to hold a light to my vagina so they could 'see better'. The interns would then each get a chance to spread my vagina and examine me to find out what the problem was. i find this really humiliating, even as a kid, and i have nightmares about it till now. Although it is not really physically violating me, but it is visually violating my privacy. And the male doctors get to probe me even as interns. Is it fair for a kid to undergo such exams?

-- Anonymous, March 7, 2004

Yeah, I agree with you guys about the abdominal exam. I just went for a physical and although I was kind of able to keep my belly relaxed, I had a smile from embarresment on my face the whole time. My doctor was really thorough with my belly, more so than my last one. She put her cold steth on my tummy, giving me goosebumps and thumped up and down on both sides, something about my liver and spleen. When she started to feel, she had to remind me to relax and she asked me to bend my knees. She felt quickly all over and then started to press really deep with both hands, spending lots of time pprodding around my navel and below. SHe further embarressed me by saying that I was "so thin" and that she could "feel everything in there", including my liver, colon, kidney and other stuff. she even commented on my piercing! i was almost glad when she moved on to my pelvic and covered my shivering belly, but of course, more prodding to come.

-- christine, March 31, 2004

I'm a 32 year old male.I was just wanted to know if what I experienced in an exam would be within the realm of what was normal. It happened years ago, when I was a teenager. Since then I have this huge anxiety about doctors so I just basically don't go. Anyway, I was getting a physical exam, my first one. I didn't have to undress at all except for my shirt. When it came time for him to examine below my navel ( I was lying down)HE undid my belt and jeans and then pulled my jeans down to my ankles. He even asked me to hop down off of the table which was very hard with my ankles bound by my jeans. I didn't know if this type thing was something common or just something old country doctors did.

-- Steven, April 18, 2004

I am 61 years old female. My yearly physical exam takes 3 visits. The first visit, my doctor talks about what he intends to do, takes by BP, bone density test, ekg, weighs me, writes prescriptions for a year and gives me a form to take to a local lab for blood work. He gives me a 3 page questionnaire about myself to bring back on visit 2.

Visit 2 consist of the actual physical, eyes, ears, throat, reflexes, heart, pap smear, breast exam, blood work, urinealysis. We talk about the questionnaire comparing it to the year before. We discuss my family history and my own family. He take more blood to send off to a lab out of state for the cholesterol check and tells me it is more accurate than the local lab.

Visit 3 we will go over the test he has performed, blood work, ekg, etc. and the physical.

He has indicated he wants blood work for an out of state lab to see what vitamin deficiencies I might have and then I would have to buy the vitamins through him and the lab where he reaps the profit.

Three months coming up he wants me to have an echogram and the machine will be brought into his office for the list of people on his physical list.

What I am asking is why all the visits and is this the normal procedure for a family practioner? I very seldom see more than one or two patients in the waiting room and never children. Is this preventive medicine?

-- C Browne, April 26, 2004

I am a 40 year old male. I think that those that work in the Medical profession should understand that all people may feel differently about using an opposite gender caregiver. I personally hate taking my pants off with females in the room during any kind of medical procedure or exam. I know that they say they are professionals, but it is my body and my money. What I am comfortable with shoud be very important to them, but I have seen medical professionals just try to push it on through with me saying I am uneasy. I am sure that some men prefer to have females taking care of their medical needs, but I don't.

Allen

-- Anonymous, June 4, 2004

As as practicing Family Physician, reading the posts to this site, I see a lot of deference and even fear.

However in some of the letters there

is unabashed anger... Do our patients hate us that much? My career began in the dark ages (1960's) when patients "knew their place" and seldom challenged MD's. I've always tried to be respectful of my patients but maybe I should beware

reprisals from somene I may have slighted 15, 20 or more years ago.

-- Anonymous, June 19, 2004

I have a question about sports physical privacy. I'm a senior in high school and had my sports physical at the gym at our school, along with about 125 male athletes on a tuesday evening. Us guys stripped to our shorts in the locker room and came into the gym and lined up against the wall.

Each guy had his vitals taken, blood pressure, temperature, weight & height by a nurse. Then we lined up to see the doctor. The doctor was set up in the corner of the gym, not in a room or with any partition or drapes for privacy. The doctor looked at out eyes, ears, asked a questions. Then we were asked to remove our shorts and he did a hernia check (no DREs thank God). Finally he did a full body skin check for skin abnomalites like rashes or sores. All in view of all the other guys in line and anybody in the gym.

The problem us guys had with this was the openess in which the hernia and skin checks were done. The principal and vice principal, a female amd male, were present in the gym during the physical. The P.E. instructors came into the gym, 2 males, 1 female. A representative of the HMO that insures the school district, a female, was present. Not to mention the 4 nurses.

My dad called the principal about this and was told the doctor was responsible. My dad got a hold of the doctor and was told the school was responsible. It was the old pass the buck.

Can somebody tell me, are there any guidelines that govern sports physicals that both school & doctors must abide by? Or is it because its male athletes that the issue of privacy is mute.

Thanks people. Sheppard

-- Sheppard, June 27, 2004

hey guys! anymore advice about the belly exam would be great! Is it poss for them to feel through your t-shirt and even perhaps sitting up? it would be less uncomfortable this way? and not to have their cold hands pressing on your belly would be a relief!!

-- Anonymous, July 8, 2004

I wanted to bring up an issue that happened to me five years ago. At the time I was a 41 year old female with family history early and sudden heart attacks (my father died at age 44). I had been experiencing high blood pressure and some chest pain on exertion(which was later determined to be asthma). I had the stress test and nuclear scan which revealed a possible problem. Well to make a long story short I was sent to cardilogist and had a cathterization. The whole procedure was very demeaning. The shaving of my pubic area while completely exposed to male nurses and doctor. When I was asked to get on the table they just grabbed my gown and pulled it off and laid me on the table for all to see while a nurse shaved my groin/pubic area more than one nurse had already done. I don't think I would have had a problem with this if it had been done in front of female nurse only but there were two male RN's and my cardiologist looking on. I heard them make some remark about my modesty when I complained and my large breasts. The cardiologist never warned me when he was injecting the xylocaine to numb me--that was the worst it stung like a bee sting. My heart rate went up sky high during the procedure ( I later found out I am allergic to shellfish and was probably reacting to the dye). Well the test was fine and showed my heart to be great shape. What I was experiencing was most likely related to my allergies and asthma. The doctor kind of laughed when he said my heart was in great shape and the problems seen on the scans was because I had a large chest (I am a 40DD). He tried to make light of it which was okay but I heard him and the two male nurses talking about my large breasts. One of them said I'd love to give her an EKG! I have never been so embarrassed in all my life. I never knew my breasts were such a problem or fascination. My husband and mother-in-law said the doctor told him all was fine when I was in recovery. He never said it was because of my large chest. I mentioned all of this to my internist's nurse practitioner and she said she was so sorry I had that endure that. I now only go to female doctors or NP's because of all this because my internist wasn't very empathetic either. When I finally told my husband about this I was in tears. I finally realized why for all these years men and boys would get all excited when I'd bend over or run! But I sure didn't like them making jokes in this setting or ripping my gown off. It was if they were getting into the dominance thing. It really bothered me because I worked as a nurse's aide for 25 years and I always repected my patients modesty to be exposed.

-- Erin, July 15, 2004

Many of the posts I'm reading here have done a better-than-fair job of documenting the appalling arrogance of today's medical establishment, something that's been evident to me for decades.

My wife and I recently left a doctor we'd been seeing faithfully for years because he brought some wet-behind-the-ears med student into the exam room without first asking her (my wife was the patient on that particular visit).

Now I'm reading that some doctors are allowing drug company salespeople to enter exam rooms and watch even the most intimate of examinations, a scenario that clearly serves only the drug rep, who enjoys additional "face time" with doctors to whom their trying to peddle there goods. If that were ever done to me, I would make that day the very worst of the doctor's medical career; I might even challenge his license.

As you may have already guessed, I visit doctors very rarely, and then only if I'm having symtoms. Hardcore fans of preventive medicine might accuse me of playing Russian Roulette with my health because I won't submit to degrading physical exams nine times a year. Yeah...maybe. But I would remind you that some of our prominent forefathers---Ben Franklin, George Washington, Daniel Boone and his lesser-known brother Squire Boone---and a GREAT many others, lived well into their seventies and longer in an era when there was no medical science to speak of. And here's a startling truth that doctors don't want you to know: although the INFANT mortality rate was extremely high in those days, the truth is that most who survived thru ages eight or nine went on to live very nearly as long as we do today. And very few ever got their scrotums squeezed or vaginas probed---well, at least by doctors.

But in those rare occasions when I do visit a doctor's office, there are some rules that WILL be observed:

1)Only the doctor is permitted to examine me; there's no reason for nine other people of both sexes to be present.

2) There is NO opening the exam room door and chatting with office employees, etc., while I'm in ANY state of undress.

3) In the extremely rare occasions where I would submit to a below-the-waist exam, ONLY same-sex practicioners will perform the exam, keeping rules #1 and 2 firmly in mind. I DO NOT allow women to examine those areas, and never will

If healthcare providers don't wish to respect my feelings on this matter, I'll find new ones. There are more than 30 pages of doctors in the phone book where I live; I'm sure I can find one or two whose sensitivity might actually eclipse his arrogance.

-- Roderick, August 7, 2004

To Sheppard: Re your June 27th post about taking a physical at your school, and everybody who just happens to work there being allowed to watch; the fact that both parties (doctor and school) pointed fingers at each other is an admission right there that something terribly wrong was done to you. I mean, if they're blaming each other, then obviously there's blame to go around.

Your school is guilty of a serious breech of good judgment, AT BEST.

Sheppard, PLEASE click on my E-mail link and acknowledge that you saw my post. I can't take back what was done, but I believe I can make the responsible parties answer for what they've done to you and your team mates.

I believe I can bring some much-deserved grief to them, and much-needed closure to you.

Help is on the way! Please click on my name below and E-mail me directly. I encourage anyone else who has had similar experiences to do so as well.

Thanks!

-- Joe S., August 7, 2004

I am a female. I took the physical exam about 3 yr. ago. I forgot what was it like,now i have to take it again. Sometimes I just want to be a man. You know, being topless. just worrying about the downward part.

thanxs for reading.

-- Sharon, August 20, 2004

Just a casual observation of frequent complaints,

There appear to be quite a few of people out here who think medical professionals are born and not made. As a hazmat technician, I’m required to get frequent physical exams and I’m not bothered in the slightest by having “extra people” in the room. The doctors and nurses of tomorrow are MADE today. Personally, I am honored to be involved in the learning process and I know that the experience gained by working with me will go on to benefit an untold number of people in the future.

As far as embarrassment during an exam: do you really think that you’ve got anything which medical professionals haven’t seen before?? Even with pierced nipples, I have never gotten a smirk or unprofessional comment from ANYONE. I’m a firm believer that any perceived “embarrassment” is completely self-inflicted. In the words of The Godfather: “It's not personal, Sonny; It's strictly business.”

There's my two cents and I wish ya'll the best!

-- Joe B., August 21, 2004

i went to a new doctor the other day

when i was in the exam room the nurse told me to disrobe and put on this paper gown and sit on the table when the doctor came in we got on with the exam he started with the breast exam tearing the top of the gown to expose my breasts then tore the gown more to examine my stomach area when he did the pelvic my breasts were still exposed because the gown was ripped so far down then he made me get off the table and move around to the side of the table and bend over with my elboes on the edge of the table he inserted his fingers in my anus and vagina at the same time and from where he was standing he could see my breasts hanging because the gown had slid down my arms and wasnt covering anything this part of the exam took awhile he said he was checking for lumps or anything in the wall between the two openings is this normal i have never had this type of experience before

-- Anonymous, August 26, 2004

I NEVER FORGOT WHEN I WENT TO THE UROLIGIST FOR A BLADDER INFECTION HE MADE ME DROP MY SHORTS AND UNDERWEAR HE THEN EXAMINED MY GENITALS AND DID A DRE HE THEN OPENED THE DOOR BEFORE I PULLED MY SHORTS AND UNDERWEAR UP ANOTHER FEMALE PATIENT WAS WALKING BY THE DOOR AND SAW ME TOTALY NAKED I WAS NEVER SO HUMILIATED IN MY LIFE

-- TONY, August 29, 2004

I am a 20 year old female and have been getting my "annual exam" since I was 12. 8 months ago, the OBGYN I had been going to for all those years resigned. It was in my best interest, I felt, to continue my exams with my family practitioner rather than going through all the hassle of finding a new doctor for this year. Now, my regular doctor is a very nice man. He has always treated me with the utmost respect and been very honest about all of my exams. When I went to him for my "annual", I was trusting that he would treat me the same way he always had. However, he didn't walk me through the exam (as should always be done, no matter how many times you've been through it). The OBGYN I had been going to before, always explained exactly what he was about to do, so that I would be prepared (no surprises). With this exam, nothing was a surprise...at first. He checked my vitals, did a breast exam, and did the usual pelvic, but then caught me off guard with a rectal exam. Never before have I experienced that magnitude of pain. It was demeaning and awful to experience for the first time. The worst part about it was that he didn't prepare me for it. When he was finished with the pelvic, I was beginning to sit up, and then it happened. He then had the nerve to tell me to relax. When he left the room so that I could dress, I overheard him outside the exam room door talking with the nurses about me. He told them that I was a "first-timer" and that "it was funny because I was caught off-guard". I didn't at all find it amusing.

I was just wondering if anyone else had experienced this sort of behavior before. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I might do, if anything?

-- C J, August 29, 2004

I took an exam today - I'm 44, over weight etc. I felt the doc was in a huge rush - he didn't take any blood, just a urine sample - didn't do an EKG - or suggest a stress test. I actually felt he was rushed and running behind and was half way out the door - I am tempted to get another exam - am I paranoid?

Thanks

-- S, September 7, 2004

This is a reply to Sheppard, concerning the sports physical in the gym.

I read your post and understand your humiliation, I felt the same way too when I went through a simuliar group physical. What I learned is that when playing sports there will be times that you must be nude in front of strangers & females.

When I wrestled during college, before a tournement all wrestlers are weighed and subjected to a full bodied skin check. During a skin check an athlete stands nude with arms away from the body and a doctor inspects his body for rashes, sores or any abnormality. This is usually done in the locker room. Even though the rules state that weigh ins and skin checks are done in private with only wrestlers, coaches and tournement officials present that was rarely the case. While us wrestlers are lined up waiting to be weighed and checked out by a doctor, people always seemed to wander into the locker room. School alumni, faculity members, dads, etc. A couple of times med-students (some females) studying dermotology would be allowed to observe the doctor conduct skin checks on us wrestlers, nobody ever asked us if it would be okay or if we mind.

My advice to you is to put aside the humiliation you feel and focus upon the benefits you gain from competing in sports. Stuff like traveling, making friends, descipline, learning to compete, etc.

Take care & the best of luck.

-- Paduca, Kentucky, September 9, 2004

To Sheppard re June 27, 2004 post:

It is absolutely outrageous that your privacy, and that of the other male athletes undergoing physical exams at your high school, was so egregiously violated by allowing the presence of female "spectators." Would your school have subjected female atheletes to a physical exam in the presence of male observers? I wonder whether or not the females present (including the female from the insurance company, the female principal and the female P.E. instructor) would be offended by having men in the same room while they are asked to spread their legs for the insertion of a speculum into their vagina for a gynecological exam. Males undergoing physical examination are certainly entitled to as much privacy as females undergoing physical examination. The lack of respect for men's privacy and dignity, as exemplified by the Abu Ghraib prison abuses, has no proper place in any school in the United States of America. No male student should ever have to undergo such embarrassment, humiliation and degradation as you did. Your complaint raises serious privacy and gender discrmination issues. In my judgment, the school, in particular, ought to be held fully accountable through legal action. I would very much like to know the name of your high school and school district. I would be more than happy to express my views directly to them.

-- Larry, September 15, 2004

To the author of the Paduccah KY post, responding to Sheppard (June 27), I simply cannot believe that you actually accept the public display of male athletes' naked bodies to irrevelent female onlookers! Maybe there are certain realities inherent to school athletics, whereupon one's comfort zone is occasionally breeched, but that shouldn't translate to "anything goes."

Larry's post (September 15) on the same subject was right on the mark, especially where the double standard was concerned: I challenge you or anyone else to document ONE SINGLE INSTANCE when a row of 90% naked females had to stand in line and wait to be told to become 100% naked, in plain eyeshot of male faculty or students---even med students. Doesn't happen, bub!

And if some measurable regard for human dignity is practiceable when females are naked, then there's no reason why the reverse shouldn't be true. I do agree with you, however, that the dehuminization that you and Sheppard described is probably fairly common in the case of male athletes. But I submit that the only reason it got that way is because people like--well, YOU---have tolerated it, and thereby helped to lower the dignity factor for everyone else.

If male atheletes demand better treatment, they'll get better treatment. If, on the other hand they merely roll over and accept it, it's only going to get worse.

Joe

-- Joe, September 21, 2004

I am a 15 yr. old female. I went to the Dr. last week because my stomach had been bothering me. The nures took me into the exam room and had me change into a gown (I was able to leave my underwear on). The Dr. then came in and asked me some questions. Then the Dr. had my lie down on the table so she could feel my stomach. After this she had me stand up and lean over the table. I didn't know what to expect. I heard the Dr. doing things behind me and started to get really nervous. Without warning the Dr. came up behind me, pushed the gown to the side, and pulled my underwear down to my knees. She then spread my cheeks and rubbed some stuff on. Then she stuck her finger in so far it hurt. Has this ever happened to anyone else? I just went because my stomach hurt. This was completely unexpected.

-- Crystal, October 1, 2004

I take strong exception to the post

from Paduca(h) and stand with folk of

both sexes (gender is a grammitical term) who have realized they have a

right to respect for their dignity and to servere punishment for humiliation!

Complicity of "U.S. Army doctors" in abuse at Abu Ghraib (as reported the Lancet) demonstrates trust in physicians

and respect for them are quaint outmoded ideas.

-- Stojan, October 4, 2004

re: Lisa Holmes

I know exactly what you mean about being "tickle tortured" on the soles of your feet during examinations. I was involved in a serious automobile accident in my early 20's, and afterwords was under the treatment of a neurologist who seemed to delight in "tickle-testing the sensation" of my bare feet and toes. I've always been extremely ticklish, and it was sheer torture to endure. I was soooh embarrassed to burst out giggling laughing uncontrollaby as my bare soles and toes were poked and stroked, but there was no way to avoid it (I tried everything).

FYI- about toughening your feet by walking barefoot outside. I go barefoot all the time, and am still too ticklish to withstand those tickly foot exams....it doesn't work, at least not for me.

-- Becky in Georgia, October 4, 2004

I remember back in 9th grade all the boys got called down the locker room for a physical. All the boys were told to take off our clothes to our underwear for a physical. We had no clue we were getting one untill they called us to the locker room. And of course there were a few women present. No privacy for us boys. I was shy at that age (14) but that time I actually put my foot down, told the female school nurse I was not getting a physical from them seeing as my doctor gave one. My coach was there and he let me use the phone to call my mom. She wasn't informed about any physical at the school. Needless to say I never got one at school that day.

I suggest that we tell our boys/sons that they do not need to give in to such things if they feel uncomfortable with it.

Tell the schools that if they want to give our sons (and daughters) physicals that:

a) They need parental permission first.

b) State "exactly" what will be done during the exam

c) to show the dignity and respect to the boys as they show the girls

-- frank, October 4, 2004

for my annual well woman exam I find that I am less embarrassed and that sex is elminated as a factor when I go to a woman doctor. Also, I don't feel as exposed and as "dirty" after the exam. Do others feel the same way?

-- Chris, October 7, 2004

when i was young i was sexually abused (about 8 years old) so i had to go in and get a physical exam, the doctor made me go on my hands and knees while she spread apart my vagina and did her thing. I have never been so humiliated in my life as a child. I was like tramatized and then she did something where it really really hurt and I still don't know what she did. has this happened to anyone else?

-- Anonymous, October 13, 2004

my wife had a papsmear appointment and asked that i go with her. She speaks little english and wanted me to translate for her. The nurse called her into the room and asked me to wait in the waiting room, i told her that my wife wanted me in the exam room to translate for her and besides she felt uncomfortable in there by herself with the nurse and doctor. The nurse looked very bothered with it and allowed me to stay, only after my wife insistsed on it.

Is there some rule in the doctor's office that says that the spouse in not permitted in the room during the exam?

-- Anonymous, October 20, 2004

Reply to Anonymous, the 17 y.o virgin going for a first time exam.

I'm 19, and still a virgin, and I had to go get an exam done for the same reason, missed periods. I'm not going to lie to you, the pelvic exam DOES hurt. I'd be setting you up for big time disappointment if I said it didn't. It's not AWFUL though. I highly suggest taking someone supportive with you. I had a very wonderful nurse who held my hand through the entire thing, and even though she was a complete stranger, it made a world of difference.

Please, whatever you do, DO NOT IGNORE YOUR MISSED PERIODS! I don't want to freak you out, but I went for the same reason, and it turns out I have something called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It's hard to explain, but if it isn't taken care of you can be at higher risks for heart disease, stroke, uteran cancer (sp?), and may have difficulty if you ever want to have children. This is especially important if you happen to be overweight as well. Please don't be too afraid to make an appointment. It's very important that you don't ignore this. The pelvic exam does hurt if you haven't had sex, but explain to your doctor that you're a virgin and it's uncomfortable for you to even use tampons. My doctor was very gentle when I explained this to him. It's a very short examination assuming you don't have any infections or anything. Best of luck and please don't be too worried!! You're going to have to get in done eventually. Don't procrastinate and maybe have bigger problems later!! Good Luck!!!

-- Anonymous, October 23, 2004

I think that the problem with a lot of people is the fact that America is too uptight about the human body in general. After reading these messages, I can see many people's points if they do feel embarressed about being undressed in front of a lot of people, whether doctors or onlookers. I'm a male and personally prefer women doctors since I am always uncomfortable with a man, even a doctor,probing everywhere on me. I've always been comfortable with women. I don't believe in the modesty between men and women at all,and I'm not looking at this from a viewpoint that's sexual but just that the human body is beautiful and natural, no matter what that person looks like at all. I happen to believe in Nudism where shame doesn't exist, including with a woman's chest which is no big deal to see if one looks at it as more natural and not so much as a sex object. Those who literary humiliate highschool boys like that large physical in the gym without their conscent should be dealt with, but in truth and with adults, America is so damn uptight with the human body and nudity it is truly pathetic on that subject! There is such a thing as dignity but there is no such thing as losing one's dignity over harmless nudity with both sexes. That's the way were born and that's the way we were truly meant to be, so uptight people have got to get real and appreciate the beauty of the human body of both men and women.

-- Ross, October 27, 2004, October 27, 2004

I am a 40 yr old male. I get a physical exam every 2-3 years. My past 4 exams have been with one Nurse Practitioner, two Family Physicians, and one Physician Assistant. All these professionals were women. In all cases I got either semi-erect or fully erect during some part of the exam. (With the obvious embarrassment that comes with it) Next January, I have my first DME with my PA, also a woman. I asked her this past summer during a BP checkup what she would do or what I should do if I got an erection during the DME or any part of the exam? Her response was, "have you had an anal exam before?" I replied no and she said 'oh'. Nothing more was said. Can any medical professional scanning these entries make a comment? Thank you in advance.

-- Derek, October 29, 2004

I am a 33 year old black woman from East Africa. During the last few months I've been feeling pressure in my perineum (area between my vulva and anus).

After seeing a urologist, and checking for other symptoms the doctor did a rectal exam and said that I had pelvic floor muscle trigger points and I needed to see a physical therapist who specializes in this area.

The physical therapist did a full body analysis and confirmed the diagnosis of the urologist.

To help reduce this chronic pain, I was given exercises and stretching to do.

The other weekly treatment was to come in for "internal work." The therapist explained that my pelvic muscles needed massaging from the inside. To do this, he had me get into a gown and I would lay on my side. He would then gently insert one or two fingers in my rectum and massage different parts of my pelvic floor for about ten minutes. He would then change gloves, have me lay on my back and put a pillow under my pelvis. Once again, he would insert two fingers inside my vagina and massage my pelvic floor for about ten minutes.

At first the procedue was quite embarassing and the anal massage was uncomfortable but I found that if I relaxed it was very helpful. He physical therapist was very professional and always treated me with respect although I was in the most uncompromising positions.

I've been having weekly work for about two months and my condition has improved greatly.

Jeannie

-- Jeannie, October 29, 2004

I had to go to see my doctor (a male) coz I had some pain in my stomach. I was wearing a tee shirt but I had forgotten to put on a bra, I was lying on the exam couch and the doctor started to lift my tee shirt up and then he lifted too high and my breasts came out. Then I realised I had no bra,,,,the doctor was smiling at me and he was just touching my chest and stomach. then I said "oh that tickles" he looked at my face and said "that tickles does it?' as he felt around some more. I didnt mind it but he was smiling a lot.

-- Mei, November 1, 2004

My 19 year old son took a job this summer as a lifeguard at a posh country club near Palm Springs. Him and 7 other guys monitored the pool and taught children of members how to swim.

In order the get the the job, besides having gone through lifeguard training, all the 8 guys had to agree to a full bodied skin check every month, to make sure nobody had open sores or rashes. There is a female nurse practitioner also employed at the country club who performs the skin checks. My son was told its a precaution since the lifeguards come in physical contact with the children and to maintain the cleanliness of the pool.

My son tells me how embarassed him and the other guys were having to see this nurse everyday at work, after having to be nude during the skin checks.

What is the standard procedure for a workplace situation like this?

-- Jobim H., November 3, 2004

First off: To the doctor that posted about patients "Knowing Their Place." Who the Hell do you think YOU are? The patients are the boss in the examining room, unless it's an emergency, then they only have two choices: Conform or Die.

Second off: If you're standing in an examing room naked and someone is about to leave or enter, you make sure you have something to cover up with. I never really heard of an examing room being adjacent the waiting room anyway, unless it is a private practice in a home. There, you may find this kind of setting and, once again, you must be aware of your surroundings, and so should the caretaker.

-- PJ, November 7, 2004

I am a 32yr old female. After having 2 children the annual exam is not all that bad. There is a little embarrasment just because you feel so vulnerable in that position. I also beleive that doctors (both male and female) should ask the patient her preference about a chaperone. I feel quit comfortable with my male docor but would prefer to be asked if I want a chaperone. I have never vocalized this to my doctor becasue I understand that the chaperone is there for his protection.

-- Anonymous, November 17, 2004

This is a reply to the guy who wrote that he went to the gynocologist with his wife for her yearly exam. I go with my wife for her yearly exams and none of her doctors have ever had any problems with me being there and it makes my wife feel better to have me with her, so I feel if her doctor has a problem with it maybe find another doctor because if it bothers them for for you to be in the room they are probably not in the right state of mind to be doing this kind of work. IT IS NOTHING SEXUAL. If the doctor does'nt understand this find a new doctor.

-- Joe, November 22, 2004

I am a 23 yr old female and I recently moved to a new town. I had to get a new family doctor and new OBGYN. I visited with my family doctor for my annual physical and the nurse checked all my vitals. She then left the room and asked that I get undressed with the exception of bra/panties and put a gown on. I never had to get undressed for a physical and was taken by surprise. The DR returned and performed the physical (including a breast exam that I did not know was going to happen). Prior to starting, he noticed that I didn't remove my bra and then turned around while I did...is this normal for the doctor to stay while removing clothing??

-- B, November 22, 2004

I am a girl(17 years old).Yesterday I went to a doctor for my first phisical.Everything was okay until he say that got underes and he have to make a rectel exam.so ı stood up for rectal cheeck he push his two fingers in to my anus and then he said than he have to use with endoscope.he took a large thing but at first ı couldn't understood that it would enter in me.after he toll thet he coult see in me only with it.and then he started to push it into my anus but endocam was too large for me and it was very painful because ı werent lubriciated and ı started to cry.but notting change it was in me and ı was in a great pain.have you ever been in this case?please replay this.

-- derya aydan, November 28, 2004

My boyfriend just had a physical exam in order to compete in a martial arts competition. He is 17 and a half years old, since he is still a minor there had to be a chaperone in the room. The doctor called in one of the ladies working at the front desk to be present during the exam. My boyfriend said he felt uneasy about this women being there during the whole, complete exam. Who it turns out is not a nurse but just a clerk. My boyfriend, who just left a religious commune in Utah, is not used to questioning a figure of authority. Should the doctor have asked my boyfriend permission for the other person to be present during the exam? What should my boyfriend do now: file a complaint? just forget the whole thing?

-- Hannah, November 30, 2004

At my school in Europe the year started with a combined medical and physical exam that was conducted enmasse. Everyone went to the locker room, stripped to their underwear and walked to the gym a short distance away. Once inside, you put your bra and knickers into a numbered paper bag and gave it to a teacher. Spending about 3 hours completely naked with many strangers present felt strange the first time, but the presence of my friends made it less so.

Certainly, I never felt any need to cover myself whet most of the people in the gym were also nude. I remember checking the other girls out and comparing myself with them. The boys went through the same procedure on a different day. It was probably alot easier for them to pee into the cup!

ps. A teacher also marked a number on our shoulders

-- Astrid, December 15, 2004

I am a middle-aged male who was advised to have periodic "head-to-toe" dermatological checks because of a family history of skin cancer. I have had a couple of these, one by a female and one by a male dermatologist. In each case the exam was done while I was standing up and wearing undershorts. The doctor would have to bend over to check my legs or feet. In both cases, the doctor pulled the top of my shorts out and glanced down the front and back very briefly.

I am assuming that the main point of such a "thorough" examination is early detection of possible cancer, particularly the deadly melanoma. In both instances, I noticed that there was an exam table in the room and a very powerful light above it (presumably used during in-office surgery). Given the potential consequences of missing something, wouldn't it make more sense to have the patient lie nude on the table and use the light to examine every square inch of the body? This would also allow the doctor to have everything more at eye level and facilitate a more comprehensive examination. I am personally more than willing to compromise modesty if it will contribute to saving my life.

-- Anonymous, December 20, 2004

I realize male doctors are professional and see women in the nude all the time, but that still doesn't soothe my anger about a recent exam by fiance had.

She's 19 and needed to have a pelvic exam for birth control pills. I drove her to the doctor's office and was quite upset knowing another man would be seeing her naked and doing who knows what. I wasn't sure procedures were used during a pelvic exam but I feared the doctor would be feeling my girl's private parts.

She seemed quite upset after the exam and I coaxed her into telling me what happened and what the problem was.

It turns out this short, fat, bald sleaze bag of a doctor had her naked from the waist down and spread-eagled on the exam table as he probed her vagina and rectum. She said he even examined her clitoris. That really set me off. Was that really necessary?

-- Ned, December 21, 2004

I agree with Ross. All of this embarrassment about our bodies is entirely a cultural construct. It is possible to reject such irrational feelings and worry about things that really matter. Worry about the state of your health that the doctor is trying to ascertain. Disease can hurt you -- taking off your clothes cannot. Of course, I am not excusing any caregiver who purposely degrades or abuses a patient for his or her own entertainment. But why not be proud of your body instead of being ashamed of it? A change of attitude about this would save many of you a lot of grief. Try to reject some of the irrational things we've been taught in this society.

Fred

-- Anonymous, December 24, 2004

I was at a doctor's office far a drainage infection their three girls in the waiting room. One of the girls asked her mother what the doctor was going to do and she said that the doctor was going to make her take off all her clothes. I was called and they put me in a room nextdoor to two rooms on either side and one behind the back wall. Well I heard door close to the back room and the doctor told to take off all her clothes even her socks bra an panties. On the right he told to take off her dress, shoes, Slip, pantihose, bra and panties. The left he told her to take off her shirt, blouse, shoes, slip, stockings, bra, and panties. I never was tod to undress and that makes fortunate.

-- Anonymous, December 30, 2004

I went thru the group phisicals when inducted into the Army and it was a sad thing for me,,here must have been 50 guys lined up like tin sodiers totally naked and getting a pgysical...I was glad when that was over...it did make me apprehensive in the future when Seeing doctors, what they call the white coat syndrome.

I went to my regula doctor once and for the first time he surprised me with a female PA and she just came in and said she was doing the examination, I had no warning from my regular doctor who I am no longer with... I may have been a little better off if he had told me about her coming in but since it kind of caught me off guard I did not let her do any of the exposure exaMS AND SHE ACTUALLY understood and skipped them ....

He caught me the next time around and did not have the PA there then.

Guess every one is different when it comes to being in the dr.s office as most is not knowing hwta to expect and wondering if the docotrs are followibng their strict oath,,By reading some of these stories they are not..

GAry

-- Gary, December 31, 2004

More women would get mamograms if they could have someone with them. They say there is;t much radiation in a mamogram so someone there for support would help.

-- Harold, January 6, 2005

I partly disagree w/Fred. The need for

dignity is common to all human cultures.

Any action by professionals with the goal to humiliate, coerce or belittle

must be dealt with as a sexual crime in an office or especially in an institutional setting. I would like to read a good reason for sparing the careers of these micreants.

-- Anwar, January 14, 2005

I am 18 yr old girl and I think guys who think nudity is no big deal or privacy is not important doesnt know what a woman feels. We come to accept what we cannot change, but we dont appreciate the often cruel manner in which we are treated.

One time they wouldnt let my boyfriend be with me even though I was to get a pelvic exam. so we left.

We arent talking nudism. we are talking about exposing our genitals in a medical setting.

-- Felicia, January 29, 2005

I am a very health 33 year old male and recently I went in to see my doc for a physical... it was over two years since my last. Before he came in to see me the nurse had me put on a gown and told me i could leave my underwear on.

so the doc asked me a couple questions, none about my sex life and then came the physical exam.

he checked my head stuff first and then lungs next. then he had me lay down on my back. he put a modesty sheet over me to cover from my waste down when he checked my abdomen. mind you i already had my underwear on. then when it came time for the genital exam, with the sheet still over the area, he had me pull my underwear down. then he reached under and did a quick testicle exam. and then i was told to get dressed and that everything was fine.

so i'm writing because that seems terribly incomplete. shouldn't a doctor be more concerned about finding some abnormality than a person's modesty? i used to think he was a good doc but now i am having my doubts. am i missing something here?

justin-

-- justin, February 3, 2005

i have been going to the same female doctor for a number of years.i feel like a fool wearing the gown.any advise on how to tell the nurse or doctor that i really feel more comfortable with no gown?

-- curious, February 3, 2005

i have been going to the same family doctor for 8-9yrs.[female] i am a58 yr old male.i have always felt uncomfortable wearing a gown.is it a law or is there some way i could make it known to her how it makes me feel.she is about the same age as me and not that good looking .so it is not a turn on or anything like that.

-- jake, February 7, 2005

during a vaginal exam does a medical assistant need to be present for years one has always been in the room and recently i went to a new doctor and there was not one .

-- Anonymous, February 15, 2005

I'm doing a research paper on humiliating medical experiences with the focus on trauma from such experiences.

Please E mail me if anyone is having difficulties based on an experience they have had.

Thanks!

-- Marjorie, February 16, 2005

This is in response to Peducah, Kentucky, Sept. 9, 2004 message.

I could not agree with you more about letting go of this modesty BS. Guys should stop focusing about female eyes seeing them au natural and carry on and get done what needs done.

If I would had let this "females might see me naked BULL S**T" get to me I would not have joined the military and seen the world, make great friends and get financial benefits now in my old age.

When I went down for my physical there were female nurses there and various military personnel of both sexes coming and going while a couple hundred of us naked 18 to 24 year old stood at attention in line against the walls of an huge airplane hanger.

Guys its just skin after all. Trust me, once the nurses get home after a long day at work they have forgotten all about you.

Damon, Surprise, AZ

-- Damon, February 25, 2005

Recently my family decided to seek a new family doctor. My wife decided on a woman doctor. I believe a doctor should not be judged on sex and agreed.

I made an appointment for my annual physical. Everything went fine, the nurses did their blood pressure and other things. WHen the doctor arrive, my wife told me she was very attractive but young and attractive I did not expect. SHe did her doctor thing and at the end of the exam, she said it was time for my rectal exam. I though it was for hemmoroids. But then she ask me to lean over and support my self on the exam table. I did so and spread my legs she then said there will be some pressure and she inserted her finger into me. She than said there will be more pressure and she went deeper and started to feel around.

Is this a normal proceedure??? T

-- Anonymous, February 28, 2005

I have beengoing to doctor alot lately due to my poor health. The walls at the orthipedic's office are not sound proof and I hear the doctors telling girls to get underssed. the hospital is not better becuase of the curtain in the ER. the doctor told a girls to undress. She took off her shoes, shorts, shirt, socks bra, and panties. I think that a little exseive. My 15 year old neece will not undress for the doctor but her mother makes her.

-- Thomas, March 2, 2005

For a last message, mostly to Felicia, I just wanted to say that although I know this is about exposing one's genitals in a doctor's office, I want to clear up your misunderstanding that men don't understand women's feelings. I understand women's feelings a lot and would never mistreat a woman for any reason like a lot of men who cannot control their desires would do. The way I believe is that nudity does not always have to be sexual, whether in front of friends, doctors, or any other person who believes in the freedoms I do. I believe that nudity stands for freedom, and not just something sexual, and neither men nor women who are comfortable and trust one another need to have shame. Shame is all in one's head. It's because of the way this society, chiefly the American society has been brought up is the reason why people think that nudity is so shameful and everything has to be sexual. Most Americans just don't understand the freedom. Yet there are many people in the world who do believe that nudity is natural in front of anybody whose comfortable with it. I don't necessarily mean people should be walking around public streets nude, but in front of anybody else who believes in it, such as in colonies, beaches, nudist resorts, or any place like that where anybody can enjoy the freedom. You can have your own opinion if you want, Felicia, but I have mine also, and I believe what I believe and am strong with it. As for this, well, "Anwar", just by listening to this person's name I have a feeling where this person is from, and I could care less if this person comes from a backward society where women may have to cover everything but their eyes and have no freedom. The people on this sight I respect the most are Paduca, Fred, and Damon. I just wanted to add my own comments on society, doctors, or any person that may not have the shame many people do and only believe in the freedom many Naturalists believe in. Have fun talking about doctors or any other experiences shared on this sight. Thank you.

-- Ross, March 2, 2005, March 2, 2005

Last fall I got as call from our family doctor's office asking me to schedule my 16-year-old daughter Katy for a "well teen" exam. We weren't sure what to expect. Katy allowed me to be with her during the exam, for which I'm grateful. Katy was told to undress to her panties and socks and to put on a gown. The exam was basically a head-to-toe experience. The doctor removed Katy's socks in order to examone her feet. During the breast exam he had her slip the gown off. This was pretty embarrassing for her. He seemed to spend a lot of time on Katy's breasts, but said everything was okay. He did not do a pelvic exam. I think she would have died of embarrassment if he had done an internal exam. He did, though, have her lay on her back and slip her panties down to her ankles so he could "peek" at her genitals. He did what seemed to be an external exam of her vulva. He said he would do an internal exam at her visit next year. The whole thing was somewhat embarrassing for Katy. Has anyone else heard of these "well teen" exams?

-- Martha from IL, March 2, 2005

This is in response to Peducah, Kentucky, Sept. 9, 2004 message.

I could not agree with you more about letting go of this modesty BS. Guys should stop focusing about female eyes seeing them au natural and carry on and get done what needs done.

If I would had let this "females might see me naked BULL S**T" get to me I would not have joined the military and seen the world, make great friends and get financial benefits now in my old age.

When I went down for my physical there were female nurses there and various military personnel of both sexes coming and going while a couple hundred of us naked 18 to 24 year old stood at attention in line against the walls of an huge airplane hanger.

Guys its just skin after all. Trust me, once the nurses get home after a long day at work they have forgotten all about you.

Damon, Surprise, AZ

-- Damon, February 25, 2005

I just wanted to touch upon a subject covered on this message board alot. Men feeling embarassed by female onlookers during a physical exam in which they're undressed.

Well let me just say that it goes both ways. I was a nurse practitioner for 12 years in the navy. I along which many other female nurses assisted in those dreaded enlistee group physicals. The amount of nurses who request not to take part in these group physicals is more than half.

There are several reasons for this. The biggest reason is the way these young men just joining the navy are treated. They're humiliated by being made to stand nude in line as an officer verbally abuses them. Some nurses have religious issues in regards to seeing nude men. Some married nurse's husbands request they transfer. Its no cake walk for the nurses either.

From my experience very few people, patients & nurses alike enjoy this type of humiliating experience. However, if you have to go through it, just do what you have to do and get over with it.

Bless all the service men and women out there.

-- Steffi, March 4, 2005

i am 22 years old i went to the doctor cuz i got hit with a baseball bat in my testicle area. The doctor was a young female probably around 28 or so. She asked me what happened and i told her. She then told me to take a couple of pain releiving pills each days. I did not have to show her my testicles. i thought she handled the situation well.

-- kurt , March 4, 2005

Hello, I'm a 16 year old guy still in high

school. I have to get physical for school every

year and we go to the famly doctor. Before the

doctor comes in the nurse always tells me to

take all cloths off so I'm completly naked when

the doctor comes in. I have to be sitting on the

table and sometimes when the doctor opens

the door she is still talking to one of the

nurses or looking at a clipbord. So other

people can look in. I never liked this part

because it is embarresing. Also to be naked in

front of my mother and sister. And the doctor

always takes a long time listening to my heart

and back. Is this normal to have to take all

cloths off for a physical? I asked one of my

friends and he said he does not even have to

take his shirt off.

-- Chris, March 8, 2005

Response to PJ -- about the light touching on your abdomen -- if the physician was listening to your upper abdomen or rib cage with a stethoscope while lightly stroking your belly, he/she was probably looking for the bottom edge of your liver. This is sometimes called the "scratch test." By listening over your liver, the doctor can hear a change in the sound when he/she gently scratches your skin -- as the finger moves over the liver, the sound is transmitted more efficiently to the stethoscope, and when the finger moves past the bottom edge of the liver, the scratching sound is no longer heard clearly. An interesting "trick," but some argue that it is not very accurate -- although some swear it is the best way to detect the lower margin of the liver.

If the physician was not listening at the time of the light touching, it's possible he/she was testing your abdominal reflexes. This is not often done, although it is considered part of a complete neuro exam by some.

In response to Anonymous in October, about visitors/family in the examining room -- medical professionals will often ask all family/friends to leave the examining room, for patient privacy. Consider a situation in which a patient felt abused or threatened by the accompanying family member -- if that member were present, the patient may not be able to speak freely with the doctor. The reason that the doctor will ask the visitor to leave directly is to avoid putting the patient in the (possibly) uncomfortable position of having to admit they don't want the visitor present, possibly risking reprisal later. This is a test question I've gotten, btw! We are encouraged, whenever possible, to use only trained medical interpreters, and not family members, to bridge language barriers. This is to avoid situations like that described above, and also to avoid possible bias of a family member (think about this -- an oncologist trying to ask a patient if he/she wants to undergo long, uncomfortable chemotherapy which may only offer a small chance at a small increase in lifetime, with a high risk of a decrease in quality of life -- a son or daughter translating may be compelled to present things a little differently while translating)

-- 3rd Year Med Student, March 10, 2005

Yes Ross, I reside in a very backward, semi-literate area, the US South! you,

like several posters, seem to make no distinction between voluntary nudity and sexual humiliation, which can even be accomplished with minimal or no disrobing. Especially vulnerable are

patients who are not the physicians' clients. These victims: prisoners, school pupils and military conscripts are subjected to examinations with no medical relevance for the sole purpose of humiliation/control. in the past. such pople han no rights... Maybe we need a legislative fiat to give people who have been humiliated by physicians the right to reprisals. This proposal will be seen, by some, as a demand for an "auto da Fe" but I can't be the only person who resents mortal insult at the hands of an all-powerful medical caste. A few public, brutal examples may be "just what the Doctor ordered."

-- anwar, March 17, 2005

All this talk of persons not wishing to be examined nude is somewhat odd to me - surely it is best to know if there is something wrong from an overall physical exam rather than going unnoticed by keeping the body covered up? In my late teens, I was sent for a medical for a first job and the nurse gave me the instruction to go in a room, strip to my underpants and wait for the doctor. I was wearing skimpy briefs and thought that was ok. However, when the doctor came in, he wanted first to weigh and measure me and he immediately said remove your briefs and explained that he always examined in the nude for an accurate assessment. As the exam progessed, I relised the necessity for being nude - I had to give a sample in a bottle, my penis was examined top and botton, the orafice checked, my gentitals checked, my anus was examined etc. The rest of my body was checked. I was naked for a good 30 minutes and included raising arms above head, touching toes etc. My only embarrassment was that I am bit overweight and could pretend to be thinner by holding in my stomach! However the point Im making is its a peace of mind to be checked rather than not at all. (UK)

-- Anonymous, March 20, 2005

I am a 37yr. male and my last doctor retired. After finding a new doctor I was required to get a physical.

I was really dreading this physical just due to being modest person.

First the nurse came in and weighed me and gave me a modesty sheet. She asked me to remove everything except for my underwear. She came back in a few minutes and took my blood pressure and an EKG then said the doctor would be in soon.

The Doctor then came in and asked lots of health questions and began the physical exam. The doc started with my head and moved down to my chest. Then I was asked to lay on my back and was checked for lumps then got an abdomen check. I was asked to sit up and my reflexes were tested.

Next I was asked to stand - minus the modesty sheet but still wearing underwear - and the doctor pulled the band out, reached in (wearing gloves) and performed the cancer check. It was done quickly and I wasn't openly exposed.

This doctor put me at ease and still provided a complete exam.

-- Anonymous, March 23, 2005

In answer to Chris, I would re-assure him that it is important to be checked at your age - development and any problems can be easily resolved in your teens, rather than later in life when it could be more complex. At least by being examined nude, you will know that all is ok with you, whereas your friend is unlikely to know if his health is fully in order without any thorough check. Reading through the postings, I was somewhat concerned to read about some comments on communial checks. I have been examined in the uk and its generally one to one. Although when I was your age, we were sort of communial checked.Because,the physical was in a mobile unit, we were told a few days before hand to bring in swimbriefs or shorts and plimsoles. We had to change in a room and then cross the playground to the unit. On arrival we sat in a row, about 6 at a time, moving up a seat in turn and just before one's turn we told to remove the trunks and sit nude until called. This was normally for 10 minutes whilst the previous person was being examined. The nurse would have seen us nude. I recall that the doctor concerntrated most on our genital area, thus requiring being nude. So dont worry Chris when asked to go nude for an exam, it all to your good in the end.

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2005

Hi

I thought I would share an experience and have some questions answered.

When I was younger in 3rd grade I was diagnosed with eridal bowel sydrym (sp?) I was taken to a hospital in another town. When the doctor came in the room the first thing he did was ask me where it hurts. And at the time I was so shy I didn't want to talk.

Then after talking to my parents, he proceeded to ask me to climb onto the exam table and stick my butt into the air. "This is what we like to call the canon ball" he said. Now I was in the 3rd grade, and that's all he did to prepare me. All of a sudden I feel this pain in my rectum. It lasted about 5 seconds. But all I remember is that it really really hurt. I wanted to cry. He had a glove on, and at the time I thought he pushed his entire hand inside, but now that I think back to it, I'm assuming it was just a couple fingers. It really hurt and I just wanted to know first of all, if that's the right way to go about doing that to a 3rd grader. I was scared and confused and it was the most painfull thing I've ever had.

I am now in the 8th grade and I've heard somewhere or another that starting at a certain age all women/girls have to go to a doctor and have that done. Now I know that this is called a pelvic/rectal examination. I was wondering if someone could please fill me in on that and tell me in detail what is involved and if it's going to hurt. I'm scared to death.

Thanks so much

-- anonamous, March 28, 2005

I feel that the majority of us seem to ignore our health and only go to the doctor when feeling unwell. My opinion is a physical check every so often is important to ensure we are in good health. I note that due to financial cut backs, schools very rarely perform medicals on their pupils and we are now in a situation where many teenagers are become generally overweight and have health complications in their late teens. When I was at school in the 1960's medical checks were compulsory and they were always conducted in the nude and often in the company of other nude boys. At the time, we did not like it but compared with our nation's health now, I am glad I was checked over every year. I was fortunate that only my eyesight was a problem but if it wasnt for the medicals, it may have deterioted without me knowing it. I guess the same now applies in the USA and other parts of the World. I would be interested in hearing from others on this observation. (UK)

-- Anonymous, April 1, 2005

Went to a new md the other day. I(female) had to take everything off and was given a gown. The doc(female) came in, did the usual eye, ear, nose, throat,neck exam and then had me drop the gown to examine my breasts while sitting. I then had to lie back on the exam table while she checked my breasts lying down. She then lowered the gown to just above my pubic hair and examined my belly. The gown was then lowered to my knees, while she checked my femoral pulses. It was then time for the genital/pelvic exam. She covered my breasts with the gown while I put my heels into the stirrups and moved to the end of the table. She then checked my pubic hair, labia, clitoris(gently pulled back the hood), urethra(milked it to check for discharge), then did the usual speculum, pap, manual exam and rectal. Is it unusual to have the clitoris and urethra examined like this?

-- Anonymous, April 2, 2005

Yesterday I went for a physical exam.

The doctor was an older man in his 50's I would say. He asked me to take everything off and sit on the exam table.

He did the vitals and the pelvic exam then did the breast exam.

He asked me questions while examining my breasts. Then out of no where he just grabbed my nipple and pinched it- HARD. I sort of yelped and he laughed saying it was manditory. My breast leaked a bit and he whipped it with his gloves and then began prodding my stomach- again.

Does anyone else see this as odd or am I just being paranoid?

-- Sally Hughs , April 3, 2005

I'm originally from Poland and have been a doctor for 11 years now. I've held positions in general practice and dermatology medical offices?

Several years back I worked as a member of the medical staff with the Olympics in Australia. We had a chance to work with many athletes from around the world and the general concensus among the staff was that the American (male) athletes were quite arrogant in their attudes toward what gender will attend to them. We could not decide if this was based on modesty or misogynistic.

When a group of dermotolgists I was a part of examined competitors in martial arts, wrestling & swimming the men from Latin countries, Europe, Asia handled the exam very straight forward and casually. Unlike the American men who were at times very modest or upset about being nude in front a female medical staff member.

To the Americans reading this post, what exactly is the hang up with keeping your bodies a secret? All female doctors or nurses have invested much time & money in education and training, we only want to perform our job and serve those in need. I just can't imagine any woman I've worked along with getting excited examining members of the opposite sex.

-- Basia, April 3, 2005

when i went for a school exam, we all waited in the gym. no one was naked. when we went in to the exam room the doctor asked us to remove all of our clothes so she could examine us. when she felt my penis and testicles i knew she was professional and didn't care. my friends agreed. The next day when it was time for the girls' exam it was a male doctor that day. i asked the girls what happen in theirs and they said the doctor had his hand inside their vagina. i asked them what they thought. they said he was a doctor so they didn't care that he a guy. they asked us what happened we said we also had to take all our clothes off and our testicles we examined. they asked us if we cared when the female doctor was touching our testicles we said no she is a doctor. the doctor would never examine us open. the girls said that they had the choice of having the male principle in the room to make sure they we'rent assaulted. they said yes (smart) so he watched them. we said yes (smart) so he watched us. although i don't think the doctor would have hurt me, i felt comfortable having someone i trusted (the principle) in the room.

2 things

1)the medical staff is a professional, it matters to them what you have down there because that is they're job. but if they are trained medical staff what does it matter what they have down there?

2) although it sounds weird to have the principle in the room for the boys and girls who he doesn't know well but pretty good, to watch them bare naked, i was good to know someone was watching my respect.

many female doctors have examined my penis never have i cared that they are females.

-- Anonymous, April 5, 2005

My daughter had her yearly physical exam this week. She is 17 and a junior in high school. When I talked to her about how everything went she told me the doctor had performed a rather lengthy rectal exam. Normally her physicals are done with her wearing bra and panties, but evidently this one was different. She said the doctor examined her rectum visually and digitally. He did not perform a pelvic exam, but looked over her genitals. She was somewhat embarrassed by the exam and had not been expecting such an intimate inspection. Should I be concerned about this doctor? I mean, is it normal & proper for a teenager to be examined this way?

Thanks for any and all replies.

-- Concerned Mom, April 6, 2005

i am 13, my girl friend wanted me in at her gynecologist exam. she is also 13. they stripped her naked. well technicly speaking she took off her clothes. and he was not only puting objects but his fingers in her vagina. i thought he was assaulting her. then he asked her questions like how often did we have sex, etc. is this normal. i don't know if a 30 year old man should have his hand up a 13 year old girl's vagina. i am the one allowed in there. would someone like to talk about this please?

-- Anonymous, April 6, 2005

I'm a 16 year old male, and I have my first physical soon. Could someone (man, please) e-mail me, so that we can discuss what goes on and everything?

-- Daniael, April 9, 2005

There has been a lot of comment about our teenager's health in the UK, ie obesity, poor level of fitness, general health etc. I expect its the same in the USA. When I was at school in the 1960's, we always received an annual medical (physical exam) and general heath check. These were compulsory but this isn't done much today. Although as boys we hated it, for we were made to strip nude for the exams often with a female nurse present and had all our private parts handled and examined, on looking back, we all seemed to be more healthy than our young ones today. Perhaps we should go back to annual health checks whilst in teens and more guidance could then be given to prevent ill-health later in life?

David. England.

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2005

I'm a 16 year old girl and I've been going to thwe same doctor since I was about six. The problem is whenever I go for a an examination he has me get completely undressed, no gown or anything. I didn't mind until I was about 10 but now it bothers me. When I told my mother that I didn,t like being naked in front of him she told me I was being silly, that he has seen hundreds of girls naked. I don't want to get into an argument with him. The last time I went for an exam it was very embarrasing even more than usual since he examined my vagina while I was lying on the table with my legs open. I don't know what I should do. This doctor is like one of those old country doctors you read about. He really probably wouldn't understand why I was making a big deal of it.

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2005

I just found this site and I have a question. I'm 12 year old male and I have a sister who is 5. When I go for my annual exam my mother and my sister are in the room. The doctor has both of us stip to our underpants. When he exams my penis and everthing he stands on the side of me so my sister can't see. The last time while he was examining me there my sister walked over and looked. I told my mother the next time I wanted her to wait in the waiting room and not to bring my ssiter in. She told me that whenever the doctor examined anyone under 18 he had to have a parent in the room, Is this true? Whats going to happen when I start developing pubic hair and my sister sees me.

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2005

I don't understand why someone should object to being examined in the nude. I know of some parents who even object to to the childrens genitalia being examined. When my wife and I take our children to the doctor my wife goes into the exam room with my daughter and I go in with my son. My son is 11 and the doctor always does a complete exam which includs a thorough exam of his penis and testicles as well as a visual inspection of his anus. If it were not for this exam we wouldn't have known that one of my sons testicles had not descended and had receded into his inguinal canal.I know the exam is embarrasing for my son since his doctor is a woman. My daughter,who is 12 also gets a complete exam. My wife tells me that the doctor exmines her breasts and while she dosn't give her a pelvic exam she does spread her labia to visually inspect the interior of her vagina. With respect to modesty my daughter is given a paper gown while for some reason my son isn't given one, he's in the nude for the entire exam. Although I don't use this doctor I can tell you that when I was treated for testicular cancer some time ago the oncologist was a woman and I always had to strip to my underpants which I had to pull down so she could examine my testicles. After about 15 sessions of radiation most of my pubic hair fell out and my genitalia looked like that of a 12 year old boy. I never really felt self conscious of this except when she would bring in another doctor or medical student to observe.

-- Anonymous, April 13, 2005

I'm a 15 year old girl and I really think doctors can do better than to give you one of those paper gowns to wear during an exam. My last exam the nurse told me to take off all my clothing and put on the gown. I couldn't close the back of it so my backside was exposed all during the exam. Also when the doctor told me to let down the top so he could examine my breasts the thing tore so for the rest of the exam one of my breasts was exposed. Some people, my mother for example, would say so what, but I think the gown should offer a degree of modesty. At least my doctor gives his female patients a gown, I know he dosn't give them to his male patients. My brother told me that he is naked throughout the exam, maybe the fact that he's 11 has something to do with it. Anyway my friends doctor dosn't even do that, she told me that she only has her panties on during the eaxm and when the doctor examines her vagina, I know it's really her vulva, she has to remove her panties and lie on the table spread eagled. When doctors go to medical school aren't they taught anything about patients modesty. Some people feel completely at ease being naked in the exam but I think most people don't.

-- Anonymous, April 13, 2005

I'm a former director of the athletics dept. at a college here in the midwest. The college was a large one but not one of the elite colleges. We faced this situation of female medical staff members examining male athletes for sports physicals, dermatology examinations and other areas of sports medicine.

The college board of directors decided that we could not risk the threat of lawsuits by banning females from doing jobs they were qualified & trained to do. So we had no alternative but to hire those qualified females and allow them the same work conditions as their male counterparts.

This decision did not go well with many of the athletes. Many of them came from poor backgrounds and have no health insurance so they cannot go to a private doctor for an exam. But our decision stood and a few athletes choose not to participate in the school athletics program rather than be examined by a women.

Now that the policy has been in place for a couple of years there is very little complaining. The athletes have gotten used to seeing the women all the time coming into the locker room and attending to their minor injuries.

They now see that the females are there ONLY to do their job.

However, some athletes from other colleges that visit for swimming & wrestling competitions have objected to having to be examined by a female for skin checks (which require the athlete to be nude). Looks like this debate of female medical staff examining male athletes will continue.

-- Felix, April 19, 2005

Hello. I'm 15 years old and have been having constant problems with my doctor. I had an exam yesterday. The doctor pinched my nipples very hard causing them to leak and bit. He wiped it off on his gloves then proceeded onto the pelvic exam where he laughed while asking me if I expierienced any pain. Does anyone else find this odd behavior?

-- Susanna Wellings , April 19, 2005

I fully appreciate the degree of anxiety when the patient and doctor are of opposite sex. Surely, it would be wise for a female to ask for a female doctor. Likewise, a male would be wise to see a male doctor. The main reason being each sex understands and appreciates any of their own pains and possible health problems. If a person requires a full examination, it is easier for a doctor to conduct the exam in the nude, rather than have any clothing or gowns in the way. Stangely my nude physicals were when I was teenage being the school physicals, which were very strict and were compulsory. The medical staff used to come round in a mobile caravan every year and boys were instructed in advance to bring their swimming briefs and plimsoles. The reason for this was that a room for changing was allocated and when the turn came, normally in pairs, had to go across the playground in the open to the caravan - regardless of the weather! On entering, the female nurse ordered us to take off the footwear and swimming briefs. We were then weighed, measured and had eyes tested and then sent inside a curtained off area to see the doctor, for the main exam, which included penis, testicle and anus exam. The actual doctor's exam was one to one but the weighing and eye tests were communial and I often wondered why this was done naked, as a skimpy pair of swimming briefs would not have any difference to our weight.

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2005

I'm a 16 year old female that recently had a

very embarrassing physical exam. I had to

get a sports physical from a random doctor

because I couldn't get an appointment with

my family doctor in time. I was really afraid I

would get a male doctor. I had never been

naked in front of a man before besides my

dad. I grew up with a female family doctor. I

talked to some of my freinds and they said

the exam was really embarrassing and they

had to take off all their clothes. My mom

went to the appointment with me. When we

got there the nurse told me undress to my

panties and handed me a gown. She said

the doctor would be in shortly. The doctor

came in with a male intern and I looked at

my mom. She didn't