Any Suggestions for Physical Exam Next Week?

I finally scheduled a physical exam for next week with a new doctor.

My last physical was beyond disappointing. I remained fully clothed, even when he was checking my heart beat.

This time I'm determined to guide the process and get different results. Since I'm turning 40 this year, I'll definitely ask for a prostate cancer screening. Depending on how it goes, I also want to avoid gowns and will strip to my underwear.

Any other suggestions from male members on how to guide a physical to be more thorough?

Nothing else beyond what you already mentioned. I think avoiding gowns and stripping to your underwear (or stripping completely) is the way to go. I really think it sends the doctor the proper signal -- that you're there for a complete exam. That's what you expect and that's what you are prepared to receive. It also let's them know that you're not overly modest and that you realize that exposure of your body to the doctor during a physical is normal.

As I've said elsewhere, I usually strip completely, removing everything including my underwear. Then I sit on the exam table with just the small paper drape that they usually give you.

If seeing you there in your undies or without anything at all doesn't give them the right hints, then you just need to find a more thorough doctor.

Please let us know how it went.

The answer, for me, was finding an internal medicine practice, one which has you fill out pages about your systems, and/or one in which you speak to the doctor prior to entering the exam room- perhaps an office in which he/she goes over your history. The office person here termed it a 'meet and greet.' This is when you would describe what you are seeking: a doctor who takes the time for head-to-toe, skin, nails physicals and not....

Explain past concerns about a hernia

This is an old thread, but I'd love to hear people's suggestions on how to make a regular physical into a great one. I'll re-iterate one comment below by saying that when it's time for me to pre-state my concerns (either on a form or to the nurse) prior to speaking with the doctor, then the doctor will read the computer when he arrives and immediately will delegate the correct amount of time to each issue. For example, if I say that I've found some new moles on my body, and also I'm having some hip issues - then he'll know which to tackle first and for how long, while leaving enough time for the regular exam and other concerns.

If I were to give general advice on the physical exam situation:

1. If wearing a gown bothers you, just simply ignore orders to wear a gown, and remain undressed to your level of comfort. You can always say you realize the gown is a bother and just in the way, and you mention that you understand s/he needs to examine your body anyway. This is a communication that you are comfortable without modesty concerns and you are open to as thorough of an exam as they are willing to provide.

2. If you really want any specific area checked, or have any specific concerns, by all means, speak up. Don;t assume the doc will automatically be thorough, or that they would refuse to be more thorough. Be tuned in for when they ask you if you have any general or specific health concerns. This is your opportunity to address where they may not have been as thorough as you would have liked, or to ensure they are thorough enough when they proceed to examine you.

3. If for some reason you are not comfortable, for example, your doc is the opposite gender of you and that makes you uncomfortable, state that you are nervous, and ask if there is a nurse or someone that could help put you at ease. That would serve as a subtle hint that you would like a chaperone.

4. if you have never had a genital exam and would like one for whatever reason, state that you have never had a genital exam & would like your doc to just check to make sure everything is okay.

5. You can always say that you would like a medical health care professional's opinion just in case they catch something you took for granted or might miss. This could apply to any part of your body, but say for example you admit to checking your testicle monthly, but that since you are there and it wouldn't take long, you think you might as well have a medical professional check just to be sure you're not overlooking something.

We can always inbox private message further....