Advice on dealing with GP and Dermatologist

In this world where everyone uses everyone, I find that doctors are a lot less likely to check genitals just because, unless you have a complaint.

My thing is, besides my medfet, if I’m going for my annual exam, I want everything checked out.

I haven’t had my testicles checked for testicular cancer in ages. I’m 35.

They check my prostate only after they ask if I want them to, because of history.

At my dermatologist she doesn’t check anything in my genitals unless I have a problem, but how do I know what’s a problem?

So in order to get that thorough physical examination, am I wrong for making up anything in those areas to make sure they get checked out? Or would I be considered a creep to ask for them to check anyway even if I don’t think there’s anything wrong?

Medfet aside, I’m paying for a service and I want to be sure I’m getting the full service. But at the same time, no matter what, I don’t want to be labeled a creep or a perv.

While I get excited about being examined, I do not show it or act on my excitement and am very respectful to my healthcare professionals.

So, thoughts?

I see nothing wrong with raising genuine concerns / worries. You probably will not be checked for Prostate cancer. Here in the UK, males below tbe age of 50 are not checked for P C. So, as you are only 35 -it is unlikely. Although you did mention (family) history?

Being checked for possible hernia / testicular cancer would seem to be a reasonable request. Not only would it rule out any genuine fears that you might have, but you could ask the doctor to show you how to do a proper self - check.

I do not think that 'inventing'symptoms for any imaginary condition is a way forward, but discussing any genuine worries you may have? That is fair enough.

I do have a history so most years they check me. They usually act like they don’t need to do it but will if I want them to.

As for the other stuff, I don’t know why I feel like if I ask them to check my testicles that I could be seen as a perv. I do worry about things and do want to make sure I’m in good health.

Notning pervy about asking a medical professional to check for potential testicular cancer. A perfectly reasonable request.

Difficult and awkward as it might be you need to grow a pair, figuratively speaking of course. If your doctor has not condut testicular exams during a physical then your doctor is being neglectful. You need to say something. If the doctor will not do the job then I would suggest finding a new doctor. Testicular Cancer is real.

I haven’t had my testicles checked for testicular cancer in ages. I’m 35.

They check my prostate only after they ask if I want them to, because of history.

At my dermatologist she doesn’t check anything in my genitals unless I have a problem, but how do I know what’s a problem?

etc.

Recently there was a thread on testicular self exams with a lot of easy to understand and easy to use information here. SEE THIS:

https://www.zity.biz/index.php?mx=forum;ox=display;topic=104455

https://www.flickr.com/photos/56409611@N00/140635727/in/photostream/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/56409611@N00/140635009/in/photostream/

http://cdn6.bigcommerce.com/s-ks27jxkpgb/products/113/images/377/ShowerCardFront_Back__55881.1466716124.500.750.jpg?c=2

There are also plenty of testicular self exam videos on YouTube AND your doctor should have told you to do self exams just like women are told to do monthly breast exams.

Doctors do not check everything, nor should they be expected to. They examine you based on your history and primary reason for visiting the doctor.

Testicular cancer is primarily a disease of the third decade. You are past that. They won't make a point of checking unless you have a family history of the disease.

If you want 100% of your body check at every visit, you need concierge medical care.

Recently there was a thread on testicular self exams with a lot of easy to understand and easy to use information here.

Doctors do not check everything, nor should they be expected to. They examine you based on your history and primary reason for visiting the doctor.

Testicular cancer is primarily a disease of the third decade. You are past that. They won't make a point of checking unless you have a family history of the disease.

If you want 100% of your body check at every visit, you need concierge medical care.

I can understand tthat once a guy hits 35 plus that the chance of testicular cancer is greatly reduced. Probably not entirely eliminated but still greatly reduced. It only takes a moment's time for that exam so whether or not it is worth getting done is open to some debate. (My doctor still does it during my annual physical. Hernia too.)

What I find troubling is the OP's doctor failure to include this in earlier years.

Twenty years ago in Colorado I had testicular exams, prostate exams and checks for hernias at my annual physical. When I moved to Texas, my doc did a prostate exam during my first visit only. Frequent urges to pee due to BPH. No hernia or testiclar exams, but asked me if I checked my testicles regularly. When my PSA went from a 1.0 to 1.5, she referred me to a urologist who did another prostate exam. He had a medical student with him and asked the the student what he recommended - the student thought I should get a biopsy!!!! Fat chance - what if the PSA test was bad? And 1.0-4.0 is the normal range - they do get concerned with PSA scores that change - esp rate of change being a big factor. For six years I saw the urologist annually for a PSA and prostate check and nothing changed. Then I moved to Oregon - no prostate check, no hernia or testicular cancer checks.

On a side note, in CO and TX I got annual angiograms as well. Here in OR my doc doesn't do them unless there is a complicating factor. When asked why they don't routinely do them, she said there is a very low probability of finding anything. If a clot forms, it won't show on an angiogram - and that is more likely to kill you. Medical practices change over time - and I believe protocols are different in different locations.

Another side note. I am now on medicare and medicare doesn't pay for "physicals" - just an annual "wellness check". Providers may have a harder time billing/justifying some procedures.

I can relate to OP and many of my posts reflect this same perspective.

My current old school doc is thorough and has me in a gown only, but only does dre no hernia or testicular exam. I'm 49 and only went to him for the last 2 years. I'm sure if I had a concern he would check. Not sure what his reason for not doing it routinely is, maybe I'm part the prime age for those things?

I’m 36 and I go to a great GP, who has been really good to my wife and to me.

My only beef with her is that since I became her patient, she has never done a testicular exam. I’ve been seeing her for two years now.

I have history in my family of prostate issues and two years ago she did a DRE, but last year she just stuck to the bloodwork.

Now that I’m taking testosterone shots and my endocrinologist says that I’ll need to keep an eye on my prostate and that a PSA test will be routine but that the DRE is up to me and my GP.

a) would it be weird or out of place to ask my GP for a DRE on top of the PSA test?

b) at my age is it ok that she hasn’t checked my testicles? The last time I got that checked my a doctor was probably 4-5 years ago. And if I should get it checked out, how do I approach it? I don’t want to come across as a weirdo that just wants his balls examined?

Second situation:

I see an awesome dermatologist, she’s been the only dermatologist out of 4 I’ve seen that diagnosed me with dermatitis and not dry skin.

I’ve had moles galore taken out of my body but when she examines me, she never checks my genitalia or butt. Is that proper exam or am I within my right to ask for that?

I’ve had dermatologists that would have me strip down completely and even check between my cheeks and I’ve had some who would keep my underwear on but would pull them down some to check it.

I want my health fully checked out but I also don’t want my medfet to get on the way. Don’t wanna be labeled as the weirdo, ya know?

I’m 36 and I go to a great GP, who has been really good to my wife and to me.

My only beef with her is that since I became her patient, she has never done a testicular exam.

I've merged this into an earlier thread you started, as it seems to be further comment on essentially the same subject a year on.

Best thing is to educate yourself and be a little assertive. Normally a nurse or assistant will ask if you have any concerns while they are doing the upfront temperature, blood pressure and other checks. I would just say that you want to have a testicular exam since this hasn't been done in a long time and you want to make sure everything is normal. The natural response from the nurse will be to ask you if you think everything is normal? I would just say that I am not sure and I am a bit concerned. The nurse will normally inform the doctor and case closed.

Note: There is a little bit of back and forth on the testicular exam topic within the medical community specific to whether it should be a standard check. The American Cancer Society still recommends testicular exams be done as part of each routine visit to the doctor. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force doesn't recommend routine testicle exams. These are the same geniuses that wanted women to wait until age 50 for breast exams...and later reversed themselves after strong outcry.

BTW - this is your health. You]re not being a pervert since having your testicles checked is a legitimate medical exam to request. One last thing is that you may have to remind the doctor if she forgets. Female medical providers seem more reluctant to do this for some reason so be assertive. If the doctor says no, then you will have to go to a urologist...and start looking for a better doctor.

The hernia question is a bit more complicated since this is not something that you would normally need to have done. I would just say something to the effect that since that area is being checked, you would like to get the hernia exam as well.

....The question about the skin doctor. Some check, some don't check where the sun doesn't shine. You can ask and switch doctors if you aren't happy. Might take a while to find a good dermatologist. I found one but had to schedule 3 months in advance to get "full" body exam. Good one's are busy.

Note: There is a little bit of back and forth on the testicular exam topic within the medical community specific to whether it should be a standard check. The American Cancer Society still recommends testicular exams be done as part of each routine visit to the doctor. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force doesn't recommend routine testicle exams. These are the same geniuses that wanted women to wait until age 50 for breast exams...and later reversed themselves after strong outcry.

I wouldn’t trust a damn thing that the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force says. For them it’s all about the money. I would place more trust with the American Cancer Society and their recommendations. Even though more screenings equals more money, at least you are being checked more often for that wretched disease. Better to catch it early rather than later.