Digital Rectal Exam (Prostate)
 

Ok, I'm really embarssed talking about this, but here goes nothing. I recently switched insurance companies, so, I went to a new doctor for the first time yesterday. I told him about existing prescriptions, etc. and then he asked if I've had a physical in last couple years. I said no, and then the fun began. He did all the normal checking of ears, nose, throat, lungs, stomach, etc. He then asked if I would pull down my pants. I said to myself, "Shit, he wants to do the turn your head and cough routine." Well, whatever. He does that and kind of looks at and inspects my balls for testicular cancer and stuff. He then says he's going to do a digital rectal exam (no, the word 'digital' does not mean it's electronic) to check the prostate. WTF!? :eek: I immediately asked why, and that I thought I was too young. I'm only 26. I think he did it because I have a family history of lower abdomen/intestinal diseases and also I've been complaining of constipation lately. At any rate, I was not a happy camper, and I reluctantly turn on my side and he did his thing. It was not a cool feeling, he shoved his finger right up in there, but it might as well been his whole frickin' fist. I almost bit off my tongue.

Well, has anyone else had a prostate exam at anywhere near my age of 26? Does anyone know if this sounds really weird?

I haven't been to the doctor for a physical in 3 or 4 years and I'm 26... I guess it is better to be safe, and he can't get sued for inspecting things. But if you get prostate cancer in 6 months and complained of symptoms before, the questions of why he didn't check it out come up. And then lawyers get involved, and it gets messy.

I thought they had come up with some other way to check it out, but it might be a few years away from coming out.

I always thought that it was 40 or 50 when those exams started.

You pretty much answered you own question. Family history means alot. No history, he probably waits till your 40 or 50. Be prepared in late 40's or when your 50, you can expect a colonoscopy. You drink a powerfull laxative, empty yourself out and then you go to a hospital or outpatient facility and they stick a camera up your ass and check for polyps or other abnormalalities. Don't worry they knock you out with Versed or something similar. You wake up and you don't remember anything. No I'm not a Doctor but I did stay at a Holiday Inn express last night!
Actually I've had done, the cleaing your self out is the rough part.

I had one when I was 18 as a part of a physical for a college that I didn't end up going to. It was probably the most comprehensive physical I've ever had, though. Unfortunately, there was a checklist involved that the doctor had to complete.

I have to agree with Brewmaniac that you answered your own question. If you've got a family history of these things, he's probably just checking to make sure you don't have any early symptoms.

Got my first colonoscopy at 24. Family history is the key on this. You don't want to fuck around with prostate cancer possibilities, or colon cancer either (as in my family's case).

Yeah, it's the family history thing. I'm sorry it was such an unpleasant expierence, as P-spot play can be fun in the right setting with the right person. Next time, feel free to talk to the doctor about the exam, asking if perhaps he could go slower and give you time to relax. Relaxing is a big factor in the comfort level of a rectal exam.

Glad things checked out OK

Yeah better safe then sorry and since you were talking to him about constipation and had family history of problems like that.. at least he just didnt think you had a cute butt.

4:40 (10 megs) of comedy gold from King of the Hill.

You'll forget all about your visit if you watch this.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=DMAM9O8S

When I turned 21, i got a prostate infection for my 21st birthday, it sucked ass, i had plenty of fingers up there poking my prostate, and for the 7 months it lasted.

You’d rather have a finger in your ass then a prostate infection, when you get plenty of them, and you'd rather have a finger in your ass then prostate cancer.

Its uncomfortable, but just deal with it, it needs to be done to detect cancer early. Relax and let the doctor work, it will be over soon enough.

Had one at age 11 with 10 med students watching. Lots of fun!

Your "Doctor" wasn't a Republican Politician was he? :lol:

seeing the gloves and the tube of lube... yeah. not so exciting but it's better than prostate cancer or other prostate related ailments.

I have an attractive woman doctor, and actually find the rectal exam quite pleasant. Relaxation and communication are the keys.

It's just like a female going in for her annual. Some of your sex parts are on the inside, and they need to be checked, especially if you have a family history of lower abdominal problems.

I put my feet up in stirrups every year without complaint. It's just part of taking care of yourself and staying healthy.

I think it's kind of odd. Intestinal problems in the family doesn't give a reason to do a rectal exam. It's not a big deal either way, but personally I never would have had it done.

glad to hear you're a doctor...

I had one done when I had bleeding issues. I was pretty much pooping blood.

PS: the digital part refered to the finger. Recall how some people refer to their fingers as digits.

It's not always the case that you're knocked out for this procedure. They do always sedate you, but I remember parts of most of my endoscopies (I've had 'em both from the top and the bottom, due to my Crohn's). Either way though, you're flying high and the procedure isn't as bad as all that.

My philosophy when it comes to these sorts of procedures is basically what's been stated. They suck, they're uncomfortable, they're invasive and demeaning. They're also highly necessary. You do not want to fuck around when it comes to your health, not if you want to maintain your breathing habit. The doc knew he wasn't going to find anything. You knew he wasn't going to find anything. But even still, if there's a reason to suspect that there may be anything, it's better to deal with the few minutes of discomfort and be sure.

Precisely. Not to be cruel, but get over it already.

Or, let your wife/SO practice on you the night before your next rectal exam... that way you can learn to relax. A finger in the ass during sex can be very nice, if you can learn to enjoy it. :)

Amen, sister. :)

Actually I'm in med school. Not quite a doctor, but I do have extensive history in the medical field because of my own problems. Me supplying my opinion is no different from everybody else here doing the same -- it's just that I don't think it was necessary. And it wasn't. It was just a physical, and if the physician chose not to do the rectal exam, it wouldn't have been negligent.