When doctors check your private parts, they are performing a physical exam to assess your overall health and look for any abnormalities or issues. This is a routine part of preventive care and may be recommended annually, especially for women. While it may feel uncomfortable or embarrassing, it is an important part of healthcare. Here is an overview of what to expect and why it matters.
Reasons for Checking Private Parts
Doctors check private parts for several reasons including:
- Screening for cancers – Checking the breasts, testicles, penis, vulva, cervix, uterus, and ovaries for lumps, growths, or other changes that could indicate cancer.
- Testing for STIs – Swabs may be taken from the penis, vagina, cervix, or anus to test for sexually transmitted infections.
- Assessing for hernias – Hernias can occur in the groin area and a doctor may palpate the region to feel for abnormalities.
- Checking reproductive health – Ensuring the reproductive organs appear healthy and functioning properly.
- General assessment – Looking for any signs of irritation, infection, cysts, or other issues.
Routine checks aim to identify issues early on when they are most treatable. They can also provide preventive health education and peace of mind if nothing abnormal is found.
What to Expect During the Exam
The extent of the exam depends on your age, gender, symptoms, and health history. In general, the doctor will:
- Ask about any symptoms, pain, discharge, bleeding, etc.
- Visually inspect the area looking for abnormalities.
- Palpate or feel the reproductive organs for masses or tenderness.
- Take samples for Pap smears, STIs, or other tests as needed.
For women, a pelvic exam typically involves:
- Checking the vulva and vaginal opening for lesions, irritation, discharge.
- Inserting a speculum to view the cervix and take samples.
- Performing a manual internal exam by inserting gloved fingers into the vagina and pressing on the abdomen to feel the reproductive organs.
For men, it may involve:
- Inspecting the penis and testicles for abnormalities.
- Examining the rectum for hemorrhoids or masses.
- Checking for hernias in the groin.
Breast exams for women and men involve visually inspecting and palpating the breast tissue for lumps or changes.
Why the Exam is Necessary
While having private parts examined can feel awkward, it provides important preventive screening. Key reasons doctors recommend periodic checks include:
- Detect issues early: Finding cancers, infections, or other problems at an early stage greatly improves treatment success.
- Obtain samples for testing: Pap smears, STI testing, and other screenings require collecting tissue samples.
- Provide reproductive health education: Doctors can advise on family planning, safe sex, self-checks, and more.
- Find issues before they progress: Identifying something like an ovarian cyst early prevents it from growing unchecked.
- Establish a baseline: Knowing what’s normal makes it easier to identify abnormal changes down the road.
- Prevent complications: Treating issues prevents them from spreading, impacting fertility, or having other consequences.
While unpleasant, the brief discomfort of the exam is worth the peace of mind and early detection of problems it provides.
Preparing for the Exam
You can make the exam process easier by:
- Scheduling on a day you aren’t having your period for convenience.
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers ahead of time if you tend to have pain.
- Avoiding intercourse for 24 hours prior to the exam.
- Wearing a skirt or loose pants to allow easy access.
- Keeping your bladder empty to make palpation more comfortable.
- Letting your doctor know of any concerns, symptoms, or questions you have.
- Remembering to breathe and relax during the exam.
What to Expect After the Exam
Once the check up is complete, your doctor will explain their findings and any next steps. Typical next steps include:
- Call back if test results are abnormal.
- Schedule an ultrasound, biopsy, or other diagnostic test if an abnormality was found.
- Prescribe medication for an infection or other issue.
- Provide instructions for self-care for matters like vaginal irritation.
- Follow up in 1-3 years for the next wellness check.
Most of the time, results are normal. But if a problem is found early, let your doctor guide you through appropriate treatment. Keep the lines of communication open with your provider and don’t hesitate to call with any questions or concerns.
When to Get Checked
Guidelines on when and how often to have genital and reproductive exams include:
| Who | How Often |
|---|---|
| Women 21-29 | Every 1-3 years |
| Women 30-65 | Every 1-3 years |
| Women 65+ | Discuss with your doctor |
| Men | Discuss with your doctor |
Your doctor may recommend more or less frequent exams based on your sexual activity, health conditions, Pap smear results, and other factors.
Finding the Right Doctor
Having a doctor you trust and feel comfortable with is key to making the exam manageable. Consider:
- Seeing a family doctor or OBGYN for routine well-woman exams.
- Using a female provider if that eases discomfort.
- Bringing someone into the room with you during the exam if permitted.
- Asking questions to voice worries and make sure you understand.
- Finding an office with a caring, understanding staff.
Doctors know exams can cause unease and will do all they can to respect your comfort while providing appropriate care.
Potential Abnormal Results
During the exam, the doctor notes any abnormal findings that require follow up. Potential abnormal results include:
- Genital warts
- Genital lesions or sores
- Vaginal irritation or discharge
- Enlarged or painful reproductive organs
- Hernias
- Skin changes on the penis or vulva
- Breast lump or nipple discharge
Abnormal Pap smear results may also require additional testing. Follow doctor recommendations for any additional testing or treatment needed.
When to Seek Emergency Care
In some cases, you should seek prompt medical care between exams. Seek emergency care for:
- Sudden, severe pelvic pain
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Pain, swelling, redness in the genital area
- Signs of miscarriage
- Difficulty urinating
- Fevers, chills, vomiting
- Trauma such as rape or assault
Pay attention to your body and don’t hesitate to be evaluated if you notice severe or alarming changes in the genital or breast area between exams.
Conclusion
Having your private parts examined by a doctor may feel uncomfortable or embarrassing initially. But it is a very important part of preventive healthcare that can detect issues early when they are most treatable. With the right provider, these checkups provide vital screening, education, and peace of mind about reproductive and sexual health.