Why do doctors tell you to cough at a physical while examining the genitals?
154361
In every phisical examination, doctors ask you some kind o rare things to do. When a doctor is examinating your genitals, if you are a man, they must to look for hernias... always...many times a hernia can be seen when you cough. I'm taking about an hernia on the groin or inguinal area. If the doctor ask you to cough, he can feel with his hand or see if there is a protuberance or something wrong. I hope you got the answer.
580424
talk to your doctor, you don't want to take risks with your health
693839
Yes, you may have pneumonia or bronchitis.  You should get a chest x-ray.  Blood in the spit(sputum) is not normal if its coming from the lungs and not from your mouth.
654727
Well exams are a great way of screening for problems before they can become BIG problems.  The pap checks you for cervical cancer which, in most cases, can easily be treated when its caught early. If you're sexually active, you may have sexually transmitted diseases/infections with no symptoms that can lead to sterility and even death...worst case scenarios here, but how would you ever really know if you're not getting yourself checked?
131392
For a general exam there are two parts - the breast exam and the vaginal exam.  You walk into the room undress, and put on those oh so fun paper robes, open to the front.  There is a blanket or sheet they give you to cover your lower half.  \n\nFor the vaginal exam you lie down scoot forward, and put your feet in the stirrups.  The doctor will insert a speculum (tool to open things up) so they can look around, and will use what looks like the worlds longest q-tip into you, swish it across the cervix to test for cervical cancer.\nThey then remove the speculum, stick a couple fingers in you with one hand, feel around your hip area with the other, to feel your ovaries.\nWhile this part isn't pleasant, it shouldn't hurt.  Let the doctor know this is your first exam, and often they will tell you what they are doing, use a smaller speculum, etc.  A little spotting after this can be normal. (it sounds awful, but they are very matter of fact about this.  THey will understand you being embarassed and uncomfortable, and every person I have had a check up with has done their best to make me feel at ease, and to get it done quickly.)\n\nFor the breast exam they have you lie down, and basically they feel around your breast.  Once again, not my favorite thing, but at least it doesn't hurt.\n\nAt your appointment you can ask your doc anything you have a questions about.  Funky periods, birth control questions, etc.\n\nThe doctor you have can be either male or female.  If you have a male doctor, they are required to have a female in the room with you while they do the physical exam (don't worry, the female is just a chaperone.  they will not be examining you too!).  \n\nI have had both male and female doctors, and it comes down to preference, you can request either sex dr. when you make your appointment. \n\nBottom line is, when you are done with it, you will feel much better.  It is scarier thinking about the appnt. than it is going!  After, if you like your doc. and felt comfortable, use them as your normal gynecologist.  If not, use a different one the next time.  Ask women in your life - friends, family, who they like to go to.\n\nAnd the up side is if your tests come back clear, you only have to visit them every other year.\n\nGood luck with your appointment.  Good for you for going!  You have nothing to be embarassed about.  Your health is worth it.
484709
Go see your doctor, that could be dangerous and compromise your health
260163
Whatever you do, when the doc examines you - DON'T GIGGLE...
661475
No one can legitimately perform a physical examination over the phone. That is simply ridiculous and this man was obviously a pervert.\n\nNext time something like this happens, don't feed into his desires. At almost 17 years of age, I think you can tell when someone is trying to do something illegitimate.\n\nFor future reference, unless you are speaking to a family friend or relative who is a certified physician, don't discuss your body or listen to anyone wanting to talk about your body whom you don't know.
1001467
the doctor will first examine the external parts of your vagina and make sure everything has developed normal and is okay. The doctor will then see if it is possible to insert a speculum so it is possible to see inside the vagina and examine and to make sure that it is normal. The doctor will also place one or two fingers inside your vagina and one hand on your abdomen. This allows the doctor to feel your ovaries and your uterus and to examine them and to make sure they are normal size and have developed appropriately also. Do not hesitate to ask any questions or to address any concerns during the examination. \nThe table for female examinations has stirrups at the end of it. These are for you to place your feet in while the doctor examines your vagina and female organs. These make it much less uncomfortable for you during the exam, and helps the doctor to better examine you. \nA Pap smear is something that sometimes is done on an examination. A speculum is inserted so that the doctor can see the cervix, which is the opening into the womb. This is a place where at a later age lesions may develop and a Pap smear helps to detect those long before there’s any problems and while it is very easy to treat and get rid of them. \nThe doctor inserts a small wooden spatula or other device and simply scrapes some of the superficial cells off the skin of the cervix. This is usually not painful. If you experience any pain it is important that you tell your doctor. \n\nThe doctor then places the cells on a microscopic slide and then uses a special liquid to preserve the cells so they can be examined and studied at a later time. \nA pathologist is a specialized doctor who examines the slides after they have been prepared for the microscope. \n\nCells from this region of the body have a special characteristic in that many years before they may turn into a cancer they show changes that tell the pathologist that they will become abnormal at a later time. The importance is that if the pathologist detects some changes that may cause problems in the future they can let your doctor know, and it can be simply treated so as to prevent any problems with cancer in the future. \nAfter this the doctor will tell you what she found on the examination. He will answer your questions, and may give you some medical advice or recommend a contraception method and give you a prescription. (This can be taken to your pharmacy and you can purchase the medicine.) \nHe will propose a time for you to come back to see her, and make sure you ask any questions you have before you leave. \n\nYour doctor will talk to you about STD's and contraceptives.
844385
My understanding is that it is ok for a male Dr to examine a female patient without a nurse present but that most dont out of fear of a lawsuit. My male Dr. usually asks if Id like a nurse present, Ive been going to him for years so I dont feel its necessary but I think its nice, and smart, of him to ask.
837316
erm.. (lol) your rectum is not your balls... its called "scrotum".. rectum is your anus... \nthey are checking for prostrate problems in the muscle areas... when you cough, you contract those particular muscles and the doctor can look for any irregularities
792126
A doctor utilizing the proper tests can tell you. I can tell you one thing though, "You don't get STDs from sex, you get them from stupid."
528405
It is very important for a woman to have a yearly physical exam beginning when they turn 18.  I was scared my first time when I went at 18.  I am now 47.  It is not my favorite thing to go in for my yearly physical, but I do it anyway.  It is important to find a doctor you are comfortable with since they will be checking you in your most private areas.  I have a wonderful woman doctor who is so kind and gentle.  She explains everything she is doing and let's me know ahead of time what she is going to do and what I will feel.  She also sits and talks with me first before the exam.  Early detection of any disease has a greater chance of being successfully treated.  A yearly physical with a gynecologist or a family practitioner (that's who I go to) helps detect or prevent possible problems.  Call today and make the appointment.  It'll be OK and you'll be glad you did.  Tell the nurse and the doctor that it is your first yearly exam and I am sure they will be glad to help you through it.  If not, go to a different doctor.
619563
You mean pap smears? Not really.A doctor has a speculum to open the vaginal area. It's a bit cold. Then he pries open your vagina which really doesn't hurt. Then he sticks a swab up there. What would hurt worse would be having cancer I imagine. If this small test that lasts about 15 minutes tops can detect early cancer then its very much worth it.
862799
it means you really need to see a doctor
383542
Emma, I agree with you 100%.  I too don't understand why they do it.  I always reply with "ask you doctor this question" when I see stuff like this floating around.\n\nEspecially, pregnant women with questions which should only be asked to their doctors.\n\nI will sit back and read the other replies.
128518
Turn your head and cough