Male Physical Exam

This physical exam for men is performed as a check-up to screen for any diseases that are frequent in the male population. The annual check-up helps detect any early signs of testicular, prostate, or penile disease. You can also visit our Beverly Hills medical center. At the center, you can request this exam if you notice any abnormal changes in your groin, whether it’s a lump or unusual pain.

What to expect

There are no special preparations you need to do before this exam. However, you should be aware that your physician will be inspecting and feeling sensitive areas of your body. With this potential sensitivity, it’s essential to communicate openly if you are confused or uncomfortable throughout the exam. Your physician will make sure the process goes smoothly by clearly explaining every step.

Your male physical exam will consist of four main parts:

Testicular exam

The testicular examination involves close inspection and palpation of your testes. During a testicular exam, your physician will use his hands to feel both testicles for any abnormalities, including changes in size or consistency. The exam performance helps to detect any painful or bumpy areas in your testicles, which can be a sign of infection, cysts, or masses. If needed, your physician may request a testicular ultrasound.

Testicular ultrasound

A testicular or scrotal ultrasound exam is a safe and painless procedure used to visualize the internal details of your testicles. It’s performed using a noninvasive handheld probe that moves over your scrotum to create images of what is inside your testicles. Your physician will apply a layer of gel on your testicles then gently roll the probe over them. As your physician moves the probe in different directions, an ultrasound machine will produce images of your testicles. These images will be useful later to help in the diagnosis of your condition.

Why is this exam performed?

Physicians request a testicular ultrasound in the following cases:

  • Testicular lumps
  • Undescended testes
  • Testicular torsion
  • Testicular cysts
  • Varicocele
  • Epididymitis
  • Infertility

How to prepare for this exam?

There is no special preparation needed. You don’t need to abstain from eating or drinking before your ultrasound exam, and there will be no anesthesia used during the procedure.

You will remove your clothes, especially below the waist, so your physician can perform the exam. To ensure the ultrasound images are clear and accurate, you will lie as still as possible throughout the exam.

Penis exam

A penis exam involves an examination of the penis for any growths, warts, ulcers, or pain, which can be a sign of sexually transmitted disease (STD). If your physician decides on additional testing, he may request lab tests, such as STD testing. These tests help to check for specific markers in your blood or urine.

Prostate exam

How is this exam performed?

During a prostate exam, or a digital rectal exam (DRE), your physician will wear a glove and add gel or lubricant on his finger before inserting it into the rectum. By doing so, he will be able to check your prostate and identify abnormalities in size, which can be a sign of prostate disease. Additionally, a blood test called prostate-specific antigen (PSA) can be requested. This lab test will show the level of PSA produced by your prostate; it is usually high in men with various conditions, including prostate cancer.

Why is this exam performed?

Prostate exams are indicated for all men ages 50 and above as a screening method for prostate cancer. It’s also useful to detect the following conditions:

  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
  • Prostatitis
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Anal or rectal cancers

Hernia exam

Hernias are one of the more common conditions in men. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in the groin or scrotal area, you should ask for a hernia exam. To check for hernias, your physician will palpate your groin to check if there are any bulges or swelling in this region. Your doctor will ask you to cough a few times to help your physician during this process.

As Seen On

Your-Concierge-MD-Clients