Physical exam for adolescent males

What is a hernia?

A hernia is when part of the intestine, or bowel, pushes down from the abdomen into the scrotum. If you have a hernia, this part of the bowel can become trapped inside your scrotum, causing serious problems. The physician checks for this by asking you to cough (this pushes down the bowel so the hernia can be felt) while feeling inside the scrotal sac. Hernias can be corrected with surgery.

What are tumors?

Tumors are growths that can occur throughout the body, including the testicles. Testicular tumors in adolescents are rare, but your physician may check for this during the examination and show you how to perform your own self-exam.

Will the exam include information on sexual activity?

Your doctor or nurse will routinely talk with you about sexuality and encourage you to ask questions. If you are sexually active, thinking of becoming sexually active or have questions about sex or attractions, talk to your doctor during your appointment. It may seem embarrassing, but your doctor is trained to talk to you about these issues.

If you are sexually active, we will usually give you information about condom use and how to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV. We often suggest that you have an STD screening for sexually transmitted diseases, depending on what kind of sexual exposures you have had and what protection you have used. This testing is confidential.

Are there specialized services for me if I am gay, bisexual or transgender?

Our doctors and nurses routinely treat both straight and GLBT youth, as well as young men and women who aren't yet sure, or have had a wanted or unwanted same-sex experience. If you share this information with us in private, we will respect your privacy, but we will also be able to provide you with the information, services, prevention care and screenings you may need in the privacy of your clinic visit here.