An exam of your child’s genitals (JEN-ah-tuls) is done to check for possible disease, injury or abnormality. A parent may stay in the room during the exam if the child does not mind (Picture 1).
During the exam
You may be asked to help your child lower his pants and possibly have him put on a hospital gown. The doctor or nurse will explain what will happen before and during the exam. The exam may be done with your child lying on the examination table or standing up. The doctor will put on disposable gloves and may turn on a bright light to see the area better. In some cases, after checking your child’s penis, scrotum, testicles and rectal areas (Picture 2), the doctor may want to do some laboratory tests. A specimen may be taken by touching the opening of the penis, rectum, or surrounding areas with a swab (like a long Q-tip®). This may feel uncomfortable but it should not hurt. During the exam your child may be slightly uncomfortable. The exam is not painful.
After the exam
After the exam, you may help your child get dressed. The doctor will discuss the exam with you and answer any questions you may have. You will be called within a week if any laboratory tests are not normal and your child needs treatment. Be sure the doctor or nurse has your correct phone number or a way to contact you. Sometimes, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled before you leave.
Genital Exam - Male (Pre- or Early Puberty) (PDF) HH-III-81 3/85, Revised 5/17 Copyright 1985, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
An exam of your child’s genitals (JEN-ah-tuls) is done to check for possible disease, injury or abnormality. A parent may stay in the room during the exam if the child does not mind (Picture 1).
During the exam
You may be asked to help your child lower his pants and possibly have him put on a hospital gown. The doctor or nurse will explain what will happen before and during the exam. The exam may be done with your child lying on the examination table or standing up. The doctor will put on disposable gloves and may turn on a bright light to see the area better. In some cases, after checking your child’s penis, scrotum, testicles and rectal areas (Picture 2), the doctor may want to do some laboratory tests. A specimen may be taken by touching the opening of the penis, rectum, or surrounding areas with a swab (like a long Q-tip®). This may feel uncomfortable but it should not hurt. During the exam your child may be slightly uncomfortable. The exam is not painful.
After the exam
After the exam, you may help your child get dressed. The doctor will discuss the exam with you and answer any questions you may have. You will be called within a week if any laboratory tests are not normal and your child needs treatment. Be sure the doctor or nurse has your correct phone number or a way to contact you. Sometimes, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled before you leave.
Genital Exam - Male (Pre- or Early Puberty) (PDF) HH-III-81 3/85, Revised 5/17 Copyright 1985, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
An exam of your child’s genitals (JEN-ah-tuls) is done to check for possible disease, injury or abnormality. A parent may stay in the room during the exam if the child does not mind (Picture 1).
During the exam
You may be asked to help your child lower his pants and possibly have him put on a hospital gown. The doctor or nurse will explain what will happen before and during the exam. The exam may be done with your child lying on the examination table or standing up. The doctor will put on disposable gloves and may turn on a bright light to see the area better. In some cases, after checking your child’s penis, scrotum, testicles and rectal areas (Picture 2), the doctor may want to do some laboratory tests. A specimen may be taken by touching the opening of the penis, rectum, or surrounding areas with a swab (like a long Q-tip®). This may feel uncomfortable but it should not hurt. During the exam your child may be slightly uncomfortable. The exam is not painful.
After the exam
After the exam, you may help your child get dressed. The doctor will discuss the exam with you and answer any questions you may have. You will be called within a week if any laboratory tests are not normal and your child needs treatment. Be sure the doctor or nurse has your correct phone number or a way to contact you. Sometimes, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled before you leave.
Genital Exam - Male (Pre- or Early Puberty) (PDF) HH-III-81 3/85, Revised 5/17 Copyright 1985, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
An exam of your child’s genitals (JEN-ah-tuls) is done to check for possible disease, injury or abnormality. A parent may stay in the room during the exam if the child does not mind (Picture 1).
During the exam
- You may be asked to help your child lower his pants and possibly have him put on a hospital gown.
- The doctor or nurse will explain what will happen before and during the exam.
- The exam may be done with your child lying on the examination table or standing up.
- The doctor will put on disposable gloves and may turn on a bright light to see the area better.
- In some cases, after checking your child’s penis, scrotum, testicles and rectal areas (Picture 2), the doctor may want to do some laboratory tests. A specimen may be taken by touching the opening of the penis, rectum, or surrounding areas with a swab (like a long Q-tip®). This may feel uncomfortable but it should not hurt.
- During the exam your child may be slightly uncomfortable. The exam is not painful.
After the exam
- After the exam, you may help your child get dressed.
- The doctor will discuss the exam with you and answer any questions you may have.
- You will be called within a week if any laboratory tests are not normal and your child needs treatment. Be sure the doctor or nurse has your correct phone number or a way to contact you.
- Sometimes, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled before you leave.
Genital Exam - Male (Pre- or Early Puberty) (PDF)
HH-III-81 3/85, Revised 5/17 Copyright 1985, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
