Have you ever had an embarrassing team physical exam? Pretty much all team sports will require that you have a physical exam annually to be sure that you are fit and healthy enough to play. Unfortunately, such exams can strike fear into the heart of anyone, regardless of their age. Questions may start racing through your head like, "Will it be in front of everybody?" Or, "What if I'm not the same
. as everyone else?" Teenagers may feel especially afflicted with such concerns.For that reason, it's good to know what to expect when going in for your physical. All doctors will check you for your vital signs so that they know your heart rate is normal. They will also check your breathing, thyroid, chest, stomach and genital area. It is usually this last area that is of most concern to patients.It is true that a doctor must check for male patients for hernias, which is often the dreaded moment of the exam. The truth is that it is over very quickly and, though often embarrassing, a necessary part of the exam to be sure you are fit enough to play sports. After all, it could be a very bad situation indeed if you were to do heavy lifting to bulk up for football or another sport if you had an existing hernia and didn't realize it!The best thing that you can do when you see the doctor for a physical is be straightforward about your concerns and talk frankly with him or her. Though it may be embarrassing and you may be forced to go to the doctor only for your love of sports, it is really your opportunity for you and your body to get the regular support that you need. Take advantage of it while you're there. More reference links: http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/support/embarrassment/embarrassment_men.shtml http://gigglemed.com/embarrassing-medical-stories
