Why Do Doctors Make Guys Turn Their Head And Cough During A Physical Exam?

This is actually a really common question. A lot of guys are often confused about why this is done.

Most people understand why doctors do what they do at an appointment. If you have an issue with your throat they’re going to have you open your mouth so they can take a look. Knee hurts? Then they’re going to feel around the knee. And probably try to move it to see if they can figure out more about what’s causing the pain.

So if you didn’t talk to your doctor about an issue with your testicles, why would they make you turn your head and cough?

It’s actually a pretty direct answer. The reason they do this is to see if you have an inguinal hernia.

Let me explain this a little more in depth, especially for people who have never had it done.

A doctor will hold your scrotum and ask you to turn your head to the side and cough. This is usually done with all males. It’s part of the regular physical exam.

The coughing is important because when you cough, your abdominal muscles tighten. If you have an inguinal hernia, then when you cough part of your intestines will push through the abdominal wall. And the doctor can feel that inside the scrotum.

If there is an inguinal hernia, then you will have to have surgery to fix it. But that might not need to be done immediately. Some doctors wait and see what happens with it before they decide next steps. This is especially true if it’s not causing a lot of pain or discomfort.

Inguinal hernias do not happen only in men. They can happen in people of all sexes. If you’re a woman the doctor will check your abdomen for bulges and may also have you stand and cough.

So I’ve explained the need to cough, but I haven’t really explained the need to turn your head. There’s actually a really simple reason for this. It’s so you don’t cough in your doctor’s face!

Something to keep in mind for those of you who work in health care. It can be really helpful to explain things as they happen. I know doing something might be routine for you and you might assume that people know what you’re doing and why, but that quick explanation can help alleviate fear and confusion for your patients.

Until next time, be safe and have fun!

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