2/29/2008
Just Look
OK, people. I have said this a million times in my clinic and am appalled at some of the responses, so I am telling the world (or at least the people who read this blog). PLEASE LOOK AT YOUR GENITALS.
If you have to think when the last time was that you looked, it’s been too long. Once a month is all I ask. Like when you do your breast exam or inspect your testicles — which you should be doing once a month. (I can see some people cringing since they don’t do these either.)
It seems so logical, so easy. For the guys, bend your neck. Whoop … there he is. Pull back the skin if he is not circumcised. Inspect. Is there anything new, anything that does not look right? Smegma? No? All done. If there is something funky, call your doctor.
To the females in the house: grab a mirror. No one is that flexible. Look. Anything new? Red? Discharge? If you have a question, ask a physician if this is normal.
Now we do this LIFELONG. This practice will detect abnormalities earlier, prevent unneeded surgeries (like dorsal slits or circumcisions for guys who can no longer pull the skin back), notice changes, and identify lesions, tumors, etc …
This is not gross. It is good practice; hygiene even. It is just a body part. A body part that sadly gets neglected. So please look and make sure it’s OK. It literally is good for you and your health. Just look.
Posted 4:10 PM