Seeking Clarity on a Past Medical Exam Related to Puberty
I’m a 42-year-old male, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 150 pounds, and I'm not currently on any medication. I’m reaching out to understand a medical exam I underwent when I was 11 years old. Back then, I had a broken finger, and during my x-ray assessment, a concern was raised about a potential calcium deficiency, highlighted by the appearance of "transparent bones" on the x-ray. Consequently, I was referred to a pediatrician who suggested an assessment by a different specialist, though I can’t recall the specialty involved in examining my stage of puberty. During that examination, I was asked questions pertinent to puberty and had a physical check to determine if I exhibited any bow-leggedness. Then, my parents were asked to leave the room, which made me somewhat anxious. The doctor proceeded to measure my penis while I was lying down, recording its flaccid length and girth. Following that, through manual stimulation, an erection was induced, and further measurements were taken. This procedure was quite embarrassing and has lingered in my memory, influencing my life significantly since then. After the visit, when my father inquired about the exam, I gave him a vague response. However, he mentioned seeing the term "penis stretch" on the doctor’s clipboard. During a subsequent visit with my pediatrician, it was confirmed that no medical issues were found and that the x-ray images related to my developmental stage in puberty. Years later, I am still affected by the implications of that exam, and I’m desperately trying to determine the legitimacy of this procedure. My research into the so-called "penis stretch test" has predominantly led me to information concerning conditions like micropenis or Peyronie's disease, neither of which I have. While I recognize that testicle size is relevant to the Tanner stages of development, that aspect does not concern me as much. I seek guidance to better understand this situation from my past.
Answers (1)
9/1/2025, 8:20:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are seeking clarity about a medical examination you underwent during puberty that has left a lasting impression on you. Your main concerns appear to be about the legitimacy of the procedures performed and how they relate to your current understanding of your health.
Summary of Key Points:
- You had an x-ray at 11 revealing potential calcium deficiency and concerns related to your growth and puberty stage.
- The subsequent examination involved measurements of your genitalia, which has caused you ongoing anxiety and confusion.
- You are looking for guidance on whether the procedures were appropriate and relevant to your health at that time.
Explanation:
The examination you described, including measuring penis size and assessing puberty stages, is typically done by specialists like endocrinologists or pediatric urologists, especially in cases where there are concerns about growth and development. These procedures can be part of assessing systems that influence hormone levels, growth patterns, and developmental milestones in puberty.
Terms like "penis stretch" may refer to optional tests used to gather data regarding penile development, particularly in cases where there might be concerns about size or function. It's understandable that the experience was embarrassing and may have caused anxiety, especially since these types of examinations can feel invasive and personal.
Next Steps:
-
Reflect on Your Feelings: Acknowledge that it’s normal to have strong feelings about past medical experiences. You can consider journaling your thoughts to process these emotions better.
-
Educate Yourself: Research reputable medical sources, such as the Mayo Clinic or the American Academy of Pediatrics, about puberty assessments and typical examinations performed during that time. Understanding the "why" behind the examination may offer clarity.
-
Seek a Professional Opinion: If you continue to feel affected by this experience, it may be helpful to speak with a mental health professional who can provide support in processing these feelings and help you understand the impact of such experiences on your life.
-
Restore Confidence: Engaging in conversations with healthcare providers in a safe and supportive environment about your concerns can help reaffirm your understanding of health and development. You might also consider discussing any lingering concerns with a healthcare provider now, as they can reconfirm that your development has been normal as an adult.
Remember, your feelings about this experience are valid, and seeking to understand it further is a positive step toward healing.
Related Questions
Is It Throat Herpes or Another STI?
Age: 22 | Gender: Male | Height: 183 cm | Weight: 180 lbs | Ethnicity: Caucasian | Symptom Duration: 3 days | Affected Area: Throat | Pre-existing Conditions: None | Current Treatments: None Recently, I engaged in kissing and had unprotected sexual intercourse with a woman just a few days ago, approximately 4 days back. Shortly after, I began experiencing symptoms of a sore throat. It’s important to note that I had been consuming a lot of alcohol and socializing at bars over several consecutive nights prior to this. I’m curious about what might be causing these symptoms. The only discomfort I’m feeling is a mild pain rated at about 3 out of 10 when I swallow, along with a noticeable rash in my throat.
A Relentless Blistering Rash Dominating My Existence
As a 21-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing 220 pounds, I live with POTS and am suspected to have MCAS. Everything changed last Sunday when I awoke to several itchy, red spots on my wrist. Initially, I brushed it off, applying hydrocortisone cream in hopes of relief. However, by Monday, the irritation had spread to my lips, inner thighs, legs, hands, and face. The situation deteriorated rapidly from that point. On Monday, I visited my doctor, who prescribed a course of Prednisone. Although uncertain of the exact cause, the doctor believed that steroids might alleviate the symptoms. Unfortunately, when this treatment failed to provide any improvement, I returned for another consultation. By Thursday, the rash had grown significantly, becoming swollen and increasingly itchy as it spread further across my body. The physician speculated that this might be an allergic reaction to a newly introduced medication or possibly contact dermatitis. In response, they provided a prescription for a steroid cream, which I’ve been diligently applying. Despite my efforts, the rash has intensified, now blistering and exuding fluid. It affects numerous areas: my face, chest, inner elbows, wrists, hands, fingers, abdomen, thighs, legs, and the backs of my knees. The pain is excruciating, forcing me to sleep excessively in recent days, as I've been taking antihistamines to combat the relentless itching. I also feel an overwhelming sense of embarrassment, given its visibility, especially as it spreads onto my face. Regrettably, the steroid cream doesn’t seem to be producing any noticeable effect.
Should I Be Worried?
At 29 years old, I've been reviewing my recent blood test results and I'm curious if my low levels of BUN and BUN/Creatinine are something to be alarmed about. I’ve never experienced low results in the past, and my doctor didn’t express any concerns either. I previously underwent an ultrasound that examined my liver, gallbladder, and kidneys, which indicated I have a fatty liver, but nothing more alarming was noted. After researching online, I've found that low BUN and BUN/creatinine levels can sometimes suggest serious liver damage. I want to make sure there’s no need for additional tests since my liver-related blood results are normal, and I believe the ultrasound would have detected any significant liver disease if it were present.
Alarm After an Intense Long Run
Hello everyone, At 36 years old, weighing 160 pounds and standing 5'8", I’m currently on an SSRI as part of my medication regimen. This November, I’m set to participate in my first marathon in New York City, and I’ve been diligently preparing for the event over the last few months. My training has been consistent for a couple of years now, and I always take precautions to minimize the risk of both internal and external injuries. To ensure my health was in check before tackling 26 miles, I visited a cardiologist last month. After undergoing an EKG, a sonogram, and a stress test, I received reassuring news: everything looked great and I was cleared to run the marathon. This past weekend, my training included an 18-mile run with hill challenges, utilizing the Runna app to guide my pace. Opting for three laps around Central Park, I felt confident as I had previously completed 19 miles on flat terrain and had done 2.5 laps of Central Park without any issues. My breakfast consisted of a Red Bull, a bagel, and a protein bar, followed by another bagel for lunch. I also packed two running gel packets for energy during the run and had electrolytes mixed in my water bottle. The run unfolded smoothly, maintaining an average pace of 8:25, and I successfully completed 19 miles total. Post-run, I felt accomplished, though naturally sore, and even treated myself to a Celsius energy drink afterward. However, a few hours later, things took a troubling turn. I experienced diarrhea, which is unusual for me, followed by a wave of nausea. I attempted to settle my stomach with an IV electrolyte drink and took Pepto-Bismol. But within 20-30 minutes, the pain intensified, manifesting as severe cramping in my abdomen, reminiscent of gallbladder issues I’ve dealt with in the past. With the discomfort escalating, I made the decision to head to the emergency room. The pain during my Uber ride was unbearable, radiating towards my chest and back, which heightened my concern. I felt as though I was suffering from extreme gas pains, becoming clammy and struggling to breathe. Upon arriving at the ER, I was promptly taken in to be assessed. The medical staff noted my distress as I indicated I felt faint during the vitals check. Although I don’t believe I actually lost consciousness, it was a similar sensation to the dizziness experienced while having blood drawn. Suddenly, I found myself surrounded by multiple doctors conducting a flurry of tests. I was terrified at the thought that I might be experiencing a heart attack. A nurse shared her own story of a heart attack linked to excessive energy drink consumption, which wasn’t very comforting at that moment. I repeatedly asked if I was in serious danger, as it genuinely felt that way. Thankfully, they administered medication to alleviate the pain, which subsided momentarily but returned later, though no longer in my chest—just in my abdomen. The cardiologist then performed another ultrasound and EKG, and everything appeared normal, making it likely that I would be discharged later that night. However, blood tests revealed elevated enzymes in my bloodstream, which warranted an overnight stay due to the potential implications—anything from heart attack indicators to simply a fatigued heart from strenuous exercise. By morning, I felt much better, and another blood test showed significantly reduced enzyme levels, indicating a favorable outcome. The medical team concluded there was likely no heart attack involved; rather, it seemed the combination of a strenuous run and high caffeine intake from the energy gels and drinks had caused strain on my heart. Has anyone else experienced something similar? I’m feeling a bit shaken from this incident and am unsure how to proceed with my training. Is it safe to continue training after a few days of rest (without resuming long distances right away)? Any thoughts on what might have occurred would be greatly appreciated.
Seeking Guidance for My Upcoming GP Visit: Navigating Symptoms of Palinopsia, Vestibular Migraines, and Chronic Ear Pain
# Hello to the medical community... I'm a 39-year-old woman residing in California, and I have an appointment with my general practitioner this week. I'd deeply appreciate any tips on how to effectively advocate for myself during this meeting, ensuring that I pose the right questions and request the necessary tests. As I am part of Kaiser, I often find the process cumbersome. I believe my doctor is genuinely invested in my health, but I tend to struggle with articulating my symptoms and advocating for my needs. # Current Health Concerns **Vision-Related Issues** * **Palinopsia:** My experience with this illusory condition started gradually, but it has now become a persistent issue since late July, significantly impacting my daily life. * **Visual Snow:** While this symptom is subtle and doesn’t cause me much concern, it has become a constant presence in my vision. * **Double Vision:** I continuously experience double vision from objects that are about four inches away, a problem that has persisted for years. Prism glasses have not aided me, as my issue is specific to that close range. * **Perception Difficulties:** There may be some oscillopsia due to my ear condition, as I often feel my eyes do not function together effectively. I perform well on vision tests and can focus when both I and my target are still, but I find it challenging to maintain focus with movement. **Facial/Ear/Jaw Discomfort (Predominantly Right Side)** * For approximately two years, I have been dealing with debilitating deep ear pain located near my earlobe, radiating through my face. * I also hear crackling in my ear, similar to the sensation of trapped fluid. * My cheeks and eyes experience discomfort, usually on the right side but occasionally affecting both. * My jaw tends to shift to the left; while this isn’t painful, its proximity to my ear pain sparks concern about a potential connection. **Overall Symptoms** * I often feel fatigued, mentally foggy, and have heavy limbs, with neuropathy that improves with nortriptyline and fish oil but still flares up 5-6 days a month. * My memory issues are troubling; I frequently struggle to recall events from over five years ago unless prompted by photographs or external stimuli, with my family noting my lack of recollection of major life events. # Medical History Overview * Diagnosed with **Celiac Disease** at 16, I adhere to a strict gluten-free diet. * Diagnosed with **Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis** at 20, I manage it with NP Thyroid medication. * **Biliary Dyskinesia** led to my gallbladder removal when I was 21. * At 38, I was diagnosed with **Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction** and am currently undergoing physical therapy. * I also received a diagnosis of **Vestibular Migraines** at 38 and am on nortriptyline and sumatriptan as treatment. * My family has a history of **Sjogren’s Syndrome**, leading to the suspicion of this condition in my case as well. * I deal with recurrent nutrient deficiencies, possibly stemming from my celiac disease, notably folate, B12, and B2, despite not being a vegetarian.