Needed routinely once every few years, or more frequently if there are symptoms or concerns. A man should have a sexual health exam if he:

• Is sexually active or about to become so
• Wants to know specifically about status with respect to sexually transmitted infections (see STD Testing fact sheet for more information)
• Experiences unusual symptoms (sores, discharge, pain with urination)
• Wants to have a testicular exam, or to learn more about giving doing testicular self-exams.

To prepare for an exam

• Make an appointment with someone you’re comfortable with (another man? Someone you’ve seen before?)
• Know your own health history, your family’s health history, your current (if any) symptoms, and any questions you would like to ask (sometimes writing these down helps).

What happens during an exam

1. Family and medical history
2. Sexual activity (number of partners, male and/or female, protection)
3. Current symptoms (if any)
4. General physical exam (blood pressure, weight, abdominal exam)
5. External Examination — The practitioner will look at the external structures of the penis and testicles, looking for abnormalities
6. External Manual Exam — The practitioner will palpate the penis and testicles, feeling for lumps and tenderness. Includes testicular exam.
7. Rectal Exam (sometimes) — Practitioner puts one finger in rectum, feeling for swelling, tenderness)
8. Possible tests include a urine test for chlamydia and gonorrhea and a blood test for HIV.