Breast exam for 11yo?? - Page 3

[llamalluv]

Originally Posted by BookGoddess

Wow! Have things changed since I was a girl? I don't recall any genital or breast exam when I was 11 years old. In fact, I don't think I had any such exams until I went to a gynocologist for the first time and that was when I was in college!

I would have had the same reaction, Ruthla.

Same here. There is no reason for genital exams of pre-pubescent non-sexually active girls, notwithstanding prior conditions or another problem (such as needing to rule out gynecological problems as a source of abdominal pain, etc.)

[Julz6871]

Am I the only one who thinks looking at the genitals is of consequence in a physical? It is standard of care, and on every physical check list. My doc groups 11-14 year olds as adolescents similar to this form http://www.chcpf.state.co.us/HCPF/EP...ev%2004doc.pdf

I think a physical is a chance to check out everything regardless of symptoms. I would expect my doc to listen to her heart even though she wasn't feel palpitations or having trouble breathing. I think maybe those of us who post on these boards are more tuned into our kids and that is why many feel it isn't warranted. To the doc, who knows the kid could be getting abused, or not developing, or developing too early, or whatever else. Her genitals are as much a part of her body as her lungs and eyes. I don't want just anyone looking, but I want my children to know the appropriate people to turn to, and that includes sexuality.

You could certainly complain about being fired and the way he fired you, but the doc wasn't out of line with the exam. I also think it is a crock and he used this as an excuse to fire you cause you won't vax.

[gretasmommy]

No, you aren't the only one who thinks of genitals as part of the human body, worthy of the same care that the rest of the body receives.

If you don't buy into medical care, that's your choice. But the point of a physical exam is to ensure that the body is growing and developing appropriately. There are many, many reasons to check for appropriate sexual development (all externally). IF you don't agree, that's fine, but please, don't disrespect the docs opinions just because they differ from yours . . . .

Perhaps your doc did you a favor by letting you know that s/he was going to have a difficult time remaining supportive of your choices, giving you the opportunity to look elsewhere for a more like-minded provider of healthcare. Hope you find someone soon.

[MuttiLiLi]

What about calling the office to speak with the office manager- tell her what went down- ask about their policy on young ladies and why the dr wanted to do an internal and if necessary- ask to meet with the dr and the mgr.

I think an internal is not of the norm here and unless your daughter is overly developed and menstruating and sexually active there should be no reason.
Ask them why. Or ask to see another doctor in the practice.
I would never never never allow anyone but a gyn to do an internal.

A young women of that age is so sensitive about her body that a good doctor would be aware of that and explain his intentions- discuss them with the patient and parent.

I've found that when I am confronted by the Drs. about vaccinations I say that my research is still out, that I am still investigating- I listen to what they have to say- nod, smile and politely say I'd like to wait. Getting angry and opinionated has a negative affect. I never ruffle anyones feathers and never get confrontational. I take all the scripts and all the pamphlets and trash them as soon as I leave the office.

[sunshine's mama]

I am sorry you had to go through this....

A friend of mine went through something similar a bit ago and ended up staying with the practice but making sure she saw other doctors in the practice by scheduling visits in advance and (luckily hasn't had any emergencies come up where she gets luck of the draw...

She is currently leaving the practice and wrote a nice long letter to them, cc'd to the HMO (she has insurance through the state too) bc she called to get her 2 girls scheduled for their flu shots and the lady on the phone asked what her insurance was and she told her, "Please hold a minute" and when she came back, she was told that they were out of flu shots for "those" children and to call back in a bit when they *may* have more....Another friend of hers called later that day to schedule her dd and ds's flu shots and was able to get right in (they aren't on state funded insurance)......they had the flu shots there....

My friend was livid as there are only a handful of pediatricians who accept the insurance and wanted to know how the shots were different....Are there different flu shots for state insurance vs private insurance....????? Just alot of BS and being treated differently......so she's looking........

((hugs)) I hope they didn't fire you......

[Ruthla]

I have no problem with my daughter having a genital exam (it would have been only an external exam) but SHE had a problem with it, so I stood up for her. I don't want her to lose trust in me or to feel unsafe with doctors in general.

And is is REALLY necessary for a doctor to palpate the breasts of an 11.5yo?

[carriebft]

I asked our doc about the genital exam and he said that he doesn't perform them on girls unless the girl and/or parents have "the wrong" answers to his questions (such as presence of pubic hair, for example) or feel something is wrong or want one. He gives shower head hanger cards about self testicle and breast exams though said he does check testicles on most boys because they usually say yes or the parents do...guess they see it as less invasive? no idea.

[mom2tig99Nroo03]

i'm sorry this happened to y'all ruthla. your dd is old enough to have an opinion of who she wants hanging around her genitalia and breasts IMO, and a dr should respect that of any girl close to adolescence (sp)

[Julz6871]

Originally Posted by Ruthla

I have no problem with my daughter having a genital exam (it would have been only an external exam) but SHE had a problem with it, so I stood up for her. I don't want her to lose trust in me or to feel unsafe with doctors in general.

And is is REALLY necessary for a doctor to palpate the breasts of an 11.5yo?

I misread the original complaint. I didn't realize the doctor wanted to palpate her chest. That I would have a problem with unless pathology was found at a glance. I would say no to touching an 11 yo, but a visual examination I would allow. And we could discuss anything further required based on the visual inspection.

Maybe you should look for a female doc for your daughter to see if there are any on what sounds like a pretty abbreviated list.

[blsilva]

Honestly, I would have a serious problem with a doctor wanting to examine the genitals of my pre-pubescent, non-sexually active child without a definitive reason- not just as part of an exam.
And if my child objected, there would be no way in hell that I would force her to have the exam.:

I think you did the right thing by protecting her.

Realistically, any doctor who is working with young girls should be sensitive to their modesty and feelings (which are usually very strong at this age), and should not be allowed to use an unwillingness to have their genitals examined as a reason to fire you as a patient.
I would report this doctor, to the office manager, to the insurance, and to the board that directs and oversees his practice.

[debbieh]

Originally Posted by blsilva

Honestly, I would have a serious problem with a doctor wanting to examine the genitals of my pre-pubescent, non-sexually active child without a definitive reason- not just as part of an exam.
And if my child objected, there would be no way in hell that I would force her to have the exam.:

I think you did the right thing by protecting her.

Realistically, any doctor who is working with young girls should be sensitive to their modesty and feelings (which are usually very strong at this age), and should not be allowed to use an unwillingness to have their genitals examined as a reason to fire you as a patient.
I would report this doctor, to the office manager, to the insurance, and to the board that directs and oversees his practice.

: I couldn't agree more. Neither of my girls had their genitals checked at this age. Their dr. just asked questions pertaining to their development and that was that.