Hey Dr Sue — 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.