bladder of the patient should emptied before physical examination - #15461
I am really confused about something my doctor told me the other day. I’m a bit anxious about my upcoming physical examination. The doctor mentioned that the bladder of the patient should emptied before physical examination, but I can’t help but wonder why that’s such a big deal? Like, what if I can’t? I haven’t seen my doctor in a while, and I’ve been dealing with some weird symptoms lately, like pressure and frequent urges to go, but sometimes I can hold it for a bit. I guess I'm worried that if I can’t pee before the exam, it’ll mess everything up, you know? And like, is there a specific reason why the bladder of the patient should emptied before physical examination? Is it really that important for the exam results? Would they have to reschedule if I don’t? I just feel like this whole preparation thing is stressing me out even more, and I'm not sure why it would really matter in the first place. What happens if the bladder isn’t empty? Does that affect what the doctor can see or find out during the exam? Thanks for any insights!
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Doctors’ responses
The reason for emptying your bladder before a physical examination mostly revolves around providing a clearer and more comfortable examination. When the bladder is full, it can cause discomfort during palpation of the abdomen, and it may obscure or alter the doctor’s ability to accurately assess the area, especially if they’re checking things like organ enlargement or certain types of pain. It could also interfere with some procedures, potentially affecting the diagnostic accuracy of the examination. For example, a full bladder might make it more difficult for your doctor to accurately assess the size of internal structures or identify potential abnormalities in the pelvic region.
If you’re dealing with symptoms like frequent urges and pressure, it’s important to mention these to your doctor as well. These could be signs of conditions needing further investigation, such as a urinary tract infection, bladder overactivity, or even more complex issues like interstitial cystitis. Be open with your doctor—mention that emptying your bladder on command might be challenging due to these symptoms. They’re there to help and can adjust the examination process to accommodate your needs, ensuring a more accurate assessment and treatment plan.
Your doctor might provide specific instructions to help, such as drinking a certain amount of water an hour before your visit to make timing better. Typically, an inability to empty the bladder wouldn’t necessitate rescheduling your appointment; they’ll work with you to get the necessary evaluation. However, in some cases such as certain types of ultrasounds, a full bladder might actually be needed, so always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Your safety and comfort are priorities, so do not hesitate to express any concerns you have.
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