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What can I expectat a sports physical?
TEENGROWTH.COM
Q. What happens when a girl has a sports physical?
A. A sports physical exam is a pre-participation exam to be certain that you do not have any medical problems that would interfere with sports in general or a specific sports activity.
A very good medical history should be obtained, particularly in regard to any possible heart problems and previous injury. This history is as important as (and some would say more important than) the exam itself. The exam will have to be partially unclothed so that the heart, lungs, abdomen and back can be examined.
For a pre-participation physical for a female, it is not necessary to do a breast exam or a complete genital exam. For a male, since the testicles are on the outside and at some risk for injury, it is necessary to do a genital and testicular exam. There is a medical form used that is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Practice and the American College of Orthopedics, and this form does not include a female genital exam. We have stressed the genital part of the exam because you specifically asked about a girl going for a sports exam and we thought this might be of concern to you.
Before you have a physical exam, discuss what will be done with the examiner or health assistant so that there are no surprises. During the exam the patient (female or male) should be properly draped to assure modesty and privacy. The exam should not in any way be an unpleasant experience. Instead it will hopefully be educational and reassuring.
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