I am upset about having my private area examined by the doctor my check up.

This is a very important question. Let me start by discussing the purpose of “well child” visits or “check-ups.” You may wonder why you have to come to the doctor when you are well. For teens, the purpose of these visits is to discuss with the parent and the teen issues about health habits such as proper nutrition and exercise, safety issues such as seatbelt helmet use, smoking, drugs, and choices and protection around sexual activity. This is called “anticipatory guidance,” and the purpose is to anticipate common problems and give advice on how to avoid them. 

The Physical Examination is also designed to “anticipate” or detect any problems that might be developing. Scoliosis is a good example. In scoliosis, the spine may begin to curve without causing any symptoms. The doctor checks the back at the check-up even though the teen is not complaining of back pain. Similarly, the doctor listens carefully to the teen’s heart to check for heart murmurs even though the teen has no complaints of chest pain or irregular heart beat. The exam is designed to detect abnormalities that would not “show up” any other way. 

Now let’s get back to your question. Your “downstairs” or genitals are part of your body and therefore should be included in your checkup. Many teens and younger children (and adults) feel uncomfortable having private parts of their bodies examined. But just like with your spine or heart, there can be an abnormality of your genital area that would not be detected if the doctor didn’t look. In general, it is best to find problems early in case they need treatment so having the doctor tell you your exam, including your genital area, is normal, should reassure you that you are completely healthy. Having said all of that, it is your body, and if you would prefer that the doctor not examine your genital area, just let the nurse know and she will have the doctor “defer the genital exam” for that checkup.