Do you have to take clothes off for a physical?
Asked by: Kelli Nikolaus | Last update: November 5, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (6 votes)
Can I keep my clothes on during a physical?
It all depends on the physician's (or PA's, or NP's) preference. In general, though, most providers want you in a gown (or reasonable facsimile thereof) so they can give you a full examination without clothes or straps or metal fastenings getting in the way.
Is it normal to undress for a physical?
"Undressing to assess" is an important part of the physical exam. It allows physicians to evaluate for changes in skin color, abnormal bruising and lumps, or bumps in various body parts.
Can you refuse to undress for a physical?
“Some providers feel that, in order to do a non-genital exam, you still need the patient undressed because you need to see their skin and listen to their lungs — it's easier when they're in a gown,” Levine explains. “But there are other providers that don't feel it's necessary.”
Will I need to remove any clothing for the physical examination?
We will provide drapes, gowns, and shorts that allow you adequate cover for your body during an examination. We will only uncover the parts of your body that need to be examined and keep them uncovered for the shortest time necessary to allow for appropriate examination.
Will I Have To Take My Clothes Off During The Exam? -Dr. Erica
Do you take your bra off for a physical?
If breasts need to be examined, bras need to be removed.
When might it be appropriate to remove a patient's clothing during the physical exam?
Shirts and pants should be removed, in order to examine all skin surfaces and so as not to examine to the heart and lungs through clothing, which is not good technique. Leave on the underpants, for modesty, until getting to the genital exam.
Does a physical include privates?
For men or people assigned male at birth (AMAB), a healthcare provider may check your genitals and prostate. For women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB), your provider may perform a breast exam.
What should you not do before a physical exam?
- Consuming alcohol.
- Drinking caffeine within an hour of your visit.
- Eating a high-fat meal before bloodwork.
- Eating or drinking anything for eight to 12 hours, or as directed by your provider, before bloodwork that requires a fast.
- Taking cold medicine if you're feeling under the weather.
What do you wear to a physical?
Be sure to dress comfortably. Your annual physical isn't something you'll want to do on your lunch break. Try to wear loose-fitting clothes and minimal makeup and jewelry. You'll want to make it as easy as possible for your doctor to examine you fully.
Is it OK to get hard during a physical?
It's not something you can control, and it doesn't mean anything. Because it happens so often, doctors are used to it. If you get an erection during a physical exam, it won't upset or bother the doctor, so there's no need to feel embarrassed.
What happens at a physical for a girl?
Measuring the vitals, particularly the blood pressure, pulse rate, breathing rate and temperature. Vision test, including the test for color vision. Checking her heart, lungs, abdomen, throat, ears and nose. Examining her skin for any allergies or infections.
Do you shave before a physical?
No, you don't need to shave or wax.
Is clothing a physical need?
According to psychologist Abraham Maslow, human beings' physiological needs for food, water, clothing, shelter, and sleep must be satisfied in order for them to address more complex needs like mental and physical health, relationships, sobriety, long-term housing, and employment.
What happens at an 18 year old physical?
The doctor will look at the skin and listen to the heart and lungs. Young women may be referred to a gynecologist. In guys, the doctor will check the testicles for lumps, hernia, and varicocele (swollen veins).
What age do doctors stop checking private parts?
Generally around puberty is when it becomes a concern to check development however it can depend on the doctor. Usually ages 11 to 40 will be when your genitals will be examined.
Do you keep your clothes on during a physical?
You can leave your underwear on, but please remove your other clothing including your bra." Let the patient know how long you'll be gone and step out of the room while the patient changes.
Is it OK to drink water before a physical exam?
Please fast for at least 4 hours prior to your visit. You may drink water or black coffee, and take your maintenance medications. Pediatric and Gynecology patients should not fast.
Do I have to undress for a physical exam?
Getting the physical exam
Also be sure to reveal medical history that might cause an on-the-job injury later. Lastly, remember that the medical provider will likely need to perform a physical exam that requires a state of undress, so wear underwear that won't be embarrassing.
Do they touch you during physical?
He or she may examine other parts of your body if symptoms or medical history indicates the need. Your doctor will palpitate -- touch -- certain parts of your body, feeling for unusual lumps, checking organ size and shape, and checking responses.
Can I refuse a doctor to look at my privates?
You may refuse any part of the exam or ask for it to be stopped at any time. You are in charge. In some instances a bimanual or digital vaginal exam may be clinically indicated to be performed prior to the speculum exam.
Do doctors look at your privates during a physical for a girl?
For others, the doctor might do a physical exam, which can include looking at the genitals. (Genitals are the sexual or reproductive organs that are on the outside of the body.) Also, reassure your daughter that the actual physical exam doesn't take long at all. Most girls won't get an internal pelvic exam.