Friday, June 09, 2006
The Rubber Gloves Treatment
The main reason for this appears to be that they are too embarrassed or too squeamish to allow themselves to be subjected to the rubber gloves treatment.
There is no doubt that we males are a squeamish lot. Women are often subjected to embarrassing and at times degrading medical examinations. Men don't have to go through this nearly as often. That's no excuse though. There is nothing macho about avoiding something that needs to happen.
The consensus seems to be that unless there is a particular problem that arises, there is no need to ask the doctor for the rubber gloves treatment until you reach the age of 50. In my case, as a result of what showed up in blood tests, I was only 44 or 45. And yes, I was squeamish. It wasn't an examination that I would have volunteered myself for.
You see, prior to that time, my only knowledge of prostate examinations was as a result of a skit I'd seen live on stage from Billy Connolly. In it, he commented, 'Once you get to 50 doctors take an unhealthy interest in you arse.' Then he went on to describe in graphic detail, as only Billy Connolly can, the rubber gloves treatment. I can assure you it's not the ideal image to have in mind for your first prostate examination.
Since then I've had numerous prostate examinations and am just relieved that they help identify a potential problem before it gets serious.So, if you are over 45, go and get a full medical examination - including the rubber gloves treatment!
