That the HV checked DS’s balls had dropped at 1 year check?

[Hairdryerbouncer]

DS 3 was a lockdown baby so we never had a year check in person, it was just over the phone. But I’m sure I don’t remember DS 1& 2 being checked over to ( e.g. squeezed and poked) see if their balls had descended in their one year check?
The HV seemed like a lovely lady, but I have come away from the appointment just wondering if that was really necessary and if it is, is it at this check up?
Quite willing to be told it’s a normal part of the one year check ( tbh- am hoping to be told it is a normal part of the one year check), but I’m convinced that it didn’t happen to the other two lads…..hoping I just have a shit memory ( which I do!)

A very odd question but yes totally normal - and no parents can very often miss this and yes it is really fucking important! I know of more than one man left infertile for this very reason. If any mum on here doesn’t think their boys were checked then get them done.

I remember her checking my sons, I asked her if they were okay, as he was my 1st and I did't know what she was looking for, she said it was all good she just couldn't clearly see that both were present and was just checking that they were.

I remember the GP checking one of my sons at the six week check. I think it was my eldest but not sure.

"Squeezed and poked" sounds a bit harsh but I do roll them between thumb and forefinger a bit to check if not sure (and I'm checking 8 week old puppies and kittens!) and you do have to get a light bit of pressure/squeeze on to be sure of what you're feeling. While I'm down there I feel around the inguinal rings (the gap in the groin/abdominal wall near the top of the leg where they drop through, to check nothing else has dropped through ie an inguinal hernia) with the tips of my fingers, so I guess that looks like "poking".

GP and HV checked DS but I can’t remember exactly when. I do remember the quite elderly GP coyly saying something about looking at his “gentlemen’s parts”.

DS1 was definitely checked (although this was a very long time ago!) as it was discovered at that age he had an undescended testicle and subsequently had keyhole surgery to correct it. I don't think the examination itself is unusual, but from your description she sounds like she might have been a bit showy whilst performing it.

what’s the problem with double checking if something doesn’t feel right. There are rogue or incompetent people in all professions

I have a similar concern OP. One of my boys had an undescended testicle which was successfully operated on when he was 12 months.

Despite being healthy and well he was referred to a paediatrician at 4 years old as his weight has always been a bit low despite eating like a horse. At the end of the appointment after discussing weight etc ( which was absolutely fine)the male paediatrician aslked if it was only to check my boy’s testicles. I didn’t expect it and didn’t get time to think and said ok but it’s something that has bothered me since. I was abused when I was young and I’ve met so many pervy men over the years I still feel very uncomfortable about it. I wish I’d said no. I can still picture his little embarrassed face looking at me. He had been checked in the months about the operation and the surgeon had been very happy.

The use of the word testicles again and again says it all.

The use of a correct medical term - testicles - when discussing - testicles?

What on earth would you recommend instead?

It’s a normal check. My son had one undescended testicle hand he had an operation to put it right before he was 1 year old

Personally I prefer the word testicles to balls, what on earth is wrong with using the correct term? @heartbroken22 Such a strange comment.

Should have met my HV!

if something has made you feel uncomfortable in a private appt then asking if it normal in public is the best way to find out

why would you have a problem with that?