Interesting. I always thought the appropriate medical term was "woody."
Also interesting -- I have NEVER met a doc who used a clinical term when discussing "intimate areas." I wonder why? My best guess -- the docs are doing what they can to ease the patient's apprehensions by speaking colloquially.
When the doc tacked a sanitary pad on my lower back to absorb blood leakage, he told me I was "on the rag." He also said the word "ass" and "tushy."
The same doc related a story to me about a patient of his who had a problem wherein he would have what the doc described as "wet farts." The doc then went on to explain to me that this meant the patient would shit his pants every time he farted. I didn't need it explained, but... He then told me how he admonished the guy to make sure he wiped his ass every time this happened or at least tried to make a run for a toilet if he had to pass gas.
I am not sure if this kind of dialog was a breach of doctor-patient confidentiality since no names were given, but I thought it was a bit unprofessional. At the same time, I also didn't really care all that much. I rather liked the doc and decided if he wanted to indulge in some eccentric ramblings it was OK with me.
Hmmm...
I've never had to have a doc look at my penis outside of a standard exam, though. I would be pleased if I ever had a penis inspection that resulted in the word "impressive" being used, but I kind of doubt this will EVER happen.
If a problem isn't serious in nature and can be easily treated, I think it's great if a doc puts a patient at ease by being just a little bit vulgar -- provided the doc gets the vibe that this kind of mildly coarse language is something the patient will find funny and not offensive.
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