Medical - What is the reason for visual check of genitalia?

[jlc201 47]

Whether an anogenital exam is actually done, I am quite sure that it is required, regardless of the country of origin. One of the main reasons for the immigration physical is to identify and treat curable infectious diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis. Since primary syphilis infection may manifest only as a painless ulcer in the mouth, #######/#######, or rectum (while still negative according to a blood test), neglect of this aspect of the physical exam would be a clear dereliction of duty by the consulting physician. On the other hand, there are a lot of bad doctors out there who don't do what they are supposed to do (or claim that they have done).

[Alaska2012 462]

I still say it's country specific. The list from the embassy that the doctor worked off of in Sweden doesn't have the genital check on there.

[leroyleviticus 80]

Oh wow! Aren't x-rays potentially dangerous for the baby?

I think that these days it's more country specific. In Scandinavia we don't have to show our genetalia. We are also excused from the xray if pregnant. Many other countries still put pregnant women through that so a lot of things are very country specific when it comes to immigration

[Deagle 508]

I dont know if it's mandatory in certain countries. Where I am from they do not check that.

[EM_Vandaveer 2,408]

This was not done at my in-country medical at the civil surgeon's office.

[NikLR 13,227]

Oh wow! Aren't x-rays potentially dangerous for the baby?

Yes but they use lead pads to try and avoid exposure.

[TBoneTX 45,329]

I do know people who failed the medical, but for drug use, never due to the genital check.

This, true. Those from the Philippines (for one) can confirm, but if the chest x-ray shows spots that are suspicious for tuberculosis, it might also result in delays at the minimum.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

Oh wow! Aren't x-rays potentially dangerous for the baby?

The risk is minimal. We've had technicians come on vj and speak of how low the risk actually is. Something like having no to have 5000 to actually harm a baby. There's also radiation when flying, but that doesn't come up very often for those trying to get their pregnant wives/fiancés here quickly:

[Jawaree 717]

This has been questioned B4...Its for gender identification & to see if there are legions

(herpes flares) in pubic area

No its not for mutilation checks or doctor being a perv...some doctors do it in some countries

guess if consulate put that on their list of what they want checked, for diseases the blood work

takes care of that

[TBoneTX 45,329]

[Moderator hat on]

A noncontributory post and two replies to it have been removed.

[fip & jim 452]

May 14 2018 - an update for anyone concerned. I have just booked our medical in London and asked about this. I was told this is old information and no longer applies. A genital examination is no longer required as part of the medical in the UK.