20/07/2026
the recent cases of child sexual abuse involving doctors reminded me of the time when I still ran my clinic. Babies who came to me for vaccinations would have their weight taken by my nurses and length measured by me, as well as a quick listen to their lungs and heart. First timers also get their private parts inspected and palpated. I've had curious parents asking me why I needed to touch or check their sons' ge****ls; after all theyre only there for a vaccine. I can't thank these parents enough for their vigilance. As parents, you are your child's protectors; defending them from bad things. Here are the reasons why I would examine a baby's private parts:
First visit as a neonate or infant :
1) for boys, to ensure that both te**es are in the scrotal sac. Sometimes a baby is born with only one te**is in the scrotal sac. The other te**is may be in the abdomen, or may be retractile, appearing at times, and disappearing into the abdomen at others.
Why is it important that both te**es are palpable :
Te**es need to be in a cool environment in order to be functional. The abdominal cavity is warm. Also, when they are not visible or palpable, it is much harder to detect changes, particularly those associated with cancer.
2) To see the size of the sc***um. If one side is much bigger than the other, there may be excess liquid in it ( hydrocele), or an inguinal hernia .
3) the position of the urethral opening. This is where the urine comes out from. It should be at the tip of the p***s. Sometimes it is abnormally positioned, like on the underside of the p***s, ( hypospadias ) or on the upper side ( epispadias). In rare instances, it may be at the base of the p***s. These malpositioned urethra require surgical intervention.
4) In female infants, to ensure that the va**na is patent. Sometimes, the l***as are fused and you cant see the va**nal introitus. If caught early, it can be treated by applying a special cream .
5) A l***a that is bigger on one side may mean there's a hernia.
6) for all babies - looking at the a**s to ensure it it patent. Just because a baby p**ps doesnt mean the a**s is normal. In some cases of imperforate a**s, there is a fistula that connects the re**um to the va**na, or perineum in males. Just seeing the skin isnt good enough, it must be felt to ensure that the puckering isnt just superficial.
In other children, including neonates, I would do a re**al examination where I would insert my gloved and lubricated little finger into the a**s if the child is constipated. This stimulates the re**um and the baby would normally p**p soon after, but more importantly, I can also assess the a**l tone , and look for signs suggestive of Hirschprung's disease.
Of course, all these examinations are done under the parents' watchful eyes, and, if I need to insert my finger, a consent is obtained. There have been instances where parents have denied consent to have their babies examined from head to toe; I abide by them as they are the legal guardians and have a right to say no.
As parents, please be aware of your rights . You should be allowed to stay in the examination room for routine consultations ( there are exceptions but apart from the operating theatre, the others apply to older children ).
There should always be a chaperone during examination by a doctor.
Never be afraid or embarrassed to ask why your doctor is doing something . He/ she should be able to tell you the reasons ( as I have ) and the importance of doing so.
A visit for vaccination shouldn't be a quick jab and bye. It should be a valuable opportunity to look for warning signs and address parental concerns.
I have only put up a photo of hydrocele as I'm afraid my page will get flagged if I posted photos of hypospadias etc😀