Examining adult male genitalia: providing a guide for the nurse

This article provides the nurse with an overview and guidance concerning examination of the adult male genitalia. Issues such as ensuring privacy, developing a relationship and explaining the procedure are discussed. Advice is provided that will allow the nurse to perform the examination using sight, palpation and transillumination, activities that are central to the examination. An overview of the structure and function of male genitalia is provided. Examination of the male genitalia is an intimate activity and in this article emphasis is placed on the issues of informed consent and the importance of ensuring that each patient has a chaperone present during the examination. Detailed discussion is provided to enable the nurse to use a step-by-step approach to ensure a thorough and detailed examination is performed. A checklist and review of the examination process is included.