No tests

[Prica]

I took my son the the doctor for for a swollen and very red penis, he fussed whenever i had to touch it while changing his diaper or bathing him. The doctor said we caught whatever it is early and gave me some antibiotic ointment to put on him twice a day. It seems to be working.
But my question is why do doctors medicate without testing? My son is uncircumcised and I don't want to have to have him circumcised because an easily treated condition was let get out of control out of a doctors pride or unwillingness to do a test.
I understand that a doctor has spent years in school to be able to diagnose and treat illness and injury, but I know of and have heard so many stories of doctors who have caused unnecessary pain and extended treatments because they were to proud, lazy or closed minded to have a test done. Am I just paranoid (which honestly rarely happens) or is this truly a concern?

[hardworkinmama]

It sounds as though you don't trust your son's doctor and therefore should look into finding a new doctor for him. Make sure that you pick one that you can put your faith into and trust that he/she is doing what is best for your son.

[moonemaiden]

I agree about finding a doctor you can trust. Also, there isn't a test for everything. Science has come far, but medicine is still an art and some diagnoses must be made through simple observation, experience, and knowledge. In other cases, the test itself can be more damaging than any bad side effects of the medication being given.

All that being said, my son's penis often gets red and swollen at the beginning of a yeast infection, of which he has had several. In fact, it's the first sign I have that it's time to use an antifungal rather than a diaper rash ointment. I'm not a doctor and I have no experience with little boys. But I know my boy and through that experience I know what works and what doesn't. His doctor diagnosed it the first time without any tests and we still use the same treatments which work great every time.

[Prica]

Thanks Ladies, for answering so quickly. I've been wondering about a yeast infection, I am prone to them. I also have been considering changing doctors. however for now the medication is working. Thank you again for your advise.