Just as every woman should self-examine her breasts every month for any signs of changes, it is important for men to do the same regarding their testicles. Once you get to know the feel and structure of your testicles, you can detect changes from month to month.
No Time Like The Present
Even if you have never checked your testicles, now is the time to begin. No recriminations, no guilt, just start this month. It takes all of 2 minutes a month to protect yourself from testicular cancer. If a tumor is found, there is a 95% cure rate.
The testicles are found in a pouch below and behind the penis called the scrotum, and they are an important part of a man’s sex organs. They produce sperm and testosterone.
How To Perform A Self Test
Most physicians will recommend doing the test after a hot shower. The heat relaxes the scrotum.
- Stand in front of a mirror and examine each testicle one at a time.
- Look and feel for any changes like swelling.
- Use your middle finger and index finger under your testicle and your thumb on top as you hold your penis out of the way.
- Softly roll your testes between the thumb and fingers looking for any hard lumps, smooth bumps, a change in size, consistency or shape. One testes can be lower or larger than the other. That is normal.
Doing this monthly helps you learn the appearance of your testicles and how they feel. Then you are more likely to notice any subtle changes.
When To See Mciver Clinic in Jacksonville, FL
If you notice a small hard lump about pea-sized or one testicle becomes enlarged, have a doctor check it out.
Other indications include the following: testicle feels heavy, aches in your groin, lower abdomen or scrotum, back pain, and swelling.
All fathers should teach their sons how to do a self-test once they reach puberty. Early detection is the key to finding and overcoming testicular cancer.
Contact Mciver Clinic at (904) 355-6583 if you notice any changes to your testicles.