Regular testicular self examination, once a month, can alert you to changes in your testicles so it can save your life.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 5 minutes
Here's How:
- If you have a bath or shower first your testicles will relax making it easier to identify any changes.
- Examine your testicles one at a time. You only need to use gentle pressure
- Stand in front of a mirror. Look for any obvious changes from last month.
- It is quite normal for one testicle to hang lower than the other or for one to be bigger than the other.
- Examine the epididymis first. It should feel soft and slightly tender to the touch. The epididymis stores sperm and sometimes it may be more sensitive than others.
- Find the spermatic cord which goes out from the top of the epididymis and behind the testicle. It should feel like a firm, smooth tube.
- Feel the testicle itself. It should be smooth with no lumps. Lumps or swellings are most commonly found on the front or sides of the testicles.
- If you find a lump or swelling, painful or painless, have a feeling of heaviness in your groin, scrotum or lower abdomen then you should go see your doctor. It may be a sign of cancer or other disease that requires urgent medical attention.
Tips:
- Regular testicular self examination, once a month, can alert you to changes in your testicles so it can save your life. Chose the same day each month.
- Remember, testicular cancer accounts for only 1% of all male cancers
- Testicular cancer has a high cure rate if it is found early. It is a common form of cancer found in young men between 15yrs and 35yrs
- Testicular cancer is more common in white men than black men
- Some men are at more risk than others- those who have had or have an undescended testicle, Klinefelter’s syndrome, an abnormal testicle development, or a history of testicular cancer
