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 The board-certified urologists at Louisiana Healthcare Associates in Covington, LA
If you notice a small hard lump about pea sized or one testicle become 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 The board-certified urologists at (985) 892-6811 if you notice any changes to your testicles.