How do I do a testicular exam?
Men, when was the last time you examined your testicles or balls? How do you do the exam?
Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in young adult men aged 15 to 40.
The good news is that the earlier it is caught, the better the outcome and chance of being cured.
The easiest form of preventive care that you can do yourself is performing a short 60-second testicular self-exam in the shower.
Checking your testicles is quick, easy, and a great way of knowing what’s normal and what’s not. You probably already know them pretty well, but here’s how to give them a proper check.
A good time to do so is when having a warm shower or bath.
Examine one testicle at a time and if you’ve only got one, give it your undivided attention.
Put your thumb on one side of the testicle and your fingers on the other and gently with light pressure run your fingers over and around the whole testicle checking for any lumps or bumps, pain, or swelling.
Testicles tend to be quite lumpy at the back and that is totally normal. It’s actually where the epididymis lies, the epididymis is a really long tube that stores and carries sperm from the testes to the penis, and it can feel very different from the smooth surface of the testicle.
Try to examine your testicles every month. By becoming familiar with your testicles and what is normal for you, you’re more likely to spot any changes.
If you notice any changes in your testicles or you find hard lumps, smooth bumps, changes in size or shape of your testicles, don’t ignore them. Talk to a doctor immediately. The sooner you let your doctor know, the sooner you can get it sorted.
So, keep your hands on your balls all the time by checking them more often.
When was the last time you examined your balls?