For all that we joke about men and their relationship to their penises, in reality few men actually take time to really feel what is going on in their genitals. While it can strike at any age, testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer for men aged 15 to 34. Checking yourself out every month is important as any significant change in the size, shape, or weight of your testicles could be a sign that you should see a physician. Think of this as a monthly excuse to feel yourself up!
Time Required: 10 minutes
Here's How:
- Start by taking a warm bath or shower. Heat relaxes the scrotum and will make it easier to spot anything out of the ordinary.
- Make sure you’ve got some privacy and can relax and focus on your body.
- Use both hands to examine each testicle. You can take one hand and support one testicle (as if cupping it).
- Take your index and middle finger of your other hand and put them beneath one testicle. Take your thumb from the same hand and put it on top of the testicle. Gently roll the testicle between your fingers and thumb. This shouldn’t cause any pain.
- Repeat the above steps for the other testicle
Tips:
- Don’t worry if one testicle seems slightly larger than the other, this is normal.
- You will probably notice a tube or rope like structure at the back of the testicle. This is called the epididymis. It is supposed to be there.
- You are looking for:
- Any enlargement or significant reduction in size of one of the testicles
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- A dull ache in the lower abdomen or in the groin
- Remember that lumps may be painless.
- If you find a lump you should see a doctor right away.
When in doubt, get it checked out. If only for peace of mind.
