Testicular self-exam is a simple test that can be performed at home, which helps detect the presence of lumps in the testicles or any other abnormality in them. In this way, it is possible to check if the male sexual organs are in an optimal state of health and if there is any indication of testicular cancer. This is one of the most common cancers in young men, and as indicated by specialists, early diagnosis and treatment are essential for a favorable prognosis and to completely overcome the disease. Therefore, you must regularly check your genital area and know how to do a testicular self-exam. Keep reading this FastlyHealarticle, in which we explain it in detail and show the step by step to follow.
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Importance of having a testicular self-exam
Doing a testicular self-exam regularly (every month) is very important so that a man can check the state of his testicles and if there is any type of alteration or abnormality in them. It is a quick and straightforward test that you can carry out yourself at home, by which you can completely palpate the testicles and make sure that there are no unusual lumps or bumps since these are usually the first signs of cancer testicular, the most common type of cancer in men between 15 and 35 years of age.
Medical specialists especially recommend performing this test for men who have the following risk factors:
- We have a family history of testicular cancer.
- Having had a testicular tumor before.
- I suffer from cryptorchidism, which happens when one or both testicles have not descended into the scrotum.
How to do a testicular self-exam step by step
The testicles are located in the scrotum under the penis and are responsible for producing sperm and the male hormone testosterone. At the back of them, a twisted duct called the epididymis is located, where the sperm are stored.
The best time to do a testicular self-exam is during or just after the shower, as this makes the scrotal skin warmer and more relaxed so that the examination can be performed more efficiently. The steps you must follow are listed below:
- Preferably stand in front of a mirror and check the condition of the scrotum skin to see if there are any visible bumps, swelling, discoloration, etc., or any changes that are out of the ordinary.
- Examine each testicle separately. First, place the thumbs of both hands on top of the testicle and place the index and middle fingers below it.
- Feel the entire surface of the testicle with your fingers without pressing sharply, making a kind of twist and paying attention to any bumps, lumps, swelling, or areas of pain both in the front and on the sides of the testicle.
- Perform the same procedure with the other testicle.
Take your time to carry out the testicular examination and check the entire area well.
Normal testicular examination results
Please note that normal testicles to palpate feel firm but never harsh case. Likewise, it is normal to have one testicle slightly larger (usually the right one) or lower than the other, so this should not be a warning sign, except if you notice significant inflammation or swelling.
It is also essential to keep in mind that during palpation, you can feel the epididymis, the tube that carries sperm. If you press it, you may feel a little discomfort, but it is a regular lump located at the back of the testicles. For any questions that arise in this regard, you should always consult with your doctor or urologist.
See your doctor if …
You should urgently seek medical advice if, after performing the testicular exam, you have noticed or experienced any of the following signs or symptoms:
- Presence of a lump or lump on the testicles.
- One testicle or both is harder than usual.
- Extreme tenderness when touching the testicles or severe pain that lasts for more than a few minutes.
- If you have not been able to locate one or both testicles correctly.
- If you have experienced pain in any area of inflammation in the scrotum, it could be due to an infection or a fluid-filled sac that obstructs blood flow (hydrocele).
- If you have noticed an accumulation of thin veins on any of the testicles since it could be a varicocele, which is the swelling of the veins that are inside the scrotum.
- If you have observed significant changes in the size, shape, or color of one or both testicles.
- If you feel discomfort in the groin area.
Testicular cancer
As we have mentioned, testicular self-examination can help detect testicular cancer early, something essential to treat the disease quickly and have a favorable prognosis. Even though in many cases, the pathology is asymptomatic in the beginning, you must know what the symptoms of testicular cancer are so that you can identify them and put yourself in the hands of medical specialists as soon as possible:
- Existence of a painless lump in any testicle.
- Inflammation of the testicle
- Significant thickening or enlargement of the testicle.
- I am feeling heaviness in the scrotum.
- Pains in the lower abdomen and groin.
- Accumulation of fluid in the scrotum.
In the presence of any of these symptoms, you must go to the doctor to undergo the appropriate tests and start the proper treatment. The latter will depend in each case on the type of tumor present and the stage in which it is found.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Steps to do a testicular self-exam, we recommend that you enter our category of Male reproductive system .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.