Testicular self-examination

Why a self-exam?

The testicles may have very different diseases, some of them slow and progressive evolution, but also other development faster. Some conditions that affect the testicles are serious, but most are not.

know the feeling, normal appearance and size of the testicles is a good habit, so that changes can be noted quickly if necessary.


Signs should call our attention:

• A lump in a testicle
  
  
• Pain and / or increased sensitivity in either testicle
  
  
• Discharge of pus through the opening of the urethra in the penis (meatus)
  
  
• Blood in sperm
  
  
• Accumulation of fluid in the scrotum
  
  
• Feeling of heaviness in the groin or scrotum
  
  
• An enlargement of a testicle (one of them is usually higher than the other, but the size and shape should remain more or less constant).
  
  
• An enlarged area of ​​the breast or chest, with or without hypersensitivity.
  
  

How to examine your testicles

Check your testicles regularly as follows:

• Perform self-exploration while taking a hot bath or long shower, as this softens the skin of the scrotum (skin containing the testes), which makes it easier to feel the testicles inside.
  
  
• Examine the scrotum for a possible bump on the skin or internal folds.
  
  
• Feel around the scrotum and testicles in the palm of your hand and feel the difference between the testicles. One is always higher and stays lower. This is completely normal.
  
  
• Examine one testicle, and then compare each other. Use both hands to turn the testicles gently between thumb and forefinger.
  
  
• Check the possible existence of lumps or bumps, as both testicles should be smooth except at one pole of the testis, the place where the tube that carries sperm, epididymis, and then continues with the vas deferens ( league in which vasectomy). This is at the top and back of the testicle, usually visible as irregular.
  
  

Testicular Cancer Incidence

The testicular cancer represents only 1% -2% of all cancers in men. The maximum involvement occurs between 15 and 35.

Although testicular cancer is rare, not so much finding a lump in the testicles. There are many conditions that can be easily confused with testicular cancer. Most times it is not anything serious. If there has been a self-examination and found a lump, you are advised to go to the doctor for further exploration.