Your Practical Step-By-Step Guide to Testicular Examination

Testicular cancer is the leading cancer diagnosis for young men, yet many are unfamiliar with what comes with the diagnosis and early signs of detection. One way to catch testicular cancer early is through testicular self-examinations. In this blog, I’ll give advice on how to perform these examinations and why they’re crucial to catching testicular cancer in its earliest stages.

What is a testicular exam?

A testicular exam checks the look and feel of your testicles to see if there are any issues or irregularities. While your doctor can do it, it’s important to know that you can do an effective examination yourself.

Why should I perform a testicular self-examination?

A testicular self-examination could be crucial in detecting cancer in its earliest stages. Patients who catch testicular cancer early on could also avoid unpleasant side effects from treatments like chemotherapy. While the disease has a high survival rate for all stages of diagnosis, performing these self-exams could be the key to removing the cancer through surgery alone.

How to perform a testicular exam

• While taking a warm shower, gently roll over your scrotum with your fingers to feel the surface area of your testicle. Do this for each testicle.
  
  
• Check for bumps or unusual features. Make note of any lumps or irregularities, no matter how small.
  
  
• Be mindful of swelling and changes in size or shape. While it’s typical for one testicle to hang lower than the other, changes in size over time could be a symptom of cancer.

• Be mindful of a feeling of heaviness or soreness.

What do I do if I find something?

If you do find a lump or are experiencing discomfort, be sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor so they can review your findings. They may request an ultrasound to get more clarity on the situation.

Testicular self-examinations are a key part of discovering testicular cancer in its earliest stages. If you don’t feel comfortable giving yourself a testicular examination or want to discuss the findings of your self-examination, you can schedule an appointment with a urologist.

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