Last week when we discussed breast self-examinations for the women, I could see a lot of men in my head scrolling past the topic, thinking, “Thank God I don’t have to bother with examining anything in my body.” Well, as you can see from the title of this post, today, Face2Face Africa is focusing the spotlight on a very important part of the male body that needs to be checked regularly: your testicles!
RELATED: How To Perform Breast Self-Examinations
The testicles (or testes) are found inside the scrotum, the skin that covers the testicles, and are
The testicles develop within the abdomen of a male baby while it is still a fetus and then descend in to the scrotum before or shortly after birth.
Examining Your Testicles
Checking your testicles by yourself is known as a Testicular Self-Examination (TSE). It is simply done to familiarize a man with the normal size, shape, and weight of his testicles and the area around the scrotum. This allows him to detect any changes that are abnormal.
For men 14 years and older, a monthly self-exam of the testicles is a very effective way of becoming familiar with this area of the body as this often aids in the detection of testicular diseases and cancer at an early stage while they are still curable.
Cancer of the testicles, you ask?
Yes, studies have shown that while testicular cancer is rare, it is the most-common cancer in men younger than 35 years. Many testicular cancers are often first discovered by men themselves or by their sex partners, usually as a lump or enlarged swollen testicle.
How To Perform a TSE
It’s best to do a TSE during or right after a hot shower or bath because the scrotum (the skin that covers the testicles) is most-relaxed then, making it easier to examine the testicles.
Steps:
What to Do If You Discover Something Different
If you notice any swelling, lumps, or changes in the size or color of a testicle or if you have any pain or achy areas in your groin, let your doctor know right away. Lumps or swelling may not be cancer, but they should be checked by your doctor as soon as possible. Even if it is something else, such as an infection, you are still going to need to see a doctor.
Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.
Waiting and hoping or being embarrassed about exposing your genitals to the doctor will not fix anything.
If you think something feels wrong or strange, go and see your doctor – even if it’s only for your peace of mind. Any change in your testicles is worthy of a hospital visit!
Stay healthy!
SEE ALSO: Why Drinking More Water Can Keep You Fit, Cancer-Free & Youthful
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