Do you know how to examine your testicles yourself? (Testicular Self-Exam) Let's talk about this!

Today we are going to talk about a topic that many boys and young men don't talk about much, but it is very important. That is, examining their own testicles (scrotum). At first, doing something like this alone may seem a little strange and embarrassing. But, think about it, this is something you do to learn about your own body, to protect your own health. After a while, this will become normal for you. It is very worth it to be aware of the importance of taking care of your physical health .

What is the importance of this testicular self-exam?

Simply put, this self-examination, or ``Testicular Self-Exam'', or ``TSE'' for short, helps you identify any problems with your testicles, especially cancer, early on. Now you're thinking, ''What cancer do I have?'' It's true that testicular cancer is very rare in young men, especially boys under the age of 15. However, it is the most common type of cancer in men (especially young men) between the ages of 15 and 35. That's why it's important to be aware of it. Because, like any disease, it 's more likely to be completely cured if it's detected early. In fact, the sooner it's detected, the more likely it is to be treated successfully.

The value of knowing your own body

Imagine that you have a friend you see every day. You can quickly recognize even the slightest change in his behavior or appearance, right? That's how it is with this. When you do this ``(TSE)`` every month, you become very familiar with the normal nature of your two testicles – that is, their size, shape, and how they feel.Then, if something unusual happens in the future, a small change, you will be able to recognize it easily. You will realize, 'Oh, this is not always the case, there is a small change.' This is called “Knowing your body's baseline.” It helps to detect many diseases early.

What is the best time to do this test?

The best time to do this `(TSE)` is when you are taking a hot shower or after taking a bath. Do you know why? Because the hot water makes the skin around your testicles, that is, the scrotum, very loose. Then it is easier for you to clearly feel what is inside the testicles. It is a little difficult to do this test properly when the testicles are close to the body and shrunk, like in cold weather. Therefore, take a few minutes in the bathroom, during or after using hot water.

How do you perform this self-test (TSE) correctly?

Okay, so let's see how to do this exactly. Don't worry, it's very simple. Follow these steps:

1. Go to a mirror (if possible): Stand in front of a mirror in the bathroom or another private place. Visually inspect the skin of your scrotum for any swelling, discoloration, or anything unusual.

2. Check one testicle at a time: Use both of your hands. Take one testicle and roll it gently between your thumb and fingers (especially your index and middle fingers). It's like rolling a small ball in your hand. Do this so that you feel the entire surface of the testicle. Remember, you want to do it slowly, without applying pressure, and gently . Don't hurt yourself.

3. What to feel? What to look for? A healthy testicle usually feels smooth, oval, and slightly firm (like the white of a hard-boiled egg, but a little softer). You should look for lumps, very hard areas, lumps, or any pain.

4. Examine the second testicle in the same way: Examine the second testicle with the same care as you did the first one.

5. Be aware of general things too:

• It's normal for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other, or to hang slightly lower. This is something that happens to many men. Don't worry about it.
• You can feel a small, soft, cord-like part that runs from the top to the back of each testicle. We medically call this the `(Epididymis)`. This is the tube where sperm mature and are stored, and then carry them out. Don't mistake this for a lump. This is a normal thing, and it feels a little soft. If you don't know about this, some people may be scared and say, 'Oh, I have a lump.' That's why it's important to know about this `(Epididymis)`.

As you follow these steps, you will gradually become accustomed to the normal behavior of your testicles. Although it may feel a little strange at first, after a few months, this will become your normal routine.

What changes do you want to look for?

When you do this test, you should pay particular attention to the following:

• A lump or mass: A firm, pea-sized lump that is usually painless (initially) and can be felt on or inside the scrotum. Sometimes, these can be as small as a grain of rice or as large as a grape.
• Change in size or shape: If one testicle suddenly feels significantly larger than the other, or if its shape changes (e.g., it loses its oval shape and becomes irregular).
• Change in consistency: If the texture is rough instead of smooth, or if it is very hard in one spot, like it feels like it has been crushed.
• Heaviness in the scrotum : A strange heaviness, a pulling sensation, on only one side.
• Dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin: Sometimes testicular cancer can cause persistent, unexplained pain.
• A sudden accumulation of fluid in the scrotum: If one side becomes swollen and feels like it's filled with water. This condition is also called a `` Hydrocele '', but not all ``Hydrocele'' are caused by cancer.
• Pain or discomfort in the scrotum or scrotum: Although cancer is often painless at first, it can sometimes cause pain, stiffness, or tenderness when touched.

The most important thing is to be aware of anything that feels 'a little different' to you, anything that's different from your normal self.

What should you do if you notice any changes? Don't panic!

Okay, now the important thing is. While you're doing your check-ups, let's say you notice something unusual – a lump, a swelling, a pain. First of all, don't panic! Don't be afraid!

Just because you feel a lump doesn't mean it's cancer. Most testicular lumps aren't cancer. They can be caused by other, simpler causes. For example:

• Cysts: These are like small sacs filled with fluid, and are usually harmless.
• Varicocele: A swelling of the veins that carry blood from the testicles. This can sometimes feel like “worms in a bag.”
• Infections: Infections of the epididymis (Epididymitis) or the testicle itself (Orchitis) can cause swelling, redness, warmth, and severe pain. These can be treated with antibiotics .
• Hydrocele: A swelling caused by fluid accumulation around the testicle.
• Injury : A swelling or lump can also occur due to something like a blow.

Therefore, if you notice any changes, the best thing to do is to see a doctor immediately, without waiting for days. Don't be shy or wait until it's gone. Only a doctor can diagnose what it is, and if necessary, perform further tests like an ultrasound scan, and tell you exactly what it is. Remember, the earlier it is detected, the easier it is to treat, and the better the results.

How often do I need to do this?

It is recommended to do this `(TSE)` about once a month.You don't have to do it every day. You don't have to do it every week. Set aside one day a month for this. You can choose a day that is easy for you to remember. For example, the first of every month, or on Poya day. Once you make it a habit, you won't forget, and you will get a good understanding of your body's normal nature.

What else can we learn from this, not just cancer?

Although we have mostly talked about testicular cancer, this monthly self-exam can also help you identify other health problems early. For example, you can identify the early signs of a varicocele (varicocele), a hydrocele (fluid accumulation), or an infection that we have already discussed. Some of these conditions, especially varicocele, can sometimes affect a man's fertility (ability to have children). So, it is very important to consult a doctor early and get treatment for such a condition.

So, these are the most important things you need to remember from this story!

So, from everything we've talked about, these are the main points to keep in mind:

• Get into the habit of doing a ``Testicular Self-Exam'' once a month. It's best to do it during or after a shower.
• Get to know the normal appearance of your testicles (size, shape, feel) so you can catch any changes quickly.
• If you notice a lump, swelling, pain, or anything else unusual during your examination, don't panic and see a doctor right away. Don't be embarrassed or put off.
• Not every lump is cancer. However, to know exactly what it is, you need to see a doctor.
• Testicular cancerTesticular cancer is a highly curable disease if detected early. That's why self-examination is so important.

No one knows your body better than you do. So listen to your body. If you notice anything different, get it checked out. This is a valuable thing you can do for your health. Tell your friends about this too, and educate them too!