How to Examine Your Testicles Yourself (Testicular Self-Exam): Let's Talk About This Openly!

Many boys, young men, and even adults are a little embarrassed or uncomfortable talking about this part of their body. But in fact, being aware of your testicles, or more precisely, knowing their normal state, is more important than ever for your health . Because, if something changes, you will be the first to notice it. It's like only you can tell if your car's engine is making a different noise than usual. So, let's talk about this important topic today, without any shame, as if we were talking to a best friend.

What is a testicular self-exam?

Simply put, this is a method where you examine yourself step by step, looking at the appearance and feel of your testicles. This is not a big deal, it's about becoming more aware of your body.

Imagine, you look at yourself in the mirror every day and comb your hair. Why do you do that? You know the normal appearance of your face. So if you get a pimple, a wound, or something different than usual, you can quickly recognize it. That's how this test is. If you know the normal shape, size, and feel of your testicles, you will quickly notice anything unusual, such as a lump or swelling .

The biggest advantage of this is that it can detect even serious conditions like testicular cancer at an early stage. If any disease is detected early, the chances of it being treated and completely cured are much higher.

Why is this so important? When should you start?

This question is something that many people ask. "Why would I want to do something like this?" You may be wondering. The reason is that, according to statistics, testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35. This means that younger men are at the highest risk.

Therefore, doctors recommend starting this test at around the age of 15. It's best to make this a habit.

How often should I do this?

This is not something you need to do every day. Once a month is plenty. Just like trimming your nails or getting your hair cut, you can set a reminder on your calendar or phone to do this as a monthly health routine. Also, if you have an annual check-up, it is important to have your testicles checked by your doctor at that time.

Okay, so how exactly do you do this?

The best time to do this is during a hot bath or right after a shower. There's a reason for this. The heat causes the scrotum, the sac of skin that holds your testicles, to relax. Then the testicles come down and are much easier to examine.

Okay, then follow these steps in order.

1. Stand and examine: If possible, stand in front of a mirror. First, hold your penis to the side and look at the skin of your scrotum. Look for any changes, such as swelling, changes in skin color, or unusual wrinkling .

2. One at a time: Hold one testicle in your hand and examine it. Using your thumb and other fingers (especially your index and middle fingers), slowly and gently roll the testicle from side to side.

3. What to look for: When doing this, you should look for any hard, bone-like lumps, unusual swellings, or changes in size . A normal testicle feels like the white of a hard-boiled egg, smooth and firm.

4. Identify the structure: You will feel a small tube-like structure above and behind the testicle. It is called the epididymis . This is where sperm are stored and matured. It is normal for this to feel a little soft and tender when you touch it. Don't mistake this for a lump. You will also feel a cord-like part that runs from the top of the testicle up. This is the spermatic cord . Remember the nature of these two parts.

5. Do the same for the other side: Now examine the other testicle as before. If you notice anything unusual on one side, you can compare it to the other side. But remember, it is very rare for cancer to occur in both testicles at the same time.

What happens when a doctor examines you recently?

If you feel any lumps or abnormalities, the next best thing to do is see a doctor. Here are some things a doctor can do while you're examining you:

• Physical examination: First, the doctor will physically examine your testicles.
• Transillumination: A small torch-like device is used to shine light through the testicle. If the lump is fluid (a cyst), the light will pass through it. However, if it is a solid lump (a mass), the light will be blocked. This can give a basic idea of ​​the nature of the lump.
• Lymph node examination: The lymph nodes in the groin area are also checked for swelling. This is because if cancer spreads, it is usually to these lymph nodes first.

It's difficult, but something that needs to be talked about...

This is a bit of a sensitive topic, but it's something that needs to be discussed. Sometimes, when a doctor examines you, your penis may get an erection. This is a natural reaction of your body that you can't control. Don't be embarrassed or embarrassed about it. Doctors deal with this a lot, so it's normal for them. They may consider your comfort and ask you if they want to leave the room for a while or continue the examination. So don't put off seeing a doctor because of something like this.

Don't panic if you feel a knot!

If you find something like a lump during a self-exam, the first thing that comes to mind is the fear of "Is this cancer?" But remember, not all lumps in the testicles are cancer. Lumps can also occur for many other harmless reasons. For example:

• Fluid-filled cysts (Cysts): These are harmless.
• Varicocele: Swollen veins in the testicles.
• Epididymitis: An infection of the epididymis.

Whatever the reason, the best and only thing you can do is to see a doctor immediately and get checked out. Don't just look up information on the internet, seek advice from a qualified doctor.

This test is a way to take responsibility for your own body. No one knows your body better than you. So, make this simple habit a part of your life. It will be the most valuable gift you can give yourself.