testicular exam

Hi i am a 20 year old male and have never had a testicular exam and i have never been shown how to do one by my doctor, so i am thinking about seeing my doctor about this.I am just wondering how i should ask her about this? and what do you think she will say and do about this?

[Janice M Epp, PhD]

Hi.

Hi. This forum is about psychological and emotional aspects of erections.

Below is information about testicular exams from the American Cancer Society. For further information, check out their site:

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/cri/content/cri_2_4_3x_Can_Testicular_Cancer_Be_Found_Early_41.asp

"Most doctors agree that examining a man's testicles should be part of a general physical exam The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends a testicular exam as part of a routine cancer-related checkup.

Each man has to decide whether or not to do a monthly self-exam. If you have certain risk factors that increase your chance of developing testicular cancer (such as undescended testicle, previous germ cell tumor in one testicle, or a family history), you should seriously consider monthly self-exams and talk about it with your doctor.

The best time for you to examine your testicles is during or after a bath or shower, when the skin of the scrotum is relaxed.

Hold the penis out of the way and examine each testicle separately. Hold the testicle between your thumbs and fingers with both hands and roll it gently between the fingers.  Look and feel for any hard lumps or nodules (smooth rounded masses) or any change in the size, shape, or consistency of the testes.

You should be aware that each normal testis has an epididymis, which can feel like a small bump on the upper or middle outer side of the testis. Normal testicles also contain blood vessels, supporting tissues, and tubes that conduct sperm. Some men may confuse these with cancer at first. If you have any concerns, ask your doctor. A testicle can enlarge for many reasons other than cancer. Fluid can collect around the testicle to form a benign condition called a hydrocele. Other times, the veins in the testicle can dilate and cause enlargement and lumpiness around the testicle. This is called a varicocele. To be sure you have one of these conditions and not a tumor; you need to have a doctor examine you.

If you choose to examine your testicles, you will become familiar with what is normal and what is different. Always report any changes to your doctor without delay."

You can examine your own testicles or have your doctor do it. Dr. J