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Testicular self-examination is an examination that the man himself can do at home to identify changes in the testicles, being useful to identify early signs of infections or even cancer in the testicle.
Testicular cancer is more common in young people between the ages of 15 and 35, but it is easily treated, as long as it is identified early, and it may not even be necessary to remove both testicles and maintain fertility.
Learn more about testicular cancer and how it is treated.
Step-by-step instructions for self-examination
Testicular self-examination should be done during the bath, as it is a time when the skin of the genital area is more relaxed, facilitating the manipulation of the testicles.
Then, follow these steps:
- Observe if there are changes in the texture or color of the scrotal sac, standing, facing the mirror, before entering the bath;
- Place the middle finger and index finger behind the testicle and the thumb over the testicle. Then, slide the testicle between your fingers to assess the presence of lumps and other changes;
Find the epididymis and the vas deferens, which are the small channels located just behind or on top of the testicle, where the sperm passes, and which can be felt as a small knot in the testicle. These channels must be identified so as not to be confused with a suspicious mass or a swollen ganglion.
It is normal for this test to identify that there is one testicle that is lower than the other. Alarm signs are usually the presence of crests regardless of size, painlessness, or changes in the size or consistency of the testicles.
Check out how to do the testicular self-examination in the following video:
When to do the self-examination
The self-examination of the testicles should be done at least once a day, preferably before and after a hot bath, as the heat relaxes the region, facilitating the observation of changes. However, self-examination can also be done every day, as a better knowledge of the body helps to identify early signs of various diseases.
Testicular self-examination should be carried out from adolescence, so that men are aware of the normal size and shape of the testicles and more easily see any changes in these organs.
What changes could signal problems
During the performance of the self-examination, the man should pay attention to changes in the testicles such as:
- Difference in size;
- Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum;
- Presence of a mass or hard lump in the testicle;
- Pain in the lower belly or groin;
- Presence of blood in the scrotum;
- Pain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum.
If there is any type of change, it is advisable to make an appointment with a urologist to identify the right cause and start the most appropriate treatment, as there are several problems that can cause the same changes in cancer, such as epididymitis or hydrocele, for example .
See the 7 main causes of lumps in the testicles.