How to check your testicles
by Dr Deborah Lee, Dr Fox Online Pharmacy
Why not learn how to check your testicles this Movember?
- How common is testicular cancer?
- Why is early diagnosis so important?
- How to check your testicles
Read on and find out more.
How common is testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer affects 1 in 100 men, most commonly between the ages of 15-49 years. Around 2,400 new cases are diagnosed every year in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK
Why is early diagnosis so important?
As with most cancers, the earlier testicular cancer is diagnosed, the better the prognosis. The 5-year survival rate for stage 1 testicular cancer (seminoma) is 95%. Put simply, this means you have a 95% chance compared to the rest of the population of being alive in 5 years’ time. If testicular cancer is diagnosed later, for example stage 3, when it has spread to the lymph nodes and/or distant organs, the 5-year survival drops to 73%.
How to check your testicles
When to start?
The NHS recommends starting to check your testicles from around the age of 12, at the start of puberty. It’s a good idea to get used to what they feel like when they are healthy. You will then be in the best position to know if anything has changed.
How often?
They also recommend you check your testicles once a month.
What are you looking for?
Each testicle should feel smooth and oval shaped. They usually measure 3.3-5.5 cm in length and 2-3 cm in diameter. They may be sensitive to touch. You can feel a knobbly bit at one end which is called the epididymis which is normal. One testis often hangs a bit higher or lower than the other.
You are looking for any change in the feel of the testicle. Look for any change in size, shape or consistency. You might feel a lump inside the testicle itself. Note if there is any new discomfort or pain when examining the testicles. Also if there is any pain or swelling at the site of the epididymis.
If you are worried about any changes/new findings in your testicles, see your GP without delay, or go to the Sexual Health Clinic.
How to examine the testicles
Examine your testicles when you feel relaxed, for example, after a hot bath or shower.
Grasp your scrotum gently in the palm of one hand and roll the testicles one at a time between your fingers and thumb. Think about what you can feel when compared to the description of normal testicles above.
If anything feels abnormal, contact your GP without delay.
Note that many lumps and bumps in the scrotal area are not cancerous and are completely innocent. Examples include a hydrocele, a varicocele, an epididymal cyst and an inguinal hernia.
You can watch a video of How to examine your testicles, here
Final thoughts
Examining your testicles is easy. It makes complete sense to do this regularly. Yet research shows 68% of men don’t examine their testicles, and 50% say they are too embarrassed to see the doctor if they thought anything is wrong. Men need to try and get over these feelings. Doctors are trained to be professional and put you at their ease. You won’t have anything down there they haven’t seen before, and many doctors are men too! Don’t let these emotions prevent you from doing something that could save your life.
For more information