Performing a Self Testicular Exam

According to the American Cancer Society testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35. Testicular cancer is slow growing and is very treatable when detected early. Many of the young men I have taught this procedure to have mentioned later that it was beneficial to have their significant other perform the exam for them, especially during their first self testicular exam. This seemed to decrease the anxiety of the men associated with the self testicular exam and these men seemed to have better compliance working with a partner. These same men mentioned doing their self testicular exam the same day their significant other performed their self breast exam. Often when teaching self testicular exams in a public health setting I prefer to teach partners together if possible so that if a lump or nodule is found by accident each will know to report it to the other immediately so they can seek treatment. By performing a monthly self testicular exam, you can identify problems early and avoid further complications. Simply choose a day to perform your exam each month then follow these simple steps to protect yourself.

Step 1:

Examine your testicles when you are taking a warm shower or bath or just after if you prefer. Use a mirror to compare the size of the testicles. The scrotum, testicles, and hands should be soapy to allow easy manipulation of the tissue. The soap will allow a slick surface, reducing resistance and allow you to easily feel and lumps or nodules in the testicle.

Step 2:

Gently roll each testicle between the thumb and fingers of each hand. If one testicle is substantially larger than the other, or if you feel any hard lumps, consult your physician immediately.

Early detection and treatment are essential in the successful treatment of testicular cancer. Performing monthly self testicular exams is vital. If, after reading these instructions you are still unclear about how to perform a self testicular exam please consult you healthcare provider or local health department where they can show you the proper position and steps using a model. While the thought of having cancer in the vital organs is scary, scarier still is the thought of loosing use of this organ to a cancer that is easily and very successfully treated when the cancer is detected early.

Please, conduct monthly exams for the sake of your self and your manhood!