Testicular Health and Self-Exams

Testicular cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer among individuals designated as male at birth between the ages of 15 and 34. Over the past few decades, the number of cases has witnessed a noticeable rise, perhaps even catching your attention with an increased display of the purple ribbon symbolizing testicular cancer awareness. The disease is usually curable, especially when detected at an early stage before it has a chance to grow significantly or spread to other regions of the body. Healthcare professionals frequently include testicle examinations as part of their routine check-ups for patients. However, it’s important to note that there aren’t established guidelines for routine screening of testicular cancer. Here’s the good news: incorporating a regular self-examination of your testicles into your health routine can help you identify potential signs of testicular cancer as soon as they manifest. It’s a straightforward practice that offers peace of mind and safeguards your well-being. Types of Scrotal and Testicular Conditions Several testicular and scrotal conditions exist. While testicular cancer is one of the more widely recognized conditions, numerous non-cancerous conditions impacting the testes and scrotum vary in severity. Here are some of the more prevalent disorders and conditions that can affect the testicles and scrotum: Epididymitis Epididymitis is the inflammation or infection of the epididymis, a lengthy tube that lies alongside the testicles. Various factors can trigger epididymitis, including sexually transmitted diseases, injuries, complications following a vasectomy, and other medical issues. Common symptoms of epididymitis encompass pain, ranging from mild to severe, swelling in the testicles or scrotum, along with potential symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and fever. Hydrocele Hydrocele is a condition characterized by an accumulation of fluid around the testicles. It can affect either one or both testicles and result in swelling in the scrotum and groin region. Typically, hydrocele does not cause significant pain or pose a serious threat, and in some cases, it may not necessitate treatment. Nonetheless, any instance of scrotal swelling should be assessed by a medical professional. Occasionally, hydrocele can present symptoms beyond just swelling, such as mild discomfort, tenderness, or redness of the scrotum. In infants, hydrocele most commonly arises due to an opening between the abdomen and scrotum, but it can also develop later in life in men. In adult men, hydrocele is usually linked to factors like injury, inflammation, testicular infections, or epididymitis. Testicular Torsion Testicular torsion happens when the spermatic cord twists, leading to a blockage in blood flow to the testicle. This is a medical emergency necessitating immediate treatment to preserve the testicle. While surgery doesn’t guarantee successful preservation, not seeking treatment within six hours usually leads to permanent damage, ultimately requiring the removal of the affected testicle. Symptoms of testicular torsion encompass the abrupt onset of intense testicular pain, often accompanied by swelling and tenderness in the testicles and scrotum. Additional symptoms may include fever, nausea, and vomiting, among others. Varicocele A varicocele refers to the enlargement or dilation of veins within the scrotum. Typically, it is a painless and non-threatening condition; however, it can contribute to reduced sperm production and lower sperm quality, potentially leading to male infertility. On occasion, varicocele can manifest symptoms like discomfort and swelling. While the majority of varicoceles may not necessitate treatment, certain cases may require surgical correction. Hypogonadism Hypogonadism is a condition that arises when the testicles do not generate an adequate amount of the hormone testosterone. In men, insufficient testosterone levels can result in issues like erectile dysfunction, diminished sexual desire, infertility, osteoporosis, heightened breast tissue, reduced body and facial hair, feelings of depression, fatigue, and episodes of hot flashes. Frequently, hypogonadism can be managed effectively through testosterone replacement therapy. If an underlying cause, such as a pituitary condition, is responsible for hypogonadism, addressing that primary issue may resolve the associated symptoms. Testicular Pain Numerous conditions affecting the testicles and scrotum can result in testicular pain. Additionally, pain originating from issues such as kidney stones, ureteral stones, infections, and inguinal hernias may extend to the testicular and scrotal regions. If you are experiencing testicular pain, it is essential to promptly get in touch with your healthcare provider. In instances of sudden and severe testicular pain, it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention to rule out serious conditions such as testicular torsion. Why It’s Important to Screen Yourself for Testicular Cancer Testicular cancer can remain undetected until signs and symptoms become evident, such as: The challenge lies in the fact that the most common symptoms—namely, a lump or swelling in the testicles—are easily overlooked if not actively sought. These lumps and swelling, which are often associated with testicular cancer, typically do not cause significant pain, and the mass can be as small as a pea. It becomes particularly crucial to conduct regular self-examinations of your testicles if you possess a higher risk profile for testicular cancer due to factors such as: How to Perform a Testicular Self-Exam Experts recommend a monthly testicle examination from the age of 15 to 40. The optimal time to perform this examination is during or immediately after a bath or shower when the scrotal skin (the sac holding the testicles) is relaxed. This self-examination is a quick process and should involve the following steps: What’s Normal for Testicles Testicles exhibit variation from person to person and sometimes even within the same pair. Having an understanding of what constitutes normal can be beneficial when looking for anything unusual. Here’s what’s considered normal for testicles: Apart from the soft tubes connected to the back of your testicles, you may notice that blood vessels and tissue feel somewhat uneven when you conduct your initial self-examination. As you consistently perform self-exams, you’ll develop a sense of what’s normal for your body. If, at any point, you have doubts about whether what you observe or feel is normal, it’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider for an assessment. What If You Find Swelling or a Lump in Your Scrotum Discovering a lump or swelling in your scrotum doesn’t