The Habit of Self-Examination Can Save Lives

Information Saves Lives

The testicles are a pair of male reproductive glands located in the scrotum, which hangs below the penis outside the body. They produce sperm cells and the male sex hormone, testosterone. Testicular cancer is not a common disease, but it is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in young men. The most important fact about testicular cancer is that more than 98% of men diagnosed with it recover. If every man developed the habit of performing a monthly self-exam, the number of successfully treated cases could increase even further.

What Is a Testicular Self-Exam and Why Is It Important?

Men can detect changes in their testicles themselves if they regularly perform self-examinations. It is recommended that testicular self-exams become a routine habit from adolescence. This simple procedure takes only a few minutes and should be performed once a month. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer among men aged 25-49, although it can also occur in younger and older individuals.

By performing regular self-exams, a young man or adult male becomes familiar with the normal feel of his testicles, making it easier to notice any changes. The best time to do a self-exam is right after a warm bath or shower, when the scrotum is relaxed, making the testicles easier to examine. It is recommended to check both testicles at the same time, gently rolling them between the thumb and fingers of both hands. Healthy testicles should feel firm, smooth, and free of lumps. It is normal for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other and to hang a bit lower.

How to Perform a Testicular Self-Exam?

• Hold the testicles in your hands, ensuring that your thumb and fingers can feel all sides of each testicle.

• Gently press and examine the organs within the scrotum.

• First, locate the epididymis, which is positioned at the top of the testicle. It feels like an elongated, smooth, and slightly firm structure.

• Next, find the spermatic cord, which extends upward from the testicle and feels like a firm, uniform tube.

• Finally, examine the testicle itself, which should be medium-firm, smooth, and oval-shaped.

• Check both testicles in the same way. If you notice any lumps, hard spots, swelling, or size changes, or if you suspect anything unusual, consult a doctor—preferably a urologist—immediately.