Conduct a self-exam of the testicles

Author: Morris Wright
Date Of Creation: 22 April 2021
Update Date: 1 July 2024
Anonim
Alyaa Gad - Testicular Self Exam
Video: Alyaa Gad - Testicular Self Exam

Content

Spermal cancer is a unique form of cancer. It mainly occurs in young men (about half of the cases are men between the ages of 20 and 34). It is also one of the most curable forms of cancer (it is cured in 95-99% of cases). are. A self-exam only takes a few minutes and can save your life, so skip to Step 1 to get started and see a doctor if you have any questions.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Conduct a self-examination

  1. Use a mirror to examine your testicles. First, examine the outside of your scrotum. Go to a private area that you can lock, take off your pants and underpants, and use a small mirror to check your scrotum for any visible bumps, swelling, or anything that doesn't look quite right. A mirror is very important, because otherwise you cannot see everything.
    • In principle, you can always do a self-exam, but it may be more convenient to do it after a warm bath or shower, so that the skin on your scrotum is soft and loose. This way you will see and feel bumps or swelling more easily.
  2. Check your testicles for differences by feeling. Hold your scrotum in the palm of one hand. Feel gently with your other hand to see if you notice any differences. It is normal for one testicle to hang slightly lower than the other, or for one to be slightly larger than the other. If one testicle is noticeably larger than the other or shows abnormal shapes or hardness, you should see a doctor for further examination.
  3. Feel separately on each testicle and look for bumps or swellings. Use one hand to hold your scrotum and penis in place and use the other hand to examine both testicles one at a time. Roll the testicle gently between your thumb and index finger to check for swelling, bumps, hardness, or unusual heaviness. Do this for the other testicle as well. Take the time to check everything carefully. A dangerous bump can be as small as a bean or a grain of rice.
    • Your testicles should feel smooth all around. Keep in mind that the testicles are attached to the vas deferens through a small, soft type of tube at the top of each testicle called the epididymis. If you feel this, know that it is normal.
  4. Be aware of other cancer symptoms. If you feel anything abnormal in your testicles, it is likely a sign of testicular cancer. However, there are other symptoms, such as back pain, stomach ache, cough, sudden sweating, headache, confusion, unexplained fatigue, trouble breathing, or occasionally breast enlargement and hardness around the nipples. These symptoms could indicate testicular cancer, or spread of the cancer from the testicles. You should see a doctor for any of these symptoms, but it could also be caused by illness or injury. So make sure you examine your testicles and see a doctor for any symptom to be sure.
  5. Schedule a physical test once a year. In addition to a self-exam, men should schedule a doctor's appointment for a physical test at least once a year. In this annual test, the doctor will do a lot of other tests in addition to examining the testicles to determine your general health and look for common problems. Think of a test of the penis, prostate, a check for a hernia, etc.
    • Scheduling regular physical tests will allow you to live as healthy as possible and to notice serious illnesses (including testicular cancer) as soon as possible so that something can still be done about it. So don't forget this simple precaution.

Method 2 of 2: Respond to warning signs

  1. Contact a doctor. If a self-exam shows you have a bump, swelling, pain, unusual hardness, or any testicular cancer sign, see a doctor right away. Even though there may be nothing wrong at all, it is extremely important to get a doctor's check-up so that you can be sure. If you get it early, this cancer is very curable. On the other hand, being late can be life-threatening. So wait not making a doctor's appointment.
    • Make sure to let the doctor know the reason for your appointment. If your doctor knows it may be testicular cancer, he or she will want to see you as soon as possible.
  2. Keep an eye out for other symptoms. If you notice any other symptoms affecting either your testicles or any other part of the body, keep an eye out for them. Write them down if necessary. Write down anything that strikes you, even if you think they may have nothing to do with testicular cancer. This information can make it easier for your doctor to diagnose and come up with a treatment plan.
  3. Stay calm and optimistic. If you've made a doctor's appointment, be calm; you did everything you could do. Reassure yourself that 95% of testicular cancer cases are cured. In the cases that are treated early, this is even 99%. Also keep in mind that symptoms similar to testicular cancer symptoms can have other, much less serious causes as well. A number of causes are:
    • A cyst in the epididymis (the tube on top of the testicle) called a spermatocele.
    • An enlarged blood vessel called a varicose vein rupture
    • Accumulation of fluid in the scrotum called a hydrocele.
    • A protrusion of the peritoneum due to a weak spot in the abdominal wall called an abdominal wall fracture or abdominal hernia.
  4. Go to the doctor. When you talk to your doctor about the self-exam you have done, he or she will do the same test for you as well. You will also be asked for any other symptoms you have noticed. She will likely also examine other parts of the body to check for the cancer to spread. If your doctor feels anything abnormal, he will perform additional tests (often using ultrasound equipment) to see if there is a tumor.
    • After a number of tests, the doctor will be able to tell you if you have testicular cancer. If you have it, he or she will choose the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Tips

  • It is often easiest to do a self-exam after a hot shower when the scrotum is relaxed.
  • It is important that you familiarize yourself with your testicles. Know how they look and feel to be better able to spot anomalies.
  • If you notice any of the symptoms described in this article, don't panic. It may be nothing at all, but always take the opportunity to see a doctor for further examination. The sooner you do that, the sooner you will be reassured. If there is cancer, early detection and treatment is essential.
  • It is important to have a doctor who can test you regularly. It is also useful to see how your doctor conducts the examination on you, so that you can carry out a self-examination better from now on.

Warnings

  • This article should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice and care. Visit your doctor regularly for a check-up and ask a qualified medical professional for more information on this topic or any other medical tests or concerns.

Necessities

  • A mirror