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Professionally Test or Self-Examine Your Testicles
Testicles
are components of both the reproductive and the endocrine
system. The functions of the testicles are to produce sperm and male
sex hormones, of which testosterone is known best. Testicles are
contained within an extension of the abdomen called the scrotum.
Like any part of the body, testicles should periodically be examined,
professionally by a doctor and/or at home, in order to check any
abnormalities or changes that may occur and that might lead to serious
health problems (such as cancer). Men between 15 and 40 but male
babies also must be examined regularly on the concept that is it
better to prevent than to deal with a disease later on. Therefore,
the two ways of examining the testicles are testicular examination
and testicular self-examination.
Professional testicular examination
This procedure might not sound very tempting to most men because it
involves going to a hospital or private clinic and being examined by
a health professional, but it is the safest method to learn if your
health is at risk or not. Testicular examination involves a complete
physical examination through palpation of the male groin and genital
organs (penis, scrotum and testicles) in order to discover any
possible changes or abnormalities. If the urologist takes note of
any lump or bump, after some additional tests, the causes of pain,
swelling, inflammation or abnormalities can be discovered and
a treatment can be prescribed.
Testicular self-examination (TSE)
This form of examination is less stressful because it can be done at
home and it does not involve a health professional. It is generally
recommended to be done once a month because it helps men familiarize
themselves to the normal size, weight, shape of their testicles and
the scrotum area and helps them realize when something is wrong or
changed.
The procedure of self-examination is a simple one: after a warm bath
or shower, gently grasp the testicle and slide it around so that the
fingers pass over every part of the organ (place the index and middle
fingers under the testicle with the thumbs placed on top). It should
feel smooth without any disturbance in the contour or firmness.
Cancer counts among other testicular diseases
that can be detected on
early stages with the help of periodical examinations. Testicular
cancer begins as a hard growth in the testicle. It is often as hard
and small as a grain of rice that feels like it is stuck on the surface
or within the organ. It appears most frequently to white men
and it
is unusual for Africans and Asians. Rarely, it is more frequent to
happen to males between 20 and 34 years old.
Whatever the method, if you discover anything abnormal, professional
help is strongly recommended. The risk of cancer
is high but the fear of it should be outrun by the thought that it is a treatable
disease if it is discovered on time by a doctor.
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