What To Look For In A Testicular Self-Exam
Testicular self-exams are an important part of health and well-being for men from puberty onwards. Due to the stigma around this, many males don’t find changes in their testicles quickly; however, at Ultrasound Care, we feel it is vital to encourage men to regularly check themselves with a self-examination.
How To Check Your Testicules
A self-examination helps you identify any changes in your testicles at any point following puberty. Usually after a warm bath or shower is the best time to check yourself as the scrotal skin is relaxed.
Normally, testicles should feel smooth and firm, but not hard. During your self-examination, you should hold the scrotum in the palm of your hand and use your fingers and thumb to check thoroughly for any lumps, bumps, swelling, or distinct differences between your testicles.
You should also examine the epididymis (the tube at the top of each testicle). This should feel soft. It is common to get harmless cysts or lumps here, but these can be treated.
If you do find something that concerns you, contact your GP straight away and book your scrotal/ testicular scan with your local Ultrasound Care clinic.
It is important to note that you will often find that your testicles are different sizes, and one hangs lower than the other: this is completely normal.
Why Is This an Important Part of Men’s Health & Well-Being?
The long-term stigma around men’s health, both physically and mentally, is slowly changing in society and men are becoming more open to self-examinations and looking after their health and well-being. Men suffer in the same ways as women but are often less open to discussing things with others. Much like women check their breasts monthly for any changes, men should be open to checking their testicles month for any noticeable changes that may cause concern.
A testicular self-examination can be the method by which infections or cancer is noticed and diagnosed. With all medical conditions, the sooner you notice a change and seek advice from your GP, the sooner this can be diagnosed and treated.
It is important to try and remember that anything that you may find and consider abnormal is not always cancerous, these may be caused by an infection. Seek advice from your GP when you feel that something is not right.
It is also important to remember that this is nothing to be embarrassed about, it is a part of your self-care and health as an individual, ensuring you get the best quality of life.
Ultrasound Care Scrotal/ Testicular Scans
At Ultrasound Care, we offer a range of ultrasound scans for men, including a scrotal/ testicular scan. This is a 30 minute appointment in which a gel is applied to testicles and a transducer is then used to create the images of your organs and surrounding areas for visual identification of any abnormalities.
This is a non-invasive, pain free scan however you may experience some discomfort or pain if you have swelling or injury in the testicular region. There is no need to fast beforehand and you can resume all normal daily activities after the scan.
Ultrasound Care offer a wide range of ultrasound scans for both men and women as part of their vital health and well-being.
Scans for Men & Women
If you would like to book an ultrasound scan with us, please contact your local clinic today on the number below. Alternatively, you can book online with us for a date and time that suits your schedule.
Check your health and well-being at home; do a monthly testicular check!
