Roger-Luc Chayer (Image : magicmine/iStock)
Testicular Health: A Topic Too Rarely Discussed
Testicular health in men is rarely talked about; obviously, testicles are absent in women. Yet, medical research shows that it is important to discuss this more often and especially to learn self-examination starting at the age of 14 to detect various problems.
What Conditions Can Be Detected by Palpation?
Several abnormalities can be detected by palpation, notably masses that could indicate cancer, pain or swelling related to infection or inflammation, changes in consistency that may reveal a torsion or a vascular pathology, as well as variations in size or shape that could indicate a hormonal or structural problem.
Why Start Self-Examination in Adolescence?
It is recommended to begin self-examination at age 14 because this is when the first significant hormonal changes occur, and testicular cancers or abnormalities, although rare, most often appear in young men. Becoming accustomed early to the normal texture and appearance of the testicles allows for quick detection of any changes and obtaining an early diagnosis, which greatly improves the chances of effective treatment.
Detecting Cysts Through Self-Examination
Self-examination can also help detect cysts, which often appear as small, smooth, and usually painless lumps. Although most testicular cysts are benign, noticing them early allows for prompt consultation to confirm the nature of the lump and avoid confusion with a more serious abnormality.
How Does a Testicular Infection Present?
An infection usually presents with pain that appears gradually or suddenly, swelling of one or both testicles, a sensation of warmth or heaviness, sometimes redness of the skin, and marked tenderness to the touch. It may also be accompanied by mild fever, discomfort during urination, or pain radiating toward the groin or lower abdomen, which often prompts a quick medical consultation.
Causes of Testicular Infections
Testicular infections most often result from bacteria ascending from the urinary tract or prostate, particularly during untreated urinary infections or certain sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. They may also be linked to trauma, viruses like the mumps in unvaccinated adolescents, or anatomical issues that facilitate stagnation or upward movement of germs.
How Does Testicular Cancer Present?
Testicular cancer most often appears as a hard, painless lump in one testicle, sometimes accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum or a change in size or consistency. It can also cause diffuse discomfort rather than actual pain, or give the impression that the testicle is becoming firmer or irregular. In some cases, sudden swelling or fluid accumulation around the testicle may be the first noticed sign, which typically leads to consulting for an accurate diagnosis.
How to Perform Self-Examination?
Self-examination is ideally done in the shower or just afterward, when the scrotal skin is relaxed. Simply take each testicle separately between the fingers, gently roll it between the thumb and other fingers, then feel its surface, shape, and consistency to spot any unusual lump, area of pain, or any change from what is usual. The key is to gradually learn what is normal for oneself in order to quickly notice any modification that may require medical consultation.
Combining Usefulness with Pleasure: Involving a Partner
And then, why not combine usefulness with pleasure by allowing your partner or a friend—if you are 18 or older, of course, and have such a close relationship—to palpate your testicles themselves? A regular little maneuver that could add a bit of pleasure to the examination… In case of concerns or the appearance of a new situation regarding the testicles, one can consult a general practitioner or a urologist.
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