Whichever you might call your testicles – balls, sack, jewels or nuts, they are not immune to cancerous cells.

Make it a habit to regularly examine your testicles. Commit to choosing one day a month to do a self exam. A shower is a great place to do it. It’s private, your scrotum is relaxed and your pants are probably off. It only takes less than two minutes And besides, let’s be real, you’ve touched yourself down there hundreds of times. Make it count once a month.

Step 1 –Getting To Know Your Testicles

Now, despite man spending a lifetime playing with their balls (or finding ways to get someone else to), it’s important for you to know what’s normal. We can then appreciate any abnormalities.

But remember we are all slightly different so to guide you, there are a few basic rules of testicular normality.

1. Size

   They can be equal or the right (typically) slightly larger than the left.

2. Hang

   This will vary with temperature but one (usually the left) is often slightly lower hanging.

3. Contour

   They should each feel smooth.

4. Density

   They should each feel firm but not wooden or hard.

5. Extras

   Just at the top of each testicle a soft tube is felt and this is your epididymis.

Step 2 –Perform This Monthly Testicular Check

The advice is to check your testicles once a month. It’s not quite a ‘touch and go’ but a proper systematic and focused fiddle of your nuts.

So, here’s how to do a systematic focus fiddle…

1. Have a warm shower or bath to relax your scrotum, and then perform the next steps standing up.

2. Lift your penis out of the way with your non-dominant hand.

3. Cup both testicles under your hand to feel if the weight is spread evenly across both.

4. Roll each testicle, one at a time, between your index finger and thumb, checking for changes.

5. Ask yourself (honestly), has anything changed?

Step 3 –Six Signs That Mean It’s Time To See Your GP

1. A hard lump

2. A swelling or enlargement

3. An increased firmness

4. A heavy scrotum

5. Pain or discomfort

6. An unusual difference between both sides

Now, these won’t necessarily mean cancer. In fact, there are a variety of conditions, from varicoceles and hydroceles to epididymitis, that can cause them. Regardless, if you notice any changes, or indeed anything unusual about your testicles, then please see your GP.

Your doctor can then assess you and refer you for an urgent ultrasound if necessary. Your doctor may also organise for some blood test to look for some specific testicular cancer markers like AFP and BHCG (which interestingly enough is also a pregnancy hormone).

Please, strike while the iron’s hot and start your monthly checks today.

“Carpe scrotiem!”

Seize the scrotum!

Our Men’s Health experienced Female Doctors are ready to listen to your issues. Visit us at InSync Medical Located along East Coast Road in the heart of Katong, Singapore.