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Sunday, October 9, 2011

TESTICULAR SELF EXAM

TESTICULAR SELF EXAM
   Since there was a big spike of traffic when I posted how to perform a breast self exam, I thought I should mention that men also get the disease and should follow the guidelines posted for the breast self exam.  Men should also perform a testicular self exam.  All of this information about self exams underscore the idea of knowing your own body.  That way, if there is something out of the ordinary, you are the first to know, not the last.  So, the following instruction was found on a link on the WebMD.com website:

Testicular Self-Examination (TSE)


TSE is best performed after a bath or shower, when the scrotal muscles are warm and relaxed. If you do the exam at another time, remove your underwear so that your genitals are exposed.
Stand and place your right leg on an elevated surface about chair height. Then gently feel your scrotal sac until you locate the right testicle. Roll the testicle gently but firmly between your thumb and fingers of both hands, carefully exploring the surface for lumps. The skin over the testicle moves freely, making it easy to feel the entire surface of the testicle. Repeat the procedure for the other side, lifting your left leg and examining your left testicle. Feel the entire surface of both testicles.
If you do notice a lump or swelling during TSE, contact your doctor right away. Do not wait for the lump to go away. It may not be cancer. But if it is testicular cancer, immediate treatment provides the best chance for a cure.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology, Oncology
Last Revised January 13, 2011
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated: January 13, 2011
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.