A recent patient visit highlighted the importance of testicular health. A man had felt a lump in his testicle months earlier, but it wasn’t until his girlfriend encouraged him to see a doctor that he received a proper diagnosis. Fortunately, the lump was a benign cyst, not cancer.

Understanding Testicular Health

Testicles have two main functions: producing sperm and making male sex hormones, primarily testosterone. While it’s ideal to have two testicles, men can function with one. The testicles originate in the abdomen near the kidneys during fetal development and descend into the scrotum before birth.

The scrotum is a temperature-controlled chamber that adjusts itself to maintain optimal sperm production. The testicles are oval organs, smooth and firm, with small tubules called seminiferous tubules where sperm is produced. The epididymis, a soft, wormlike structure, is attached to the back of each testicle and is responsible for sperm maturation.

Self-Exams and What to Expect

Regular self-exams can help men become familiar with their normal anatomy and detect any changes. The exam should be done in the shower, as warm water relaxes the scrotum, making it easier to feel the testicles. Men should roll each testicle gently between their thumb and fingers, feeling for any lumps, hard areas, or changes in size.

A firm, painless lump on the testicle itself is a red flag and may be a sign of testicular cancer. While most testicular lumps are not cancerous, some are, and early detection is crucial. If a man finds anything new or unusual during a self-exam, he should consult a doctor promptly.

During a doctor’s visit, the physician will perform a physical exam, checking the scrotum, testicles, epididymis, and spermatic cord. The doctor may order a scrotal ultrasound, urine test, or blood work to determine the cause of any symptoms or abnormalities.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.