A urologist is emphasizing the importance of regular self-exams for testicle health. According to Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, most testicular lumps are not cancerous, but some are, and the only way to know is to get checked.
Why Self-Exams Matter
Dr. Brahmbhatt recommends that patients get in the habit of doing regular self-exams to get familiar with their normal anatomy. This can help recognize changes when they happen. The exam takes less than two minutes and can be done in the shower.
The testicles have two key tasks: making sperm and producing male sex hormones, primarily testosterone. A healthy man produces tens of millions of sperm every day. Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when found early, with a survival rate of about 99%.
What to Look For
During a self-exam, look for a firm, painless lump on the testicle itself, which is a red flag for testicular cancer. Also, be aware of tender swelling, redness, or warmth, which could be epididymitis, an inflammation of the epididymis. Sudden, severe pain in one testicle could be testicular torsion, a medical emergency.
It’s essential to get checked by a doctor if any changes or concerns are found during a self-exam. A doctor will start with a conversation about symptoms and medical history, followed by a physical exam and possibly an ultrasound or lab work.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
