Testicular Self Exam

It is important for men to become familiar with their testicles by examining them monthly. Testicular Self Examination (TSE) can help men detect tumors inside the testicles and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Self-examination often recommended by doctors because you don’t need any special equipment and can increase your chances of surviving testicular cancer by early diagnosis.

For those men with a history of undescended testicles at birth or men who are infertile are at greater risk of testicular cancer. It is recommended to regularly examine their testicles for unusual lumps or swellings every 4 weeks.

Testicle Anatomy

The Testicles hang outside the body in the scrotum because healthy sperm production needs to be at a temperature of 4°C lower than the body temperature.

Testicle – oval-shaped sex gland that produces sperm and sex hormones
Epididymis – tubular structure that attaches to the back of the testicles for storing sperm. You may feel it during examination.
Scrotum – the skin sack that protects the testicles

How To Do It

1. Take a warm bath or shower. Make sure the scrotal skin is fully relaxed

1. Roll each testicle between your thumbs and fingers of both hands

1. Check for any irregularities by massaging the surface of the testicles very gently. Inspect for anything unusual while massaging

1. Be aware that:
   - If you detect any swelling or tenderness, it might be an infection. Should bring this attention to your doctor.
   - If you found any bumps or hard lumps, schedule an appointment with your doctor for immediately testing.

1. Make notes to yourself, for any changes during monthly examination. For example, change in testicular size, shape, or any inconsistency or feel of the testicles

It is recommended to do the examination in front of the mirror, so you can see as well as feel at different angles. Testicular Self Exam should not be uncomfortable or painful, if so you might be pressing too hard.

There are many potent herbs that are beneficial for the wellbeing of the testicular structure and function. For example, Chinese herbs Suo Yang (Cynomorium Songaricum) ,Bu Gu Zhi (Psoralea Corylifolia), and Achyranthes Root (Niu Xi) provide the building block nutrients necessary for testicular trauma recovery and prevent for testicular dysfunctions. ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]}