How to check your balls
Checking any part of your body for signs of cancer can be a daunting prospect but it can save your life. Alice Wade speaks to genitourinary surgeon, Amy Pearlmanm, to give you guided instructions on how to check your balls
Credit: Unsplash, Steve Barker.
Ball talk is not usually a very fashionable topic of conversation, especially when it's talk of lumps and bumps and the dreaded C word. But making sure everything is in good working order is often the key to early diagnosis and a more effective treatment.
Testicular cancer is easily treatable and has a high survival rate, especially if it is caught early. More than 98 per cent of men who contract testicular cancer will be cured.
It is most common for middle aged men between the ages of 25-49 with the average age for diagnosis being 33. While it is not a particularly common type of cancer, making up around one per cent of all cases in men, rates of diagnosis have been rising so it's definitely worth copping a monthly feel to make sure everything is in place.
So listen up testicle owners, Amy Pearlman, genitourinary surgeon and sexual medicine specialist is going to tell you exactly how to check your balls. As Pearlman says, for those with penises “one crucial self-exam is checking their testicles.”
“A monthly testicular self-exam is a simple but vital practice that can help detect potential issues early.
When I counsel my patients at Prime Institute on tips and tricks for performing this exam, I suggest the following”
Where should I do it?
Just like any other exam, you want to do your ball check somewhere you’re able to concentrate on the task at hand (ahem). “Find a Comfortable Space: To start, find a comfortable and private space where you can relax and focus. It's important to be at ease during the exam to ensure accuracy.”
What’s the best time to check my balls?
A bath can solve anything at the end of a hard day, and luckily for you, it’s also a great time to check your balls. “The best time to perform a testicular self-exam is after a warm shower or bath. The warmth helps relax the scrotal muscles, making it easier to detect abnormalities. Stand in front of a mirror to visually inspect your scrotum.”
How do I check them?
You know how stress balls are weirdly fun to roll around in your hand? Testicles are pretty much the same… “Gently roll each testicle: hold one testicle between your thumb and fingers and gently roll it between your fingers. It should feel smooth and oval-shaped. Be sure to examine the entire surface, including the front, sides, and back.”
What am I checking for?
Just as with gravy, it’s the lumps that are the cause for concern here. “During the exam, pay attention to any lumps, hard spots, or irregularities. Testicular cancer often presents as a painless lump or swelling. If you notice anything unusual, don't panic; not all lumps are cancerous. However, it's crucial to report any findings to your urologist promptly.”
How often do I need to check?
Looking after your health isn’t a one-and-done kinda deal. Incorporating checking your balls into your monthly routine is like cleaning the oven; no one wants to do it but when it’s over, you feel a million times better. “Make a habit of performing this testicular self-exam monthly. Consistency is key to early detection. If you ever have concerns or questions about your findings, consult with a healthcare professional, like a urologist, who can provide expert guidance.”
The fact is, the quicker the diagnosis, the more likely the chances of survival. Most men who develop testicular cancer will survive with radiotherapy and chemotherapy as common methods for treatment.
And remember, not all lumps and bumps are necessarily a sign of cancer. Because testicular cancer is relatively uncommon, an abnormality might be symptomatic of something far less serious than cancer such as a cyst, infection or even just an ingrown hair or razor bump. If you notice anything awry, your GP will either perform a blood test or ultrasound to determine the cause of the issue.
Spending just five minutes extra in the shower could save your life, you could even ask your partner or a very generous flatmate to help you. Whatever or wherever you choose if you’ve got a pair, don’t forget to give them a once over. See it, say it, sorted.