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Testicular awareness Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2008.

Answers to questions about testicular awareness

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

How often should I check my testicles?

You should examine your testicles once a month.

Explanation

Examining your testicles once a month will help you pick up any changes to the look and feel of your testicles as soon as they happen. The best time to do this is after a warm bath or shower when the skin on your scrotum is relaxed.

All men are different, so the aim is to know what is right for you. Start by holding your scrotum in the palms of your hands; this will allow you to use your thumb and fingers to examine your testicles. Compare the size and weight - notice any differences between the two. You may find one is larger or hangs lower than the other.

Gently feel your testicles one at a time. Don't confuse the epididymis (the tube at the top and back of the testicles) for an abnormal lump. Your testicles should feel smooth with no lumps or swellings.

If you notice any changes to what is normal for you, see your GP as soon as possible.

Further information

Sources

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Can an injury to the testicles cause testicular cancer?

There is currently no evidence that an injury to your testicles will cause testicular cancer.

Explanation

As of yet, researchers haven't found a link between an injury or sporting strain and testicular cancer. However, there is some evidence that an increase in hormone levels after an injury may speed up precancerous changes.

Most importantly, if you do have an injury to your testicles, you should be extra vigilant as swelling caused by the injury may hide lumps or other changes.

There is still a lot of uncertainty about the exact causes of testicular cancer. However, several risk factors including:

  • having undescended testicles (cryptorchidism)
  • family history - if your brother or father has testicular cancer you are far more likely to have it
  • having fertility problems and poor quality sperm
  • being white and from a wealthy social group
  • having a rare complication of mumps called mumps orchitis
  • having abnormal cells in the testicles (also known as carcinoma in situ)

If you notice any changes in your testicles or have any concerns about testicular cancer, it's important to see your GP as soon as possible. If detected early, testicular cancer can be cured in 99 percent of men.

Further information

Sources

  • Testicular cancer risks and causes. Cancer Research UK. www.cancerhelp.org.uk, accessed 24 January 2008
  • Testicular cancer facts: signs and symptoms. Institute for Cancer Research. www.icr.ac.uk, accessed 22 January 2008
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Will I be able to father children if I have a varicocele?

A varicocele can affect male fertility. This may make fathering children more difficult for you.

Explanation

It's not yet understood how a varicocele affects fertility in men. A varicocele is a collection of varicose veins in your testicles. It's most common in the left testicle.

It's thought that a varicocele may increase the temperature of the testicles, reducing sperm quality and testicular function. Research has shown that 25 percent of men with abnormal sperm have a varicocele compared with only 12 percent of men who have normal sperm.

A varicocele often has no symptoms. So it may not be picked up until you have had an examination by your GP or a specialist for fertility problems. If you do have symptoms, they may include:

  • a dull ache in your testicle, especially at the end of the day or after doing exercise
  • swelling on your testicle, which is visible when you stand up or disappears when you lie down
  • swelling on your testicle that feels "like a bag of worms"

If you are in pain or the varicocele is causing fertility problems, your GP may refer you for surgery. However, it's unclear whether surgical treatments for varicocele improve fertility. It's important to discuss your options with your GP.

Further information

Sources

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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Mr Tim Whittlestone, MA MD FRCS, Consultant Urologist, Bristol Urology Associates, and by Bupa doctors. It has also been reviewed by Orchid. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: November 2008

 

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