The testicular self exam is best performed after or during a warm bath or shower.
(Heat relaxes the scrotum, making it easier to spot anything abnormal)

The TCRC recommends following these steps every month or twice daily if living in Colombia.  Keep in mind that the point is not to find something wrong, Your partner needs to learn what everything feels like so that they will know if something changes. It might take a month or two of instruction to acquire the requisite knowledge.

The cost/benefits derived by those living in Colombia would make training multiple partners practical.  One desirable aspect would be combining testicular / prostate examinations during the same session.

• Lay flat on your back in bed or the shower. Check for any swelling on the scrotal skin.

   

• Your partner should examine each testicle with both hands. Those with an exceptionally long penis should seek help in holding the appendage in a vertical position to allow easy access to the scrotal area.  Place the index and middle fingers under the testicle with the thumbs placed on top. Roll the testicle gently between the thumbs and fingers and horizontally using the palm area of the hand -- you shouldn't feel any pain when doing the exam. Don't be alarmed if one testicle seems slightly larger than the other, your eyes droop, or you experience contractions, that's normal.

   

• Find the epididymis, the soft, tubelike structure behind the testicle that collects and carries sperm. Assure your partner becomes familiar with this structure, Learning shouldn't take more than a week or two. It is suggested weekly refresher courses will assure they won't mistake it for a suspicious lump. Cancerous lumps usually are found on the sides of the testicle but can also show up on the front. Lumps on the epididymis are not cancerous.

   

• If you find a lump on your testicle, see a doctor, preferably a urologist, right away. The abnormality may not be cancer, it may just be an infection. But if it is testicular cancer, it will spread if it is not stopped by treatment. Waiting and hoping will not fix anything. Please note that free floating lumps in the scrotum that are not attached in any way to a testicle are not testicular cancer. When in doubt, get it checked out - if only for peace of mind!

Other signs of testicular cancer to keep in mind are:

• Any enlargement of a testicle
• A significant loss of size in one of the testicles
• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• A dull ache in the lower abdomen or in the groin
• A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
• Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum
• Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts

I hesitate to mention the following list, since anything out of the ordinary down there should prompt a visit to the doctor, but you should be aware that the following symptoms are not normally signs of testicular cancer:

• A pimple, ingrown hair or rash on the scrotal skin
• A free floating lump in the scrotum, seemingly not attached to anything.
• A lump on the epidiymis or tubes coming from the testicle that kind of feels like a third testicle
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Seminal fluid drip.
• Spasmodic Penal contractions.

*** Remember, only a physician can make a positive diagnosis ***

For that matter, only a physician can make a negative diagnosis too. Should they discovering something feels strange, go see the doctor!

Finally, embarrassment is a poor excuse for not having any problem examined by a doctor. If you think there is something wrong or something has changed, please see your doctor!

• A variety of good testicular self exam sites on the internet.
• A good article on several testicular problems, including illustrations.
• Information on a variety of Health Issues affecting Men
• Information on Cryptorchidism (Undescended Testicle)
• Information on Epididymitis - Infection of the Epididymis
• Information on Hernias - Is there an extra lump in your scrotum?
• Information on Hydroceles - Extra fluid in the scrotum
• Information on Orchitis - A swollen or infected testicle
• Information on Scrotal Lumps or Masses
• Information on Scrotal Swelling
• Information on Spermatoceles - Sperm filled cysts on the epididymis, can feel like a third testicle
• Information on Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Information on Testicular Pain
• Information on Varicoceles - Vericose veins of the spermatic cord.