Help on testicular self exam

[james wolf]

So I want to check must out but there's loads of stuff above the testicles, which I've read should be there.. How am I supposed to tell the difference between them and a dangerous lump?

Do lumps usually form at the bottom/sides/top or is it random?

Edit: title should be testicular not gesticulating :P

Title has been changed ~Siobhan

[blarg2011]

found this on the net.. hope is usefull to u

Here is how to do the self exam:

If possible, stand in front of a mirror. Check for any swelling on the scrotal skin.
Examine each testicle with both hands. Place the index and middle fingers under the testicle with the thumbs placed on top. Roll the testicle gently between the thumbs and fingers -- you shouldn't feel any pain when doing the exam. Don't be alarmed if one testicle seems slightly larger than the other, that's normal.
Find the epididymis, the soft, tubelike structure behind the testicle that collects and carries sperm. If you are familiar with this structure, you 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 or attached to the epididymis are not cancerous.
If you find a lump on your testicle or any of the other signs of testicular cancer listed below, see a doctor, preferably a urologist, right away. The abnormality may not be cancer, but if it is testicular cancer, it will spread if it is not stopped by treatment. Even if it is something else like an infection, you are still going to need to see a doctor. 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

[ksdnfkfr]

You know I found a really good medical video on YouTube that actually showed a man performing a testicular exam on himself with a doctor narrating, and explained what bumps belonged (like where the sperm tubes connect). So see if you can find it like i did once by searching for testicular exam. If not that video, I'm sure there will be other how to ones there.

[JamesSuperBoy]

So I want to check must out but there's loads of stuff above the testicles, which I've read should be there.. How am I supposed to tell the difference between them and a dangerous lump?

Do lumps usually form at the bottom/sides/top or is it random?

Edit: title should be testicular not gesticulating :P

Title has been changed ~Siobhan

This is good

http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/guys/tse.html

[Cloud_Strife]

The best way to tell if something is wrong or not, is to perform the examination regularly, so that if there are any changes; you'll be able to tell the difference.

With changes as with testicular cancers, these are usually gradual and develop with time. So if you perform a proper self-exam monthly, you''ll grow accustomed to what is normal for you. Become familiar with the contours, size and weight on each side. It's normal for one side to be a bit larger, or dangle lower than the other side. It is more ideal to do the examination while the testicles are descended, which occurs when it is warmer (like with warm showers and baths).

Besides masses, be also wary of a dull, heavy sensation within the scrotum or ache within the lower abdomen.

In addition, if there is an acute or sudden onset of pain, you should always present to a doctor for examination. For teen boys, what you worry most about is something like testicular torsion, where the testicle twists on itself and it loses its blood supply. This is a medical emergency and one can potentially lose a testicle as a result. Other things like infection or entrapped hernia are also causes of acute pain and should be looked into by a doctor for treatment.

In a nutshell, keep a mental note of things yourself and if you're in any way concerned, seek medical advice sooner rather than later.

Hope that helps!