Testicular health is an important topic that many men may
not be aware of or comfortable talking about. However, ignoring your testicles
can have serious consequences for your fertility, sexual function, and overall
well-being. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the common issues that
affect testicular health, how to prevent them, and what to do if you notice any
changes or symptoms.
What Are The Testicles And What Do They Do?
The testicles are two oval-shaped organs that hang in a sac
called the scrotum behind the penis. They are part of the male reproductive
system and produce sperm and testosterone, the main male hormone. The sperm
travel through a tube called the vas deferens to the seminal vesicles and the
prostate gland, where they mix with fluids to form semen. The semen is then
ejaculated through the urethra during orgasm.
What Are Some Of The Common Problems That Affect Testicular Health?
Some of the common problems that can affect testicular
health include:
1- Testicular Cancer:
This is a rare but serious type of cancer that affects
mainly young men between 15 and 35 years old. It occurs when abnormal cells
grow in one or both testicles and form a lump or mass. The exact cause of testicular
cancer is unknown, but some risk factors include having an undescended
testicle, a family history of testicular cancer, being white, and having HIV or
AIDS. The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a painless swelling or
lump in one or both testicles. Other symptoms may include pain, discomfort,
heaviness, changes in size or shape, fluid accumulation, or a dull ache in the
lower abdomen or groin.
2- Testicular Torsion:
This is a medical emergency that occurs when one of the
testicles twists around its cord, cutting off the blood supply. It can happen
spontaneously or due to trauma, infection, inflammation, or congenital defects.
It causes sudden and severe pain in one testicle, along with swelling, redness,
nausea, vomiting, and fever. Testicular torsion can lead to permanent damage or
loss of the affected testicle if not treated within six hours.
3- Epididymitis:
This is an inflammation of the epididymis, a coiled tube
that stores and transports sperm from the testicles to the vas deferens. It can
be caused by bacterial infections (such as sexually transmitted infections),
viral infections (such as mumps), trauma, urinary tract problems, or autoimmune
disorders. It causes pain, swelling, and tenderness in one or both testicles,
along with fever, chills, discharge from the penis, and a burning sensation
when urinating.
4- Varicocele:
This is an enlargement of the veins that drain blood from
the testicles back to the heart. It can occur due to faulty valves in the
veins, increased pressure in the abdomen, or genetic factors. It affects about
15% of men and is more common on the left side. It usually causes no symptoms,
but some men may experience a dull ache, heaviness, or dragging sensation in
the scrotum, especially after standing for a long time or exercising. A
varicocele can also affect sperm quality and fertility by increasing the
temperature and reducing the oxygen supply to the testicles.
How To Prevent And Detect Testicular Problems?
The best way to prevent and detect testicular problems is to practice good hygiene, protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections, avoid injury or trauma to the scrotum, wear supportive underwear or jockstraps, avoid exposure to extreme heat or cold, and check your testicles regularly.
Checking your testicles is a simple and painless procedure that you can do yourself once a month, preferably after a warm bath or shower when the scrotum is relaxed. Here are the steps to follow:
- Stand in front of a mirror and look for any swelling, changes in size or shape, lumps, masses, or skin changes on the scrotum.
- Gently roll each testicle between your thumb and fingers and feel for any abnormalities, such as hard, smooth, or irregular areas. The testicles should be firm but not hard, smooth but not slippery, and about the same size (although one may be slightly larger or lower than the other). You may also feel a soft, tube-like structure on the top and back of each testicle. This is the epididymis and it is normal.
- If you notice any changes or symptoms, see a doctor as soon
as possible. Do not ignore or delay seeking medical attention, as some
testicular problems can be serious and require prompt treatment.
Finally
Remember, taking care of your testicular health is not only
important for your fertility and sexual function, but also for your overall
well-being. By being aware of your testicles and checking them regularly, you
can prevent, detect and treat any problems early and effectively.
