April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

We believe that an open and empowered male culture  results in more proactivity around health and preventative self-care.  Where better to start than with testicular care?  Testicular cancer is the most common cancer for men between the ages of 15-44 and you catch the signs of cancer soon enough and take action, it is virtually curable. Self-checks are relatively easy to do and can help you catch testicular cancer and other testicular conditions early.

How to check yourself for testicular cancer

1) First, take a warm shower. When you’re done, dry off properly and stand in front of the mirror. The best time to examine yourself is when your scrotum is relaxed. Check for any swelling or soreness around the scrotal area.

2) It is essential to check for lumps and bumps in both testicles. Take your index and middle finger under your testical with your thumbs placed on top. Gently roll your fingers around the area. This is the best way to tell if you have any irregularities in the testicle. Keep in mind, it is totally normal for one testicle to hang lower than the other, and they should feel smooth, firm but not hard.

3) Find the epididymis, is the part behind the testicles where the sperm is sent through to the vas deferens. If you are informed about this, you won’t mistaken this for a lump.

4) If you notice any differences, make sure to contact your doctor immediately. While a vast majority of lumps are not cancerous, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Don’t be hesitant to self examine. When you’re armed with the correct knowledge and know what to lookout for, it can easily become a regular part of your routine.

Know the facts: Key information about testicular cancer

TC has a wide variety of treatment options and depending on your stage, full recovery is possible. To help you better understand, we’ve created a concise and digestible graphic that provides clarity on TC, and pinpoints the most important information.

How does testicular cancer impact your sex life?

If you are affected by TC, treatment will vary depending on the stage at which it was detected. In rare cases, if both testicles are removed and you would like to have children, it is often recommended that you preserve your sperm at this point for the future. Often after surgery, you can experience a loss in your libido, which prevents having an erection sustainable for sex. This is totally normal and is something else that can be dealt with. Hims, a telemedicine company, prescribes Sildenafil (generic Viagra), which helps to relax blood vessels and increase blood flow to the penis, which allows you to hold an erection for an extended period of time. They set you up with online doctors, so after answering a few questions, it will discreetly arrive at your home.

Don’t wait for signs of Testicular Cancer to show up on their own. Arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible and know what to look for. The route to treatment vastly depends on the stage at which the cancer is found. Start taking care of yourself by performing monthly checks and being hyper aware of your sexual health moving forward.

Sara SDx

Editor of Don't Cook your Balls, Co-Founder of TrakFertility.com, Health Coach and Men's Health Advocate. Passionate about sperm, men's health and helping people build their families.

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