For Men Only: How to do a Testicular Self Examination

Well, I guess the title is misleading. Everyone should be concerned about testicular health. Why? primarily because we all are related to a male - a father, a brother, a cousin, a friend, an associate, a co-worker, etc, etc, etc. How hard it would be for us to see someone succumb to cancer when it could be cured with early detection. So much for the ranting, I'm quoting the following from Teenshealth:

"Here's what to do:

* It's best to do a TSE during or right after a hot shower or bath. The scrotum (skin that covers the testicles) is most relaxed then, which makes it easier to examine the testicles.
* Examine one testicle at a time. Use both hands to gently roll each testicle (with slight pressure) between your fingers. Place your thumbs over the top of your testicle, with the index and middle fingers of each hand behind the testicle, and then roll it between your fingers.
* You should be able to feel the epididymis (the sperm-carrying tube), which feels soft, rope-like, and slightly tender to pressure, and is located at the top of the back part of each testicle. This is a normal lump.
* Remember that one testicle (usually the right one) is slightly larger than the other for most guys — this is also normal.
* When examining each testicle, feel for any lumps or bumps along the front or sides. Lumps may be as small as a piece of rice or a pea.
* If you notice any swelling, lumps, or changes in the size or color of a testicle, or if you have any pain or achy areas in your groin, let your doctor know right away.

Lumps or swelling may not be cancer, but they should be checked by your doctor as soon as possible. Testicular cancer is almost always curable if it is caught and treated early."

Additionally, you can check for excess fluid in the testicles. Use a flashlight and try to illuminate at the back of the "balls". If it becomes luminous (or light passes) there's fluid. See your physician right away.

You can drink kefir to boost your immune system and prevent certain penile and testicular conditions. I let my dad drink it because he's over 60 and so far it is working quite well for him.

It's not easy to find kefir in the Philippines because it is of foreign origin. However, you can got to the website of Yoggie's Yogurt Station at www.yogurtstation.blogspot.com where kefir is sold at a lower price than other brands.

Stay healthy.


Jane

A Dreadful Disease

CA, Cancer, the Big C - no matter how you call it, it's the same disease that has stricken fear in us which probably for more than half a century scienc has not found a cure for.

I had been at the St. Luke's Medical Center today to visit my aunt who had a breast mass excision. About 60 years back she went to a hospital to consult about a small growth that she found on her right bossom. It was the size of a grain of rice and the male attendants dismissed her saying that it was nothing to worry about. She never bothered to have it checked again.

We were told just a few days back that she has CA cells on both breasts. The small mass is now as big as what my cousin describes as a piece of chips ahoy! I was scared that it would have metastasized already. I mean 60 years and a chips ahoy sized nodule would surely be a cause for alarm for us. We have some medical practitioners in the family and some are medically related too. We knew there was a great chance of metastasis to the nearby tissues at the minimum. But, miracle of all miracles, there wasn't any. Or at least the surgeons didn't find anything durng the surgery.

Suddenly, in just a matter of a few days, I realized how important a Breast Self Exam is. This and the Testicular Self Exam for males should never be taken for granted. Instead, it should be done religiously every month.

Sometimes, we learn the hard way.