Men's Health

 

You may think of reproductive health as a woman's concern. But men have just as many reasons to focus on a healthy reproductive system. If you wish to one day have children, you will contribute 50% to conceiving a healthy child. Find out how to keep yourself free from STDs and unwanted pregnancies. Learn how to check yourself regularly for signs of testicular cancer. Take control of your health, and be an active partner in family planning.

Testicular cancer is a very rare cancer, but it is one of the most common cancers found in young males. It is very important for you to recognize symptoms and risk factors of these two diseases to help detect them early in their incubation period. Early detection greatly increases your chances for successful treatment.

Fast Facts About Testicular Cancer

• Testicular cancer is one of the most common types od cancer in men aged 20 to 35. It accounts for 12% of all cancer deaths in this age group.
• If discovered in the early stages, it can be treated promptly and effectively.
• Symptoms include a slight enlargement in one of the testes and a change in its consistency.
• Pain may be absent, but often there is a dull ache in the lower abdomen and groin, together with a sensation of dragging and heaviness.
• There's no way to prevent testicular cancer, however monthly self-exams can detect this cancer early so it can be successfully treated.

The testicular examination is simple and takes only a minute or two. The best time to perform a self-exam is right after bathing when heat causes the skin of the scrotum to relax. You should start doing monthly exams at age 15 and continue until age 40.

A. Examine the scrotum visually for swelling.

B. Roll each testicle sepatately between the thumb and first two fingers of both hands. It's     normal for one testicle to be larger than the other.

C. Check for any lumps, swelling, or changes in size of either testicle.

Why wouldn't you do something so simple that could save your life?

Some of the Symptoms Are:

• you feel a lump or hard area in the testicle
• the whole testicle feels harder than normal
• one side of your scrotum is very swollen

For any questions or more information please call 1(800)717-1231.

Important Disclaimer-All material on this site has been developed for educational purposes only, and under no circumstance should it replace the expert care of your personal physician or the advice of a qualified practitioner.