This reading is intended for entertainment purposes only. The procedures described are not intended to replace those of the skilled hands of a physician
Despite years of urging boys to check their scrotum's monthly for any abnormalities, recent surveys have found that fewer than 3% actually do. This is a very serious dilemma because the procedure only takes about two minutes and need only be done once a month. Testicular abnormalities (cysts, tumors --benign and malignant-- are not all that uncommon. An estimated 5% of all teens aged 13 to 18 are discovered with some abnormality. Testicular Cancer is uncovered at the rate of 20,000 cases per year in young men aged 15-35.
Rather than rely on voluntary compliance of boys to do this simple procedure, Bryce's pediatrician suggested that to ensure compliance that I check him on a regular basis for testicular cancer. In order to make it easy to remember, he suggested that on the First Saturday of every month, I check my son for any abnormalities on his genitalia. This is how he suggested I perform the check:
This is best done following his warm shower or bath. After he has finished, but before he leaves the confines of the warm bathroom, have him stand before you. It may be easier if you can assume a comfortable crouched or sitting position such as sitting on the toilet. Have the boy place one foot on the bathtub wall (should you have a tub) or else have him place one foot on the toilet, the other on the bathroom floor. Using your thumb and index finger thoroughly feel each testicle as completely as possible This is a highly manipulative procedure and may cause some incidental discomfort and it might also trigger your boy to erection. No need to worry about this. You will feel a number of features inside the scrotum. The most prominent, besides the testicle itself is the Epididymis which is a soft, tube like structure (some say it feels like cooked spaghetti) behind the testicle that collects sperm. The other obvious structure you may be able to detect is the spermatic cord located at the top of the testicle that both suspends and provides a highway for the blood vessels and spermatic fluid to travel.
Feel around the testicle, epididymis and spermatic cord carefully and gently. If you feel anything that obviates itself as a lump or if your boy displays any pain or discomfort seek professional advice. It may be nothing or it could be something that needs to be addressed. Remember, there is a layer of skin between your fingers and the organ being felt so you must do so with a certain amount of conviction so your finger does not overlook something of concern.
Check the entire surface of the testicle by touching all sides of the orb. Some dad's moisten their fingers and/or the scrotum with baby oil to facilitate the examination of the testicles.
Optionally but recommended, observe the penis. Look for any signs of sores or surface blemishes. While these may be nothing more than evidence of excessive masturbation, they may be evidence of herpes, syphilis or skin irritations from poor hygiene.
If your boy is uncircumcised, peel back the foreskin and make sure he cleans properly.
Check also for redness/irritation at the urethal opening. This could be a sign of urethritis which should be treated immediately with anti-viral medications.