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Why Every Man Should Self-Test For Testicular Cancer

urologist speaking with a man about testicular cancer.

Just as every woman should self-examine her breasts every month for any signs of changes, it is important for men to do the same regarding their testicles. Once you get to know the feel and structure of your testicles, you can detect changes from month to month.

No Time Like The Present

Even if you have never checked your testicles, now is the time to begin. No recriminations, no guilt, just start this month. It takes all of 2 minutes a month to protect yourself from testicular cancer. If a tumor is found, there is a 95% cure rate.

The testicles are found in a pouch below and behind the penis called the scrotum, and they are an important part of a man’s sex organs. They produce sperm and testosterone.

How To Perform A Self Test

Most physicians will recommend doing the test after a hot shower. The heat relaxes the scrotum.

urologist speaking with a man about testicular cancer.
  • Stand in front of a mirror and examine each testicle one at a time.
  • Look and feel for any changes like swelling.
  • Use your middle finger and index finger under your testicle and your thumb on top as you hold your penis out of the way.
  • Softly roll your testes between the thumb and fingers looking for any hard lumps, smooth bumps, a change in size, consistency or shape. One testes can be lower or larger than the other. That is normal.

Doing this monthly helps you learn the appearance of your testicles and how they feel. Then you are more likely to notice any subtle changes.

When To See Albany Urology Clinic

If you notice a small hard lump about pea sized or one testicle become enlarged, have a doctor check it out.

Other indications include the following: testicle feels heavy, aches in your groin, lower abdomen or scrotum, back pain, and swelling.

All fathers should teach their sons how to do a self-test once they reach puberty. Early detection is the key to finding and overcoming testicular cancer.

Contact Albany Urology Clinic at 229-883-1503 if you notice any changes to your testicles.

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Abscessed Tooth

Condition Basics

What is an abscessed tooth?

An abscessed tooth is an infection in or around the tooth. It can be very painful. If the infection isn't treated right away, it can spread and you can lose your tooth or have other health problems.

What causes it?

Damage to the tooth, an untreated cavity (tooth decay), or gum disease can cause an abscessed tooth.

An abscess forms around a tooth when pus can't drain. A pocket of pus forms around a tooth when the body tries to fight an infection caused by bacteria.

What are the symptoms?

When you have an abscessed tooth, you may have:

  • Throbbing pain, especially when you chew.
  • Red, swollen gums.
  • A bad taste in your mouth.
  • Swelling in your jaw or face.
  • A fever.
  • A red, swollen bump in your mouth. It may have blood or pus oozing from it.
  • A tooth that is very tender or sore to the touch.

Over time as the infection spreads, the bone in your jaw may start to dissolve. When this happens, you may feel less pain, but the infection will still be there. If you lose too much bone, your tooth will become loose and may have to be removed.

How is it diagnosed?

Your dentist will ask about your symptoms and look for swelling and other signs of infection in your mouth. Your dentist may tap on the tooth and apply heat or cold to the tooth. Your dentist may also take dental X-rays.

How is an abscessed tooth treated?

An abscessed tooth needs treatment right away. You and your dentist will decide what's right for you. Your dentist may:

  • Give you antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
  • Make a hole in the tooth to drain the infection and relieve the pain.
  • Do a root canal to remove the infected pulp in the tooth.
  • Remove the tooth. This may be needed if you don't want a root canal, or if you have one and it doesn't work.

How can you prevent it?

The best way to prevent an abscessed tooth is to take good care of your teeth and gums:

  • Brush your teeth 2 times a day, in the morning and at night. Use fluoride toothpaste.
  • Use dental floss to clean between your teeth every day.
  • See your dentist for regular dental cleanings and checkups.
  • Eat a healthy diet, avoid sugary foods and drinks, and limit between-meal snacks.
  • Avoid having a dry mouth. It can put you at risk for cavities and infections.

Credits

Current as of: August 6, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.