If you’ve noticed a change in one of your balls,
or it just doesn’t feel right, then here’s what you should do:

1. Don’t panic!
2. Don’t wait – See your GP immediately.

Remember: 9 out of 10 ball problems are not testicular cancer. Your symptoms are likely caused by something much less serious. But because early diagnosis of TC means better cure rates and more straightforward treatment, you should get yourself to the doctor ASAP.

Symptoms of testicular cancer include:

Along with these, some men also get hot sweats, tender nipples, breathlessness, a heavy scrotum, or pain in their groin, back or belly.

DON'T FEAR TESTICUAR CANCER, IT'S ACTUALLY VERY TREATABLE, ESPECIALLY IF CAUGHT EARLY.
Fight the fear and do it anyway!

There are many reasons why guys with a ball problem might put off going to the doctor, but when it comes to the crunch, it’s not worth risking your health for any of them.

Fear of cancer

While this is normal, there’s nothing scarier than facing your fears alone inside your head. Whatever’s up with your balls, sharing your concerns and getting professional help will put you in the best hands.

Never forget that over 98% of testicular cancer patients are cured – even when it has spread to other parts of the body.

Embarrassment

No one particularly likes pulling their pants down in front of a doctor. But for your GP it’s not a big deal. They see people’s private parts all the time, and they won’t remember yours once the appointment is over.

Waiting to see if it goes away

This might not be a bad way to deal with a cold. But for a symptom associated with testicular cancer, it’s safest to get a medical opinion fast.

DON'T FEAR TESTICUAR CANCER, IT'S ACTUALLY VERY TREATABLE, ESPECIALLY IF CAUGHT EARLY.
How to deal with your doctor’s appointment

One way to get more comfortable with the idea of seeing your GP is knowing exactly what to expect.

You’ve done the hard part in getting through the consultation room door, so don’t bottle it now! Tell the doctor exactly what’s wrong. You know your balls better than they do, so explain how they were before and what’s changed.

The examination

The Doctor will roll each of your balls between thumb and forefinger and try to find the abnormality. If your problem is a lump, point it out when they hit the spot.

Sometimes the doctor will shine a torch on your scrotum (ball bag) to see if the light shines through the lump. Cancerous lumps tend to be solid, but what you have might just be a fluid-filled cyst (hydrocele.)

What should happen next

Your appointment could have several outcomes.
The doctor will do one of the following:

  • Be satisfied that nothing’s wrong
  • Decide you’ve got an infection in the epidydimus (tube that carries sperm and semen) and so prescribe antibiotics. (If these don’t improve your symptoms in two to three days, go back to your doctor.)
  • Refer you on for further tests
  • If the doctor feels that nothing’s wrong but you’re not convinced, don’t be afraid to ask them to refer you to a urologist (a doctor that specialises in everything ‘down there’). There are many different health issues that affect testicles, and the urologist may be able to help you with yours.