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Testicular self-examination (TSE) is a procedure where a man examines his own testicles and scrotum for possible lumps or swelling. It is usually undertaken at home while standing in front of a mirror and after having a warm bath or shower. which can lead to a 5-year survival rate of 98%. In men aged 15 to 40, testicular cancer is the most common cancer, and the annual rate of increase over the last 10 years in cases of testicular cancer is approximately 1% each year. Testicular cancer typically presents with a painless testicular swelling or a lump or any change in shape or texture of the testicles.
TSE is also indicated if there are certain risk factors present, such as a family history of testicular cancer. Additionally, outside of the possible early detection of testicular cancer, other "off label" uses of TSEs include detection of indirect inguinal hernias, varicocele, and infections that may affect the testicles, such as mumps. Recommendations vary with some physicians recommending the use of monthly TSE for men ages 15 to 55.
Practitioners may recommend testicular self-exam (TSE) when the following risk factors are present:
- Family history of testicular cancer Many organizations have established guidelines regarding the utilization of testicular self examination as well as the use of testicular examination by a medical provider as a diagnostic tool. These guidelines can be found in the table below.
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Current recommendations for testicular examination
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! Organization !! Recommendation
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| US Preventive Services Task Force || Grade D rating, Not recommended to be conducted by clinician nor patient.
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| American Cancer Society || No defined recommendation but state it should be conducted when completing a thorough routine cancer screening.
Existing guidelines indicate that TSE is best performed in the standing position. Individuals performing TSE may choose to stand in front of a mirror in order to visualize the scrotum and testicles from various angles. First, the scrotum and testicles may be visually examined for any skin changes or visible swelling. to patients.
Society and culture
Testicular self-examination has generally low rates of practice in part because young men have very low rates of health-seeking behaviors, leading to higher rates of mortality and morbidity. This is likely influenced by the fact that men face potential perceived societal pressures and judgement, which create obstacles to these patients seeking care.
Education and promotion
Educational interventions that teach men about and how to perform testicular self-examination have been shown to improve men's knowledge and beliefs surrounding TSEs and testicular health. Educational programs using brochures, videos, online-based lessons, and other methods have improved men's self-efficacy in performing the exam and increased recognized benefits of the exam. These interventions have been shown to increase the likelihood of performing these self-checks and have also increased men's testicular health knowledge.
Complementary approaches using humor-based public health messages have also been explored to make discussions of men's health less stigmatized and more approachable. These public health messages tend to use puns or sexual innuendos (i.e. "Touch Yourself Tonight"). Evidence shows that humor-based public service announcements about TSEs can reduce anxiety and stigma, and increase motivation towards performing these self checks.