Tender testicle
Question
My left testicle is more sensitive than my right one, and feels as though it has a jelly-like substance in it, how do I check if there's something seriously wrong?
Answer
It sounds like the jelly-like substance you describe could be the epididymis (a long coiled-up tube that carries the sperm away from the testicle). It's possible that it's just easier to feel it on your left testicle. You could try feeling gently behind your right testicle again to see if you can locate it there. If that's what it is then it's perfectly normal.
It's important to keep checking your testicles each month, testicular cancer can be treated relatively easily and like all medical problems it's best to treat it early. But even if you never find a problem it's good to familiarise yourself with this area of your body and to get used to how your testicles feel normally.
Once a month, after a bath or shower, check for the following:
- Any swelling of the skin;
- Examine each testicle with both hands, placing the index and middle fingers under the testicle with thumbs placed on top. Roll the testicle gently to look for problems, during this process you should feel no pain;
- It's natural for one testicle to feel slightly larger than the other;
- You should find a soft, tubular structure behind the testicle. This is the epididymis, which collects and carries sperm. Once you're familiar with this you will be able to avoid mistaking it for a lump;
- Lumps are usually found on the sides of the testicle, but can also be found on the front. Lumps on the epididymis are not cancerous.
Other signs of testicular cancer can include: an enlargement or significant loss of size in one testicle, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin, a sudden collection of fluid or pain in the scrotum, or an enlargement or tenderness in the pectoral area.
If you are concerned about something you find then you should contact your local doctor (GP) as soon as possible for a proper check up. Don't just be concerned about lumps; if anything bothers you it's best to be sure.
Updated: 25/01/2007
Question answered by bss
