Final answer:
The best time for a self-testicular exam is after a warm shower or bath. It's done monthly to detect changes that could indicate testicular cancer, which is highly treatable if caught early. Males should feel for any lumps or changes and report them to a healthcare provider.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best time to perform a self-testicular exam is after a warm bath or shower when the scrotal skin is relaxed. This makes it easier to feel for any unusual lumps or changes in the testicles. The purpose of this monthly exam is to detect any changes early on, which is important because testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in young males aged 15 to 35. Common symptoms of testicular cancer include a lump or swelling in one testis, fluid in the scrotum, and testicular pain or tenderness.
To conduct a self-exam, a male should examine each testicle separately, rolling it gently between the fingers and thumb to feel for any hard lumps, smooth rounded bumps, or changes in the size, shape, or consistency of the testes. Testicular cancer typically has a high cure rate, especially when caught early, and it is commonly treated with surgery, which may be followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy if needed. It's important to be familiar with what is normal and to report any changes to a healthcare provider promptly for further evaluation, including a physical exam, ultrasound, or blood tests if necessary.