Why every man should know their nuts

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness month. Here, Movember’s Global Director of Clinical Trials, Sam McKeown explains why every man should know their nuts.

Whether you call them your balls or bangers, nuts or knackers, you might not give your testicles much thought on a daily basis.

But your testicles are pretty important as they are where sperm and testosterone are made in the body – so it’s crucial to look after them.

Just like any part of your body, your testicles can experience a range of changes in the form of lumps or swellings.

Most of the time, these changes are caused by something harmless, such as a build-up of fluid (a cyst) or swollen veins in the testicles (a variocele). But sometimes they can be a sign of something more serious, such as testicular cancer.

It’s important to know what your testicles normally look and feel like, including their usual size and weight. This makes it easier to notice any unusual changes, which you should get checked out by your GP.

Men around the world are checking their tackle regularly. Follow our guide to join them and find out what you need to do.

How do I check my nuts?

It’s pretty simple. Roll one testicle between your thumb and fingers and get familiar with how it feels. Then repeat the technique with the second testicle.

Where is the best place to check?

The shower is a good place to examine because the warmth of the water helps the testicles to relax, creating the right conditions to feel around for anything out of the ordinary.

How often do I need to check them?

Give them a feel regularly to get to know what’s normal for you. That way if anything changes you can act on it.

What should I look for?

Most testicles are about the same size although it’s common for one to be slightly bigger than the other. They should feel smooth, without any lumps or bumps, and firm but not hard. You may feel a soft tube at the back of each testicle, which is called the epididymis.

What do I do if I find something unusual?

If you do spot changes in the way your nuts feel, such as a lump or enlargement in either testicle, a dull ache, or a feeling of heaviness in your scrotum, make an appointment with your doctor and get it checked out. Your doctor will examine your testicles and arrange any further checks if needed.

What if it is testicular cancer?

While testicular cancer isn’t very common, it is the most common type of cancer in young men. The good news is that when it’s caught early, it is highly treatable and curable. Get more information on testicular cancer and how it is treated.

To learn more about checking your nuts, head to movember.com/KnowThyNuts.