Information » Health » Sexual Health » Testicles
- As well as the penis, the male genitals consist of two testicles, which hang in a sack of skin called a scrotum
- Testicles produce the sperm used in reproduction and are connected to the penis by a long tube (the urethra) which also carries urine
- One testicle will usually hang lower than the other to aid movement
- Testicles hang in the scrotum, which hangs outside the body to keep sperm cool. Sperm can be killed by heat.
Testicular cancer
- Testicular cancer mainly affects young men between the ages of 15 and 35, but almost 100 per cent of all cancers of the testicles can be cured if detected early
- Warning signs for testicular cancer include a dull ache in the testicles, small, hard painless lump, one testicle larger or heavier than the other and blood coming from the penis
- Men should examine their testicles each month for changes in the shape, size or weight of each testicle and for any lumps. This is most effectively done standing up. Don’t be embarrassed - visit your doctor immediately if you detect anything unusual
