Mr Gay Europe, Robbie O’Bara is giving himself a right old feel-up, to check for testicular cancer, and he wants you in on the game too.

Lads, when was the last time you checked your balls? Did you know that testicular cancer is the most common cancer in males aged 20-40? And did you know this cancer is fully treatable if caught early enough?

At the Mr Gay Europe events last year I demonstrated how to do a testicular exam as part of the talent show component… and even won best talent with it!

Let’s get down to business – here’s how you do it:

1. First, it’s important to know what’s normal for you. The best time to check your balls is in the shower when everything is warm and sudsy, making it easy to gently palpate each testicle. Roll each testicle between your fingers and compare both sides; it is normal for one to be slightly larger/lower than the other.
2. Next palpate up the epididymis (tubes) as high as you comfortably can on both sides. At any point if you feel an odd lump, best to get it checked out. Other things to watch out for are change in size of the testicle, scrotal swelling, dull ache in the groin, pain within the scrotum, or breast enlargement/tenderness.
3. Finally, be sure to repeat your self-examination carefully every couple months to see if anything has changed. See your doctor if something doesn’t seem right.  Do not feel embarrassed as getting it checked can save your life!

If in doubt, get it checked out!

___

Follow Robbie’s Mr Gay Europe Blog here.