testicular lump

[Lovernotkiller]

Hello, i have a very noticeable lump on the outside of my scrotum, i personally think it's a pimple or ingrown hair, i plan on seeing my doctor tommorow, i'm a male and all the staff including the doctor are females. Do i just call up and say "i have testicular problem?"

Any help greatly appreciated,
Joe

 

[ero_dream]

http://www.roadkilltshirts.com/images/products/COLORED/SHE-SAID_RK.gif

 

[Lovernotkiller]

well

Well i mean they ask on the phone what you need checked out so i got to say something.

 

[Lovernotkiller]

ps i just the doctors office and they are closed till the 25th unles its an emergency, is this an emergency?

 

[Carnevil9]

Call a local university with a Med School. They won't be closed. Ask for the urology department. Tell them the truth on the phone. They've heard it all before and won't be freaked out.

It's probably nothing after all, but there are times to take chances and times to not. This sounds like a not.

 

[SweetErika]

ps i just the doctors office and they are closed till the 25th unles its an emergency, is this an emergency?

Do you have to see that doctor, or does your insurance cover other ones? It's never a bad idea to have a back up, just in case something like this happens, so this could be a good time to establish a relationship with another doc.

That said, you're probably okay waiting until your doc comes back IF it's not causing you problems, but you're going to want to get in when he does if the lump is still there. If it's painful, growing or you have signs of infection (fever, swollen/tender lymph nodes anywhere [groin, armpits, neck, etc.]), go get it checked out asap because infections can progress very quickly.

On the phone, you can just say, "I noticed a lump on my testicle and I'd like to get it checked out." They've heard everything, and far more embarrassing things, before and are professionals. They won't laugh at you or make fun of you.

It's great you're taking responsibility for your health and are smart enough to have it checked out! Lumps and weird symptoms aren't something to mess with, and hopefully this is a good reminder to do monthly testicle self-exams and get regular check-ups.

 

[Lovernotkiller]

It kind of has an ache to it but i think thats because i've been looking at it for so long? I am look up urologist near me now, guess theres a lot in my area. Not so worried about if my insurance will cover a different doctor or not because a visit usually goes for 60-100 . For finding a Urologist/"backup" doctor would i just look online for urologist pick the closest one and call them up and see if they will see me today(writing this at 2 am) or tommorow?

thank you for posting

 

[Chicklet]

Just wanted to mention that depending on where you're located, Planned Parenthood will see to men, too. They always have appointments open for emergencies, and are very affordable.

 

[human_male]

Well i mean they ask on the phone what you need checked out so i got to say something.

Do you really have to tell the freakin receptionist what your ailment is when you see the doctor where you're from? Jeez that's terrible. I'm accustomed to just saying "I'd like to make an appointment please". Then when I get into the doctor "hello, I need my balls fondling again."

I'm glad you're getting it checked out and I wish you well. I've had a small lump and achy balls in the past and it turned out to be nothing so don't worry too much.

 

[SweetErika]

Do you really have to tell the freakin receptionist what your ailment is when you see the doctor where you're from? Jeez that's terrible. I'm accustomed to just saying "I'd like to make an appointment please". Then when I get into the doctor "hello, I need my balls fondling again."

I'm glad you're getting it checked out and I wish you well. I've had a small lump and achy balls in the past and it turned out to be nothing so don't worry too much.

We generally have to give the receptionist a general idea of what we're coming in for so she can block out the correct amount of time in the schedule. "I think I have a sinus infection" might get a 15 min appointment, whereas "I need my PAP smear and annual exam" might get 45 mins, for example.

Also, sometimes they want to know in case they need to send you for tests in advance or give special instructions or order records or something.

"I want to get a lump checked out" should be sufficient for the OP's problem. However, as an adult, he really should be able to tell a female professional what's going on in broad strokes. If we think about it logically, our bodies are nothing to be embarrassed about! So, saying it's a testicular lump, rather than just a lump, would actually be good for him, IMNSHO. And, the more matter-of-fact he is, the less she's likely to be embarrassed, so being up front is actually the kind thing to do in this kind of situation, I think.

 

[Mansa Musa]

Hello, i have a very noticeable lump on the outside of my scrotum, i personally think it's a pimple or ingrown hair, i plan on seeing my doctor tommorow, i'm a male and all the staff including the doctor are females. Do i just call up and say "i have testicular problem?"

Any help greatly appreciated,
Joe

Testicular cancer isn´t funny. If you tell the receptionist that you have a painful growth on "the boys", he or she will set up an appointment. Best case scenario: It´s just an ingrown hair. Worst case scenario: You´re receiving massive doses of chemo to prevent the cancer fromspreading.

 

[VelvetDarkness]

You don't have to be that specific. Just say you have found a lump that you want checked out. You should not have to say where as that isn't going to affect the length of appointment needed. Also, if asked 'where?' you can always tell a white lie and say it's on your back or something. The receptionist isn't going to be in the exam room and your doctor will understand your embarrassment at disclosing your medical problems to random women brandishing clipboards.

 

[Guest]

Middle-case scenario: it's a spermatocele.

From the Mayo Clinic website:

A spermatocele is a cyst that develops in the epididymis — the small, coiled tube situated in the upper testicle that collects and transports sperm. Generally painless and noncancerous, a spermatocele usually is filled with milky or clear fluid that may contain sperm.

Spermatoceles are small, usually less than a half-inch (less than 1 centimeter) in diameter, although some may be larger. Most of the volume of the cyst is fluid.

Spermatoceles are common, affecting as many as three in 10 American men. They typically don't impair fertility or require treatment. If a spermatocele grows large enough to cause discomfort, your doctor may suggest surgery.

I have one. I've lived with it for about12 years without problems. So, not to worry unless the exam gives you reason to.

 

[DracheDD]

If it's on the OUTSIDE of your scrotum, it's probably not that serious. You can wait for a regular appointment.

If it's on the INSIDE of the scrotum, but NOT on the testicle itself, then it's likely not that serious and you can wait for a regular appointment.

If it's actually ON the testicle, get your ass to a doctor and get it checked now. It could be any number of things, but in this case, the most serious would be cancer. Best to get it checked as quickly as possible.

As for the "do I just tell them" question, yes.
A couple months ago I found a lump in my scrotum and went through a similar thing. All the receptionists are female and I don't talk to a doctor until I actually go in for the appointment.
It may feel a little embarrassing to talk with a woman about the issue, but get over it.
I just told them, "I found a lump on my testicle and I want to have the doc check it out." Simple as that.
Then of course the nurse asked more detailed question after I got there. I'm not easily embarrassed so it was no big deal for me, but if you are embarrassed easily, you just have to deal with it. Just don't think of them as "women" think of them as "medical professionals." I mean, you're not there for a blow job anyway, so get sex out of your head.
Mine turned out just to be a vericose vein. No big deal, but it's an immense relief to know for sure.

 

[EjAcKuLaToR]

I agree with DracheDD.

If it's on the outside of your scrotum and is just like a pimple, then use some hot compresses on it and it will probably develop a head and do it's thing.

If it lasts longer than that, then you keep the Dr's appt.

If it is actually on your nut, get your ass to the Dr.
It's probably nothing (maybe a vericocele) but you should get it checked without fucking delay anyway.

Jack

 

[bshed]

Well firstly anyone finding a lump needs to do is get it checked out quickly and be really firm with the doctor.

Personally I have two experiences of doctors being dismissive of lumps. In one case a good friend of ours found a lump in her breast and was told it was nothing. Six months later she went to another doctor who immediately started aggressive treatment for breast cancer. Sadly it was too late and she is looking at an optimistic two year life span. In my own case I was extremely quick to go to our doctor when I found a lump on one of my testicles. She tried a course of antibiotics but then when that did no good I was referred to a urologist who scheduled an operation for two days later.

Because I was quick there was no chemo but I'm down one testicle. For anyone that is panicking at this thought, it makes no difference to your sex life. Well OK for a couple of weeks it's a little sore and you might not want to try certain positions.

I am not a doctor so I'm not going to judge if you have testicular cancer or not. If you find a lump, girls and boys, let the doctors be the judge and the sooner the better.

 

[SweetErika]

Well firstly anyone finding a lump needs to do is get it checked out quickly and be really firm with the doctor.

Personally I have two experiences of doctors being dismissive of lumps. In one case a good friend of ours found a lump in her breast and was told it was nothing. Six months later she went to another doctor who immediately started aggressive treatment for breast cancer. Sadly it was too late and she is looking at an optimistic two year life span. In my own case I was extremely quick to go to our doctor when I found a lump on one of my testicles. She tried a course of antibiotics but then when that did no good I was referred to a urologist who scheduled an operation for two days later.

Because I was quick there was no chemo but I'm down one testicle. For anyone that is panicking at this thought, it makes no difference to your sex life. Well OK for a couple of weeks it's a little sore and you might not want to try certain positions.

I am not a doctor so I'm not going to judge if you have testicular cancer or not. If you find a lump, girls and boys, let the doctors be the judge and the sooner the better.

Excellent post and advice, Bshed. Welcome to Lit!

 

[MsSaucy]

Testicular cancer isn´t funny. If you tell the receptionist that you have a painful growth on "the boys", he or she will set up an appointment. Best case scenario: It´s just an ingrown hair. Worst case scenario: You´re receiving massive doses of chemo to prevent the cancer fromspreading.

Just to add a bit of info....a lump that is testicular cancer is generally not painful. Not to say that's the case all the time, but men shouldn't think they have to have pain for it to be cancer.

Also, you should see a doctor if you're concerned. Only he/she can give you the definitive answer you're looking for.

 

[TBKahuna123]

I'm hoping that by now Lovernotkiller has seen a doctor already, but having just been through this myself i thought I'd throw a thought or two out there. My doctor told me the biggest thing in determining how serious it is, is whether or not the lump is attached to the testicle itself. If it is attached, there is a high percentage chance it is cancerous. If it is not and you can seperate it with your fingers from the testicle, or if it is on the tube, it is probably just a cyst and not cancerous.

In my case, I had a spermatocele, like Gnome described above. My issue was a little different though, in that it was in the outer layer around the testicle, so the doctor could not be 100% sure if it was attached or not. Ultra-sound however showed it to be a liquid mass, thus not anything that could be cancerous. It took about 6 weeks, but it cleared up. Another note is that it was painful. Not terribly so, but uncomfortable. According to my doctor that was actually a good sign, because everytime he has diagnosed testicular cancer, there was no pain involved.

Of course none of these are certainties and there is always that tension (ok fear) associated with any mass or lump. Anytime you find something like this, don't screw around, go to the docotr as soon as possible. The piece of mind alone is worth any embarassment. I have to say though, this is one of the only times I've seen my doctor totally serious about something. He was all business this time. I guess this might have hit a little close to home, if you know what I mean.

 

[EroticInNJ]

Like the poster above me, I hope by now you've seen a doctor. I can somewhat relate to your problem. I had a lump on my testicle and proceeded to have it checked out. After an ultrasound and a second opinion, it was discovered that I had a cyst on my testicle. Thankfully, it was non-cancerous. However, at times I experience a slight discomfort. I hope it turns/turned out to be something that isn't serious for you.

 

[lltking]

I'm quite sure the women in your doctor's office have seen more than their share of testicles in that place. The real issue is I hope you looked beyond that and went in to your doctor and let him examine your testicle's, so he can treat what ever it is you have growing there. It's not wise to mess around with your health.