It only takes one sperm to fertilize a woman's egg, but the average ejaculation which clocks in at about one-half to one teaspoon of semen contains anywhere from 40 to million sperm, Dr. Reitano says. If sperm isn't released through ejaculation, it's simply reabsorbed back into the body.
Reitano asks. The answer? Testicular temperature has to be about 5 degrees lower than the rest of the body in order to properly preserve sperm. The scrotum the wrinkly pouch of skin that holds the testicles is about The muscles in the scrotum actually act as temperature control for the testicles by moving them closer to or farther away from the body as the air gets warmer or cooler.
For example, when the testicles get a bit too chilly, the scrotum will contract and pull them closer to the body for warmth. And if they can't take the heat, the scrotum will relax and let the testes hang low. The testicle on the left usually hangs a little lower than the one on the right, and it's no accident. This way, the body can increase or decrease the temperature of one testis without affecting the temperature of the other.
It's also normal for one to be a little bigger than the other. You know, just like boobs. Reitano says the right tends to be larger than the left. Look out for one or more of the following:. If you find a lump or swelling, or have any of the above signs, it's important to get it checked out by a doctor.
Read more about testicular lumps and swellings and testicular cancer. Read the answers to more questions about men's health. The epididymis connects to a larger tube called the vas deferens scrotum — the skin sac that houses the testicles. What to expect when performing testicular self-examination Become familiar with the look, feel and shape of your testicles; this will help you notice any abnormalities. The characteristics of healthy testicles include: Each testicle feels like a smooth, firm egg.
Adult testicles range in size from about 15 mL similar to a bird egg to 35 mL similar to a small chicken egg. One testicle may be slightly larger than the other. Commonly, one testicle hangs lower than the other. There should be no pain or discomfort when the testicles and scrotum are handled gently.
How to perform testicular self-examination Generally, the TSE procedure includes: Make sure your scrotum is warm and relaxed. You may like to perform TSE after showering or bathing.
Check one testicle first, then the other. Gently roll one testicle using the fingers and thumbs of both hands. Feel along the underside of the scrotum to find the epididymis that sits at the back of the testicle. It should feel like a little bunch of tightly curled tubes.
Perform TSE on the other testicle. Symptoms of testicular cancer and testicular self-examination Symptoms of testicular cancer include a testicular lump that is usually painless about one in 10 are painful , a sensation of heaviness in the scrotum, and a persistent ache in the affected testicle.
Take notice of anything unusual, such as: a lump or swelling in or on the testicle itself change in testicular size change in testicular shape change in the consistency or feel of the testicle. Some non-cancerous conditions that may affect the testicles include: cyst — an abnormal but harmless collection of fluid varicocele — varicose veins.
About 10 to 15 per cent of men have varicose veins of the scrotum haematocele — a blood clot caused by trauma or injury to the testicles or scrotum epididymo-orchitis — infection of the epididymis, testicle or both that causes inflammation and pain. This muscle, along with the cremaster muscles, help to expand or tighten the skin of the scrotum as it moves up and down. Many conditions can affect your scrotum and its contents. An inguinal hernia happens when part of your small intestine pokes through an opening in your abdominal wall into your scrotum.
Some inguinal hernias follow the path of the spermatic cord into the scrotum, while others stay outside it. Some inguinal hernias can be dangerous if left untreated. You may need surgery to repair an inguinal hernia and prevent tissue death due to lack of blood flow. A hydrocele happens when excess fluid builds up in the cavities around one of your testicles.
This is sometimes present at birth, but it can also result from an injury or inflammation. Most go away on their own, but more severe cases might require surgical repair. A varicocele is a swollen collection of veins in your scrotum.
When it does, symptoms include:. You can have a varicocele your entire life and never need treatment. A spermatocele , or spermatic cyst, happens when a fluid-filled sac forms in the epididymis. Testicular torsion means that your testicle has rotated in the scrotum. This twisting of the spermatic cord cuts off blood supply, nerve function, and sperm transport to your testicle.
This condition is considered a medical emergency. Testicular torsion occurs more frequently in young children, teens, and young adults. Your doctor can temporarily treat testicular torsion by repositioning the testicle by hand.
However, it frequently reoccurs. Experts recommend surgery to permanently fix the problem, ideally within 12 hours from the start of symptoms. Epididymitis happens when the epididymis becomes infected or inflamed. Orchitis refers to an infected or inflamed testicle. Like epididymitis, orchitis often results from an infection caused by an STI. Other causes can include tuberculosis, viruses like mumps, fungi, and parasites, along with other diseases that lead to inflammation.
Treatment depends on the cause. Ultrasound of the scrotum and testicles can help determine the diagnosis and severity of the condition. Serious infections may require hospitalization or surgery. Testicular cancer happens when cells abnormally multiply within the tissue of your testicles. It commonly starts in the cells that make sperm. According to the American Cancer Society , testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in males between the ages of 15 and Treatment depends on your stage of cancer.
Sometimes, your doctor will surgically remove the testicle. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy may also be part of the treatment plan. Stem cell transplant may also be used.
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