What every man should know about his testicles, according to a urologist

Understanding Testicular Health: A Urologist’s Perspective

What every man should know about – Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urologist and robotic surgeon at Orlando Health, also serves as an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida’s College of Medicine. His clinical experiences often highlight the importance of proactive self-awareness in men’s health. During one routine visit, a man arrived at his clinic accompanied by his girlfriend. Months earlier, he had noticed an unusual mass in his testicle but dismissed it. The girlfriend, however, insisted on seeking medical attention. After a physical examination and an ultrasound, Dr. Brahmbhatt confirmed the presence of a benign cyst. The patient then leaned toward his girlfriend and remarked, “See. I told you so. I’m fine.”

“He should thank her instead,” Dr. Brahmbhatt noted. “This visit could have gone very differently.”

While most testicular lumps are non-cancerous, some may signal serious conditions. The only way to distinguish between the two is through professional evaluation. Delayed care can lead to complications, as a physician might clear up concerns in minutes or identify life-threatening issues. Dr. Brahmbhatt shared a personal anecdote from his medical school days, when he first performed a self-exam. He discovered an abnormality, panicked, and scheduled an appointment. The result? A benign cyst, likely present his entire life but unnoticed until he compared it to his “normal” baseline.

Regular self-exams are a simple yet effective practice for men to monitor their reproductive health. Though there are no strict guidelines for frequency, checking during showering or routine moments helps establish familiarity with one’s anatomy. This habit makes it easier to detect changes, such as new lumps or texture shifts, which could indicate underlying issues. The entire exam takes less than two minutes, yet its impact can be profound. “Knowing your baseline is key,” Dr. Brahmbhatt emphasized. “It’s like knowing the terrain before a hike—it lets you spot deviations quickly.”

Testicles serve two critical roles in male physiology. First, they produce sperm, which requires about three months to mature before entering the ejaculate. Second, they generate testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. Leydig cells, specialized structures within the testes, are responsible for most testosterone production. This hormone influences muscle mass, bone density, libido, mood, and energy levels—factors essential for overall male function. Despite the importance of testosterone, many men overlook its impact until symptoms arise.

The Anatomy of Testicular Function

During fetal development, testicles originate in the abdomen near the kidneys. In the final months of pregnancy, they descend through the inguinal canal into the scrotum, where they remain for life. This process explains why testicles hang outside the body and why pain can radiate to the abdomen. The scrotum acts as a temperature-regulating chamber, adjusting its position to maintain optimal conditions for sperm production. When it’s cold, the scrotum contracts to bring testicles closer to the body, while warmth prompts them to descend. This dynamic is why their appearance differs between a cold pool and a hot shower.

Each testicle is oval-shaped, smooth, and firm, roughly the size of a small egg. Inside, the seminiferous tubules—tiny, tightly packed structures—generate sperm. At the back of each testicle lies the epididymis, a soft, wormlike organ where sperm matures before traveling through the vas deferens. This tube, which connects the scrotum to the lower pelvis, is also the target of a vasectomy. The vas deferens is part of the spermatic cord, a bundle of arteries, veins, nerves, and lymphatics that supply the testicle with essential nutrients and support.

Men can function with a single testicle, though having two offers advantages. The left testicle is typically slightly lower than the right, a natural variation that may affect balance. Despite this, one testicle can sustain fertility and hormone production. Dr. Brahmbhatt’s own experience underscores the value of self-examination: “I didn’t realize what my normal felt like until I compared it to the cyst.” This revelation highlights the importance of early detection in preventing missed diagnoses.

While the Super Bowl ad’s humor masked its serious message, it targeted a common fear among men: the unknown. By addressing testicular health, the ad encouraged proactive behavior, a theme Dr. Brahmbhatt frequently emphasizes. He noted that many men avoid discussing their reproductive systems, yet early detection can save lives. For instance, a benign cyst is a minor concern, but an undetected tumor could lead to more severe outcomes.

The spermatic cord also plays a role in testicle movement, with surrounding muscles helping to adjust position. This flexibility is vital for maintaining optimal temperature and protecting the organ. During a vasectomy, the spermatic cord is severed, blocking sperm from reaching the ejaculatory ducts. The procedure is quick, but the anatomy behind it is intricate. Understanding these structures can demystify common procedures and empower men to make informed decisions.

Dr. Brahmbhatt’s advice extends beyond self-exams to include awareness of the scrotum’s role. By recognizing how temperature affects sperm production, men can appreciate the scrotum’s function as a protective environment. Additionally, understanding the epididymis and spermatic cord helps contextualize conditions like testicular torsion or varicocele, which can impact fertility. Regular check-ups, combined with self-awareness, create a comprehensive approach to maintaining health.

Ultimately, testicular health is a cornerstone of overall well-being. From hormone regulation to sperm production, the testicles are integral to male function. Dr. Brahmbhatt’s experiences illustrate the value of early detection and the importance of addressing concerns promptly. Whether it’s a benign cyst or a more serious condition, the message remains clear: familiarity with one’s body can lead to timely interventions and better outcomes. By adopting simple habits like periodic self-exams, men take a proactive step toward preserving their health and vitality.