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Testicles Examination

Q. I am 24 years old and was brought up by very strict parents who were very religious. Masturbation was a real taboo for them. My boarding school was also very strict and this has left me with a phobia about touching my penis and testicles. I have been reading about self-examination of testicles, which sounds like sensible advice, but for me it would be almost impossible. Is there anyother way of checking?
Concerned Reader, Moshi.

A. First things first, you need to sort out the mental block imposed by your parents and school. You need to talk to your doctor and you will definitely need psychosexual counselling. Secondly, yes, it is possible to check the testicles for cancer without you touching them. Your sexual partner can check or your doctor can check for you. Check your testes monthly in the following manner. Do it when lying in a warm bath or while having a long shower, as this makes the skin of the scrotum softer and makes it easier to feel the testes inside. Cradle the scrotum in the palm of your hand. Feel the difference between testes. You will almost definitely feel that one is larger and lying lower. This is completely normal. Examine each one in turn, and then compare them with each other. Use both hands and gently roll each testicle between thumb and forefinger. Check for any lumps or swelling as they should both be smooth. Remember that the duct carrying sperms to the penis, the epididymis, normally feels bumpy. It lies along the top and back of the testes. If you feel anything out of the ordinary, let your doctor check them for you. Remember cancer is often painless, so do not delay.

Verrucas

Q. I am a 21 year old woman and a few years ago I was treated for verrucas in my vagina. They were very difficult to get rid of and I was very happy when the treatment was over. I recently read that vaginal warts cannot actually be cured and now I do not know if I am completely healthy or not. If they cannot be cured I will be unable to let my boyfriend give me oral sex, which we both love and I do not want him to get a disease or cold sores. I am very confused and worried; does it mean that I can never have sex without condom and I am permanently infectious?
Concerned Reader, DMS.

A. Verrucas are exactly the same as warts on your hands/feet except they grow inward from the pressure as you walk. Warts are basically the same wherever you find them and are caused by the papilloma virus. Vaginal or for that matter penis warts are just variations on the theme and are not related to cold sores. Herpes 1 is the virus which causes those irritating sores around the mouth. Herpes 2 causes the genital variety. Before AIDS hit the scene, Herpes 2 caught the imagination of the press. In truth we are talking about a completely different thing. Death from Herpes infection is rare, unlike HIV.
Genital warts are contagious and most men will ignore them for years before seeing their doctors. This is a shame as there may be a connection between vaginal warts and cervical cancer. You have been most responsible and obviously love your boyfriend. Relax, there is no need to give up oral sex, while the papilloma virus may remain dormant for years, removal of the warts themselves reduces the risk of infection to almost zero.

Bloody Sperm

Q. I am 19 years and my normal active sex life ceased six months ago when I was diagnosed with blood in my sperm. Previously, I had occasionally ejaculated blood and sperm but assumed that it was due to my partner’s tight vagina and squeezing my penis during intercourse. The hospital tests have shown nothing and no reason was given to me. Can you please help?
Concerned Reader, Lindi.

A. Blood in your sperm is called haemospermia and is fairly rare. It should always be investigated as it can be caused by problems with prostate, bladder or testes. It can also be brought on by trauma. A good kick in the genital region is a classical cause. Bicycles with crossbars will also introduce you to the condition if your feet slip out of the pedals while you are going up a steep hill. So long as nothing has been found, you should still be able to enjoy sex. Condoms are essential for safer sex anyway so simply wear one when making love even during oral sex. Blood coming in contact with your testes can lead to infertility so you need to know where it is coming from.