The doctor wants to do what?? Information on a 'testicular exam' for teen boys

Most of the time going to the doctor is not that big of a deal.  He listens to your heart and lungs, check your ears and throat and gives you some meds and off you go.

Sometimes it can be a more thorough examination where the doctor will draw blood or press on your abdomen to determine if anything is fault.

And then you can get to the more embarrassing examination where the doctor will have to examine your testicles to see if they are developing properly and rule out any signs of 'testicular cancer' or 'hernias'.

 A testicular self‑exam (TSE) is an easy way for guys to check their own testicles to make sure there aren't any unusual lumps or bumps — which can be the first sign of testicular cancer. 

Try to do a TSE every month so you become familiar with the size and shape of your testicles. This makes it easier to tell if something feels different or abnormal down there. 

Have a look here on how to do a 'TSE'

More information on hernias in the scrotum

A 'hernia' forms when small parts of the intestine can be pushed and forced out into the scrotum. (Note that there are different types of hernias and for more information you can read here.)  

If the intestine get trapped in the scrotum, it will cut off the blood flow and the piece of intestine that do not get enough blood can die or cause a lot of problems.

In order for a doctor to determine if you do have a hernia, he will have to examine the testicles and the area around it.  He will have to feel and press on the testicles and will also ask you to cough while he is doing this.

Sometimes, the hernia causes a bulge that the doctor can detect. If this happens, surgery almost always repairs the hernia completely. 

What about testicular cancer

Testicular cancer mostly occur in men between the ages of 20-34, but it is a good thing to get in a habit of self examining you so that if you feel any irregularities, you will be able to pick it up and go and visit your doctor.

If you go to the doctor for an exam, you can expect the following

• the doctor will roll the testicle (one at a time) between his thumb and forefinger to feel for any lumps or bumps (yes this can be embarrassing for you, but remember that the doctor do this for a living)
• it can happen that while the doctor is examining you, you will get an erection - do not say sorry or feel you are the only one that has ever happened to.  This is very normal and once again even if you feel like sinking into the ground, the doctor has seen it plenty of times before.
• the doctor will also teach you how to do a 'self examination' once a month.

This is not going to be something that you enjoy or even want to go through, but it is something that has to be done in order for you to find out early enough if there is a problem.  Any cancer that is caught in the early stages, has a much better chance of being treated and cured.