Should I be concerned?

[Blade]

I just turned 20 recently and there's something that has had me wondering for like 4.5 years now. See, I can remember back when I was in 10th grade being all freaked out because my left testicle was considerably smaller than the right...kinda like o0. It also felt way different than my right testicle. My right testicle being hard and firm, while my left felt soft.

I remember posting somewhere and was told that I was still young (15 at the same) and still growing. I left it at that.

So like I said, I'm now 20 and I still have this. Although I think they may have evened at a little bit, my right testicle is bigger and just feels more firm than my left. I mean there IS a testicle there but it just doesn't feel as bulky as my right. Is this normal? Does this just happen to some guys? I think I'm still going through puberty considering I can't even grow a goatee or sideburns at all. Just patches on my cheeks, neck, and some "dirt" on my upper lip. I'm otherwise hairy everywhere else.

Also, above my left testicle feels really veiny and "squishy" and there's a little bump the size of a BB behind the same testicle (near the bottom). I'm guessing this is part of the epididymis...stretching from the top of the testicle behind it towards the bottom? I can't remember if I noticed this back in 10th grade...but I know for sure that it's been at least 2 and a half years since I noticed this. No pain whatsoever regardless if I touch it or don't touch it.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated it.

[Scott]

It's probably just the way you're made, but I'd ask your doctor about it to be sure.

[Blade]

Should I like be worried though? I figured it's been like this for at least 2.5 years when I noticed it and hasn't affected by at all.

If there's no pain at all, what are other signs that's cancer? It's not like you feel fine and don't know if you have a lump in your testicle and die in your sleep, is it? Sorry if my ignorance on the matter is abundant.

[Scott]

I suspect what you're feeling is all normal, but I never dare say, "Don't worry, you're fine," since I'd hate to be wrong. If you're concerned about it, you should definitely ask your doctor.

[Blade]

Ok, thanks Scott. Is the epididymis above each testicle? Because I can feel something similar above my right as well...although larger and harder.

I forgot to mention that, thankfully, this is only when I get out of the shower, any other time my testicles look and feel exactly the same size and shape. I was a bit worried that girls might think it's weird and gross.

Scott, is it possible that I'm just still growing and my left testicle will kinda "fill" in when it's in its relaxed state(like in the shower)? If I'm healthy and it's all normal, I guess I shouldn't complain.

About the doctor, could I like perhaps wait a couple of months and go in the spring? Perhaps April/May? Or is it something that should be checked asap?

[Blade]

Scott?

[Scott]

Sorry, Blade, I didn't realize I'd left your question unanswered. Yes, you should be able to find the epididymis on each testicle. Check this diagram and this diagram for some samples.

I'm afraid you'll have to judge for yourself whether your situation calls for a doctor's visit. Even though I think you'll find everything is OK, I have to be cautious and tell you to go if anything concerns you.

[Blade]

Sorry, Blade, I didn't realize I'd left your question unanswered. Yes, you should be able to find the epididymis on each testicle. Check this diagram and this diagram for some samples.

I'm afraid you'll have to judge for yourself whether your situation calls for a doctor's visit. Even though I think you'll find everything is OK, I have to be cautious and tell you to go if anything concerns you.

That's ok, Scott.

That diagram eased me quite a bit because of the epididymis wrapping around the back of the testicle and towards the bottom/front(where I found this little bump like a BB).

Regardless, I will go to the doctor though just to make sure. It will be a bit awkward telling my parents about it, but it's to be done. I was just wondering if it's something that could wait a couple of months...like in April or May? I figure I've found this little bump 2.5 years ago and I feel fine with no pain down there...what's 4 or 5 months?

One more question if you don't mind, even if there's no testicular cancer, the thing that *really* bothers me if that I might not be able to have a baby because of my testicles. Just in your opinion, do you think that will be a problem hearing my description? Like I'm afraid that because my left testicle is soft and smaller while my right is hard and firm that I won't have enough sperm cells or I'm completely sterile.

[Scott]

You'll have to make the call when to get checked. While I expect you'll be just fine, if you get checked now, you can stop worrying right away.

If you're really worried about sperm production, you can talk to your doctor about semen analysis, too. I bet you'll find everything is working fine.