*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or view any of our Previous A to Z Features.

You should also know that OutUK has produced a special report about: Coronavirus Covid-19.

This Week - T : Testicle Swellings

Lumps and swellings in the testicles (balls) are not usually caused by anything serious, but you should always get them checked by a GP.

See a GP if you have:

Lumps in the testicles can be a sign of testicular cancer. This is easier to treat if it's found early.

sudden, severe pain in a testicle
testicle pain along with feeling sick, being sick or pain in your tummy
testicle pain that has lasted more than an hour or continues when you're resting

These can be signs of a serious problem that needs to be treated in hospital as soon as possible.

To find out what the cause of the lump or swelling in your testicle is, the GP may:

look at and feel your testicles
shine a torch through the bag of skin containing your testicles (scrotum) to check for a build-up of fluid
refer you for an ultrasound scan

Treatment for a lump or swelling depends on the cause. You might not need treatment if it does not cause any problems and is not getting worse.

If the lump or swelling is painful or very big, the GP may refer you to a specialist for an operation to drain, shrink or remove it.

Lumps and swellings in the testicles can have lots of different causes.

Most are caused by something less serious, such as a build-up of fluid (cyst) or swollen veins in the testicles (varicocele).

But sometimes they can be a sign of something serious, such as testicular cancer.

Do not try to self-diagnose the cause of your lump - always see a GP.

We'll have more information and advice next week on another topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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