While your teenage son doesn’t have to deal with period pains or the fear of pregnancy, that is not to say he doesn’t have any sexual health issues with which to cope. Some male teen sexual health issues are perfectly normal variants that affect anyone’s wellness, while others may be abnormal and seriously threaten his wellbeing without medical attention. According to Rima Himelstein, MD, of the Crozer-Keystone Health System, you should ‘talk to your teenage son about doing monthly testicular self-examinations. If your teen finds a lump, bump or mass, or has pain in the scrotal area, ask your teen’s doctor to evaluate it as soon as possible.’ But what problems might your son be facing?
1. Gynecomastia: Himelstein notes, ‘Breast development in a male may occur during puberty. Understandably, this may cause a teenage boy to stress. It can occur on one or both sides and usually goes away in a few years. Although usually normal, gynecomastia may be a symptom of something else so ask your teen’s doctor to check him.’
2. Pearly Penile Papules: These ‘are tiny bumps along the base of the glans penis,’ Himelstein explains. ‘Not only are they normal, but they are also common: 15-20% of male adolescents have them. If your teen doesn’t know that they are normal, my bet is that he will probably be worried about them.’
3. Varicoceles: Himelstein notes varicoceles ‘are like varicose veins in the scrotum. Varicoceles are usually found above the left testicle but can be present on both sides. Found in up to 15% of adolescent boys, a varicocele is usually not of concern but ask your teen’s doctor to confirm.’
4. Hydrocele: ‘A hydrocele is a collection of fluid that surrounds a testicle,’ says Himelstein. ‘Usually, a hydrocele is not painful and does not require any treatment. However, your teen’s doctor should examine him to rule out other causes of scrotal swelling.’
5. Spermatoceles: Himelstein details, ‘Epididymal cysts are small fluid-filled cysts that appear along the epididymis, a part of the reproductive tract that is behind the testicle. A spermatocele feels like a smooth lump that is not attached to the testicle. Spermatoceles do not require treatment unless they are large or cause discomfort.’
6. Inguinal Hernia: ‘An inguinal hernia occurs when a small portion of the bowel bulges through the muscles of the abdominal wall and into the groin,’ Himelstein comments. ‘The bulge may become more obvious when coughing, straining, or lifting heavy objects. An inguinal hernia needs to be fixed with surgery and can be an emergency if the bowel gets trapped.’
7. Testicular Cancer: Himelstein points out, ‘Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in American males between the ages of 15 and 34. Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include: a lump in a testicle which may or may not be tender, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, a dull ache in the abdomen or groin, a sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum and enlargement or tenderness of the breasts.’
8. Testicular Torsion: ‘Testicular torsion is the twisting of the testicle and the spermatic cord,’ Himelstein explains. ‘This cuts off the blood supply to the testicle. The symptoms may be sudden and severe pain in the testicle or lower abdomen and nausea. Torsion is a surgical emergency. If surgery is performed within six hours, the testicle can usually be saved. Torsion is most common between the ages of 12 and 18 years.’
9. Epididymitis: Himelstein outlines, ‘Epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis caused by infection or trauma. A teen may experience the gradual onset of pain in the scrotum, inguinal area or abdomen as well as tenderness of the epididymis. Treatment is usually antibiotics. It is important for your teen’s doctor to make sure that it is not testicular torsion.’
