No AccessJournal of UrologyTestis1 Sep 2000TESTICULAR HEALTH AWARENESS IN PUBERTAL MALES Phillip Nasrallah, Giju Nair, Joseph Congeni, Cynthia L. Bennett, and Daniel McMahon Phillip NasrallahPhillip Nasrallah More articles by this author , Giju NairGiju Nair More articles by this author , Joseph CongeniJoseph Congeni More articles by this author , Cynthia L. BennettCynthia L. Bennett More articles by this author , and Daniel McMahonDaniel McMahon More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5347(05)67265-5AboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract Purpose: We examined the knowledge and understanding of male teenagers of the necessity for genital examination, and signs and symptoms of serious testicular pathology. Furthermore, current national guidelines for health education were reviewed to understand better the curriculum used by the educational system and to assess its effectiveness. Materials and Methods: In 1998, a 5-question survey was administered privately and confidentially to male athletes before a sports physical examination. The athletes were 12 to 18 years old, attended middle or high school, and were sampled randomly. The National Health Education Standards benchmark for grades 9 through 11 was examined with specific attention to male self-health education standards. Results: A total of 318 athletes responded revealing that 54% did not know why the genitals were examined on a sports physical examination, 45% did not use appropriate testicular protection and the majority did not respond appropriately to symptoms of serious testicular pathology. Despite the fact that 46% of respondents answered that checking for a hernia is reason for a genital examination there was no mention of tumor, infection or varicocele. Review of the benchmarks revealed no standards referring to a minimum understanding of anatomy or physiology. Generalized guidelines for high risk behaviors were provided without specific mention of testicular torsion, cancer, varicocele or sexually transmitted diseases. Conclusions: Young males are at higher risk for testicular torsion, cancer and varicocele than other age groups, and yet our population was universally unaware of these as a reason for genital examination. Furthermore, the majority did not respond appropriately to questions regarding serious testicular pathology. Review of national guidelines reveals poorly defined, nonspecific provisions for male self-health care. Therefore, we have developed a curriculum for male self-health to address this problem. References 1 : Knowledge of testicular cancer risk and need for self-examination in college students: a call for equal time for men in teaching of early cancer detection techniques. Pediatrics1984; 74: 1093. Google Scholar 2 : Increase in testicular cancer incidence in six European countries: a birth cohort phenomenon. J Natl Cancer Inst1996; 88: 727. Crossref, Medline, Google Scholar 3 : Increased incidence of testicular cancer in active duty members of the Department of Defense. Urology1999; 53: 806. Google Scholar 4 : Experiences with a clinic for young men. Adolesc Med1996; 7: 27. Google Scholar 5 : Utilization of physician offices by adolescents in the United States. Pediatrics1999; 104: 35. Google Scholar 6 : http://www.cancer.org/cshe/cshestud.html;http://www.akron.ohio.gov/dept/050/hensII.htm. Accessed April 19, 2000. Google Scholar From the Divisions of Urology and Sports Medicine, Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Department of Urology, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Akron, Ohio© 2000 by American Urological Association, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited byBayne A, Madden-Fuentes R, Jones E, Cisek L, Gonzales E, Reavis K, Roth D and Hsieh M (2010) Factors Associated With Delayed Treatment of Acute Testicular Torsion—Do Demographics or Interhospital Transfer Matter?Journal of Urology, VOL. 184, NO. 4S, (1743-1747), Online publication date: 1-Oct-2010. Volume 164Issue 3 Part 2September 2000Page: 1115-1117 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2000 by American Urological Association, Inc.KeywordsadolescencetestishealthMetricsAuthor Information Phillip Nasrallah More articles by this author Giju Nair More articles by this author Joseph Congeni More articles by this author Cynthia L. Bennett More articles by this author Daniel McMahon More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...