No Shave November 2025: Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself

erininspire
Nov 7
2 min read

It’s No Shave November, which means the razors rest and the whiskers win — all in the name of raising awareness for men’s health. While many associate this month with prostate cancer, this year I want to shift the spotlight a little lower… to testicular health and cancer prevention.

🧬 What Is Testicular Cancer?

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men ages 15–35, but it can happen at any age. The good news? When caught early, it’s one of the most treatable and curable forms of cancer.

⚠️ Who’s at Risk?

While the exact cause isn’t always clear, some factors can increase risk:

A family history of testicular cancer.
A history of an undescended testicle, even if corrected in childhood.
Previous testicular cancer (risk increases in the remaining testicle).
Chronic toxin exposure (pesticides, plastics, heavy metals).
Hormonal imbalances or prolonged oxidative stress.

You can’t change your genetics, but you can lower environmental and lifestyle risks.

🔥 Keep It Cool — Literally

Your testicles like to stay a few degrees cooler than the rest of your body. Excess heat can affect sperm health, hormonal balance, and long-term cellular function.

Try to:

Skip long hot tubs and sauna sessions.
Limit laptop use directly on your lap.
Choose breathable underwear instead of tight-fitting styles.
Take breaks if your job involves sitting or heat exposure for long periods.

And a special note to firefighters and first responders — your work often puts you in high-heat environments for extended periods. Repeated heat and toxin exposure may increase oxidative stress in testicular tissue. Hydration, antioxidant-rich foods (think berries, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables), and regular medical check-ins are simple but powerful ways to protect your reproductive and overall health.

👀 Know Your Normal: The Self-Check Routine

Early detection saves lives. Set a reminder to do this once a month — it takes less than a minute:

Do it after a warm shower, when the scrotal skin is relaxed.
Check each testicle separately, rolling gently between your thumb and fingers.
- It should feel smooth, firm, and oval.
- It’s normal if one hangs a little lower.
What’s not normal: any lump, swelling, heaviness, or sudden change in size or consistency.
If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Schedule a quick exam — most issues are easily ruled out or treated.

💪 Protecting More Than Just Your Health

Caring for your body isn’t vanity — it’s responsibility. Testicular cancer, when found early, has a >95% survival rate, but awareness is everything. So, this November, grow the beard, skip the razor, and take a moment to check in — literally.

Because real men don’t just grow beards… they grow awareness.

Stay healthy, stay proactive, and yes — stay a little hairy this month.

Erin Doepke, APRN