After describing the pain to my doctor, and him explaining what might cause such pain, there was  a pregnant pause before he said 

Well, I'm going to have to have a look.

I knew that would be the case, but it didn't worry me for a bit. Since becoming a foster parent, and my wife falling pregnant for the first time, I have become far more interested in my own health. Having a man manipulate my testicles was the cost of being a Dad.

He found a small lump and sent me for an ultrasound where this time a lady put gel all over 'my boys' before manipulating them. The cost of being a Dad was getting easier.

It turned out to a simple little infection that was treated with a short course of antibiotics.

But I was a proud of myself for having the courage to se my doctor and talk about something that could have been quite embarassing. My doctor told me that most men wait until their symptoms are out of control before seeing a doctor. There seems to a an unspoken shame about going to the doctor. 

Don't be shy Dads. The best thing you can do for your family is to be there for them for a long time. We need to stay healthy and regular checkups don't need to be scary.

Some Dads are worried that the doctor will tell them they are overweight, or have high blood pressure, or early signs of diabetes, yadda yadda yadda. That is because you are overweight, have high blood pressure and may develop diabetes.

Man up Dad.