Looking After My Balls: Books Beyond Words tell stories in pictures to help people with intellectual disabilities explore and understand their own experiences

By Sheila Hollins, Justin Wilson and Beth Webb

It is important for every man to check his balls (testicles) regularly and to see his doctor immediately he finds any changes in them.

This book is designed to help men with learning disabilities to learn more about their balls and about how to look after them. Full colour pictures tell the ‘story’.

The book is divided into two sections. The first shows Tom, who finds a lump while checking his balls in the shower. He seeks help straight away and goes to see his doctor. He has a physical examination, plus an ultrasound scan, and some further tests. The lump is not due to cancer.

The second part of the book gives guidance on looking after your balls and what changes to look out for. There is a glossary of medical words and a list of other helpful organisations. The book does not cover treatment for cancer (see Getting on with Cancer, another book in the series).

The book also includes a section called ‘How to Look After My Balls’ that can be photocopied and used as an A5-size leaflet.

Sheila Hollins is Professor of Psychiatry of Learning Disability at St George’s Hospital Medical School, University of London; Justin Wilson, Consultant in Psychiatry of Learning Disability is involved in research at St George’s Hospital Medical School. Beth Webb has pioneered the use of emotional colour and mime in her illustrations for the Books Beyond Words series.

*Commended for the British Medical Association's 2005 Patient Information Award (Printed Materials).*

"One of the excellent Books Beyond Words series. ... Given the well-documented resistance of men to seeking treatment for intimate health problems... this book is both timely and welcome."

Community Care

• Language: English
• Publisher: Books Beyond Words
• Release date: Nov 4, 2013
• ISBN: 9781874439851

Sheila Hollins

Sheila Hollins, editor of the Books Beyond Words series, is Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry of Disability at St. George’s, University of London, and sits in the House of Lords. She is a past President and an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and President of the British Medical Association, 2012–2013.