Testicular self-exam

Who should do testicular exams?

Most doctors agree that checking a man's testicles should be part of a general physical exam. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends a testicular exam by a doctor as part of a routine cancer-related check-up.

The ACS advises men to be aware of testicular cancer and to see a doctor right away if a lump is found. Regular testicular self-exams have not been studied enough to show if they reduce the death rate from this cancer. This is why the ACS does not make recommendations about regular testicular self-exams for all men. Still, some doctors recommend that all men do monthly testicular self-exams after puberty.

Men with risk factors, such as an undescended testicle, previous testicular cancer, or a family member who has had this cancer should seriously think about monthly self-exams. If you have risks, talk it over with a doctor. Each man has to decide for himself whether to examine his testicles each month. Here are instructions on how to do it if you decide it's right for you.

How to do testicular self-exam

The best time to do the self-exam is during or after a bath or shower, when the skin of the scrotum is relaxed. To do a testicular self-exam:

• Hold your penis out of the way and check one testicle at a time.
• Hold the testicle between your thumbs and fingers of both hands and roll it gently between your fingers.
• Look and feel for any hard lumps or smooth rounded bumps or any change in the size, shape, or consistency of the testes.

You should know that each normal testis has an epididymis, which feels like a small "bump" on the upper or middle outer side of the testis. Normal testicles also contain blood vessels, supporting tissues, and tubes that conduct sperm. Other non-cancerous problems, such as hydroceles and varicoceles (described in the section, “Other causes of testicular or scrotal symptoms”), can sometimes cause swellings or lumps around a testicle. It's easy to confuse these with cancer. If you have any doubts, see a doctor.

If you choose to check your testicles, you will learn what is normal for you and be able to tell when something is different. Always report any changes to a doctor right away.