Testicular Self-Exam

How do you perform a testicular exam?

It’s easier to perform a testicular exam while standing. When you’re ready, you should:

• Lift your penis out of the way and visually inspect your scrotum.
• Gently grip the top of your scrotum and locate one testicle.
• Use your fingers to examine the spermatic cord. The spermatic cord connects to the top of your testicle and supplies blood. It may feel like a piece of rope.
• Gently roll your testicle between your fingers. Be sure to examine each side from top to bottom.
• Examine your epididymis at the top-back of your testicle. The epididymis is a soft, squishy tube that carries sperm. It may feel tender or sensitive when you touch it.
• Repeat these steps with your other testicle. It’s uncommon to have testicular cancer in both testicles at the same time. If you’re unsure whether a testicle feels abnormal, you can compare it to the other.

Is it normal for one testicle to be bigger than the other?

It’s normal for one of your testicles to be slightly bigger than the other.

Should I shave before a testicular exam?

No, you don’t need to shave your scrotum or do any other preparation before a healthcare provider performs a testicular exam. But you may want to wear comfortable clothes that you can easily pull down or remove, such as athletic pants or shorts. For your own comfort, you may also want to pee before a testicular exam.

It’s a good idea to perform a TSE while you’re in the shower or bath or immediately after. Your testicles must be at a certain temperature to make sperm (male reproductive cells). The warm water from a shower or bath will cause your scrotum to loosen up and stay at the proper temperature.

How long does a testicular exam take?

A testicular exam — whether you perform it yourself or a healthcare provider performs it at a medical facility — only takes a few minutes. You can easily incorporate a TSE into your shower routine at least once a month.

What should I expect after a testicular exam?

If a healthcare provider finds a lump during a testicular exam, they may:

• Shine a light through the back of your testicle (transillumination). Transillumination helps the provider see the location of the lump and its size. It also helps them determine whether a lump is a cyst (a benign or harmless sac of fluid) or a mass that requires additional testing. The light shines through a cyst while a mass blocks light.
• Examine the lymph nodes in your groin and inner thigh. Cancer may spread from your testicles to your lymph nodes and cause swelling and pain in the area.

What are the risks of a testicular exam?

A TSE is safe and beneficial in helping you familiarize yourself with how your testicles look and feel. But it shouldn’t replace a testicular exam by a provider. It’s a good idea to have a provider check your testicles at least once a year during a routine physical exam.

Does a testicular exam hurt?

You shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort during a TSE unless your testicle is swollen or tender.

What are the next steps after a testicular exam?

Make an appointment with a healthcare provider if you notice a lump on your testicle during a TSE. They’ll conduct a physical exam, order tests and recommend treatment, if necessary, according to the type of lump you have on your testicle.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider to examine any unexplained lumps, scrotal masses or other changes you discover during a TSE. Go to the nearest emergency room (ER) if the lump causes discomfort or pain or becomes infected.