How to do a testicular cancer self-exam: 3 things to look for

May 7, 2025

Testicular exams can be an uncomfortable topic. To many, they can feel invasive or embarrassing. But did you know that you can do a self-exam and it’ll only take you a few minutes?

If you are 15 years of age or older, testicular self-exams are a routine check you should be doing, even if you don’t have any symptoms of शुक्र ग्रंथि का कैंसर.

Pro tip: The shower is a great place to perform a testicular exam. The warm water from a shower will relax the scrotum, which makes an exam easier, plus your clothes are already off!

Here are the three things you’ll want to check for during a self-exam to help stay ahead of testicular cancer:

1. Check for swelling

To get started, move your penis to the side and visually examine your testicles, one at a time, for any swelling.

2. Check for lumps

One testicle at a time, gently roll the scrotum using your index and middle fingers so that you feel the surface of the testicle. Feel for any noticeable lumps or bumps.

Be aware that it is not uncommon for one of your testicles to be bigger than the other—but a substantial or new size difference would be a reason to talk with your health care provider. You should also keep in mind that it’s easy to mistake the epididymis for an unusual mass. The epididymis is a set of coiled tubes that store and mature sperm and line the back and top of each testicle. It will feel softer and bumpier than the testicle it’s attached to.

3. Check for changes

Make note of any changes in size, shape, weight or consistency of the testicle over time. You’ll want to perform a testicular self-exam about once a month.

Next steps

Make an appointment with your health care provider if you find a lump or notice a change during a testicular self-exam. Several noncancerous conditions can cause changes in your testicles, such as fluid buildup, cyst, injury or infection, but you’ll definitely want to talk to your health care provider to determine the cause.

Your provider may choose to do an additional testicular exam followed by other tests to determine a diagnosis.

Most men aren’t too eager to discuss testicles with another person but remember—your health care provider has seen and done this before. That brief conversation could lead to catching cancer early and Early Detection = Better Outcomes.