Testicular Self-Exam

What is a testicular self-exam?

A testicular self-exam (TSE) is a step-by-step method to check the appearance and feel of your testicles (testes). It’s important to be familiar with your testicles — and your body in general — so you can more easily notice changes or potential problems, including testicular cancer. A healthcare provider may also conduct a testicular exam during a physical examination.

Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider right away if you notice a lump on your testicles or any other changes or abnormalities in your scrotum (the sac of skin and muscle between your penis and anus, or butthole, that holds your testicles) during a testicular self-exam.

When should I start doing a testicular self-exam?

Healthcare providers recommend regularly checking your testicles starting at 15. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer that affects people assigned male at birth (AMAB) between ages 15 and 35. But early diagnosis and treatment increases your chance of recovery.

How often should I do a testicular self-exam?

Conducting a TSE at least once a month is good practice. A healthcare provider should examine your testicles at least once a year.

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.

What happens if I get an erection during a testicular exam?

Some people get an involuntary erection when a healthcare provider performs a testicular exam. You may feel embarrassed, but it’s a common, natural physical response to the exam that you may not be able to control. Providers see it a lot. They may ask if you’d like to finish the exam or if you’d like them to leave the room for a few minutes and continue when they return.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

A monthly testicular self-exam is a great way to familiarize yourself with your body, maintain your health and detect early symptoms of conditions that affect your testicles. The best time to conduct a TSE is while you’re in the shower or bath or immediately after. You should also have a healthcare provider perform a testicular exam during an annual checkup.

Each time you examine your testicles, you become more familiar with them. You’ll learn what’s normal for you, making you more aware of any changes. Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider to review any changes or developments.