By sarah carter

Performing a testicular self-examination is an important step in cancer prevention and treatment for men. By performing an examination of the testicles, a man can become familiar with how his individual testicles feel and detect changes that might indicate cancer early. This is the male equivalent to a monthly breast self-exam for women.

Self-Examination Tips:

  • Self-examinations should be performed at least once per month.
  • The exam can be done during or directly after a warm to slightly hot shower. Just remember that while this helps relax the skin of the scrotum, the heat can also discolor the skin, so the visual exam might not be as accurate.
  • Examine one testicle at time.
  • Remember that in most men one testicle is larger than the other, so if you find this during your self-exam do not worry.

To begin the self-examination, take one of your testicles in your hand, with your fingers under the testicles and your thumb on the top.

Gently roll the testicle you are examining first between your thumb and first two fingers. Give a general exam to the testicle and surrounding skin, checking for any noticeable lumps or swelling. As you perform more exams you will feel more confident in what is normal and what is not. You should feel a soft tube that is slightly tender to pressure which is located along the top of the back (thumb side) of your testicle. This is the part of your anatomy that carries sperm from your testicles during ejaculation. This is a normal lump.

After doing a general examination, take the time to feel the testicle for anything of note. This includes lumps, swelling, unusual pain from your touch or anything that has noticeably changed the feel of your testicle since your last examination.

Also, take the time to visually inspect your scrotum. Note any unusual color, visible swelling, texture changes or any differences in how the testicles hang in the skin.

Self-examination is important because it allows you to detect any changes to your testicles and get to your doctor. While not every change to your testicle is cancer, if it is you will be glad your self-examination helped you find it early.