Testicular Self-Exam

Men (ages 15-40) who perform monthly testicular self examinations are more likely to detect lumps after become familiar with what their testicles normally feel like. Many testicular lumps are cancerous and require immediate medical attention. Many testicular cancers are discovered as painless lumps or enlarged testicles during a self examination. It is best to perform the examination after a warm bath or shower because the scrotal muscles will be relaxed. Keep in mind that the point of a monthly exam is to familiarize yourself with what your testicles normally feel like so you can detect any changes, not to look for something wrong. Any changes should be reported to your doctor immediately.

1. First, use a mirror to check for any swelling on the scrotal skin.
2. Place your right leg on a surface at about chair height. Hold the penis out of the way and gently feel your scrotal sac until you isolate your right testicle.
3. Gently roll your testicle between your thumb and forefingers of both hands with firm pressure to look for lumps on the surface.
4. Feel the entire surface of the right testicle, try to feel the epididymis (so you know not to confuse it with an abnormality) and then switch legs and do the same for the left testicle.

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