How often do you do a testicular self-exam? Monthly? Every once in a while? When you remember?
Experts recommend that males do testicular self-exams once a month, starting at puberty.
Why?
The Testicular Cancer Society reports that about 10,000 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year. Often, the early symptoms of testicular cancer are found when a man does a routine testicular self-exam.
Other conditions, such as infections, cysts, and hydroceles (swelling caused by excess fluid in the scrotum), can also affect the testicles.
It’s always a good idea to know what is typical for your body. A monthly testicular self-exam helps you determine what is normal for you, making it easier to notice any changes, like lumps or swelling. If you do discover something unusual, your doctor can do a complete physical exam and any tests, if necessary.
Self-exams are easy to do, and they take only a minute. Read on to find out how.
What are the testicles?
The testicles are a pair of small, egg-shaped organs found in the scrotum — the sac that hangs beneath the penis. The medical term for a testicle is testis (the plural form is testes). Common slang terms for the testicles are balls and nuts.
The testicles are essential for a man’s reproductive health. They make male sex hormones, including testosterone, which gives men masculine characteristics like facial hair and a deeper voice. Testosterone also contributes to man’s sex drive.
The testicles also make sperm cells. When a sperm cell fertilizes (combines with) a female egg cell, an embryo is formed.
On the back of each testicle, near the top, is a coiled tube called the epididymis. This is where sperm cells are stored while they mature.
How do I do a testicular self-exam?
It’s best to do a testicular self-exam in the shower or just after, before you get dressed. The warmth helps the scrotal skin relax, making it easier to detect any changes. You might also use a mirror to get better views from different angles.
Next, follow these steps:
- While standing, gently grasp one of your testicles with both hands.
- Roll the testicle between your thumb and fingers.
- Do you sense any bumps or lumps?
- Is there any swelling?
- Do you have any pain or discomfort?
- Is there any change in shape or texture?
- Are there any changes in the skin of the scrotum?
- Now, repeat the process for your other testicle.
Don’t worry if one of your testicles is slightly larger than the other. That’s typical for many men. However, if you’re concerned about a change in size, give your doctor a call.
Also, note that you might feel a cord-like bump toward the back and top of each testicle. This is the epididymis and shouldn’t be a cause for concern.
What should I do if I notice something different?
Don’t panic! Bumps, swelling, and pain do not mean you have testicular cancer.
However, these symptoms should still be checked out. Call your doctor and explain what you have found. They might order tests, like a blood test or an ultrasound, to see if there is an issue that needs treatment.
Now that you know how to do a testicular self-exam, put it on your schedule. For example, you might set an alert on your phone to remind you once a month.
And if you have any questions about the procedure or what to look for, be sure to ask your doctor.
Resources
American Cancer Society
“Key Statistics for Testicular Cancer”
(Last Revised: August 10, 2025)
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/testicular-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
Cleveland Clinic
“Testicles”
(Last reviewed: August 9, 2022)
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23964-testicles
Mayo Clinic
“Testicular Exam”
(November 19, 2024)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/testicular-exam/about/pac-20385252
Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation
“Monthly Testicular Self-Exam”
(Not dated)
https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/self-exam
Testicular Cancer Society
“Risk factors”
(Not dated)
https://testicularcancersociety.org/pages/risk-factors-causes-stats
“Testicular Self-Exam”
(Not dated)
https://testicularcancersociety.org/pages/self-exam-how-to
Urology Care Foundation
“What is Testicular Self-Examination?”
(Updated March 2024)
https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/t/testicular-self-examination