How to Examine Testicles

One of the most common cancers in men under the age of 35 is testicular cancer, which is why many doctors recommend that males between the ages of 15 and 40 examine their testicles regularly about once a month. The exam is simple and potentially life-saving, especially if you are at high risk for developing this type of cancer. Having an undescended testicle or a family history of testicular cancer are primary risk factors. Early detection of testicular cancer often leads to positive outcomes, making those few minutes spent doing self exams time well spent.

Instructions

Testicular Self Examination

• 1

  Prepare yourself by removing your clothing, including underwear, so that you have unrestricted access to your scrotum. A convenient time to perform your self exam is after a bath or shower, because you are already nude and the skin of your scrotum will be relaxed, making the testicles easier to palpate.

• 2

  Place your right foot on the tub edge, toilet seat or any elevated, stable surface; let your right leg open to the side, providing full access to your scrotum from the right side.

• 3

  Locate your right testicle by manipulating your scrotum with your fingers. Roll it between your thumb and fingers, taking care to note any lumps attached to the surface of the testicle. As you become more familiar with this procedure and your own body, you should also be able to note if the testicle is swollen or changed in consistency or shape. Such changes can indicate a problem.

• 4

  Repeat the procedure on the left side. Resting your left foot on an elevated surface, locate and examine the left testicle, until you have felt the entire surfaces of both testicles. Healthy testicles are firm, with smooth surfaces.