Checking in: A Simple Guide to Testicular Self-Exams

Fergus Snell
Dec 18, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Jan 2

Taking five minutes once a month to check your testicles is one of the most important things you can do for your reproductive health. Testicular cancer is highly treatable if caught early, but because it is often painless, regular self-checks are the best way to spot changes.

Before you begin, keep two important facts in mind:

Natural Asymmetry: Do not worry if one testicle is slightly larger than the other or hangs lower. This is perfectly normal for most men.
Know the Epididymis: It is very common to mistake the epididymis for an unusual mass. This is a coiled set of tubes located at the back and top of each testicle where sperm mature. It feels softer and bumpier than the smooth testicle itself.

How to Perform a Testicular Self-Exam: Guide to Testicular Self-Exams

The best time to check is during or immediately after a warm bath or shower. The heat relaxes the scrotum and the muscles holding the testicles, making it much easier to feel anything unusual.

The Technique: Work on one testicle at a time. Use both hands to gently roll the testicle between your fingers and thumbs.
What to Look For: You are feeling for the "normal" state of your anatomy so you can identify changes. Evaluate the following:
- Surface: It should feel regular and smooth.
- Shape: Round and egg-like.
- Texture: Firm but slightly soft and bouncy, similar to a hard-boiled egg without the shell.
Identify Discomfort: While you are looking for physical lumps, also be aware of any new dull aches, soreness, or a sudden feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
Switch Sides: Repeat the process for the other testicle.

What Should I Do if I Find a Lump?

If you notice a lump during a testicular self-exams, a change in size, or an area that feels significantly harder than the rest, see your GP as soon as possible.

On average, men wait between four and six months to make an appointment. This delay is unnecessary and can allow a potential issue to progress. While it might feel awkward, doctors perform these exams every day. There is no reason to feel embarrassed. Your GP may perform a physical exam and, if necessary, refer you for a scrotal ultrasound or a blood test to get a clear diagnosis.

How Often Should I Check?

Health authorities like Cancer Research UK recommend performing a self-exam once a month. Regularity is key. By checking once every four weeks, you become intimately aware of your own "normal," making it much easier to notice even small changes.

What Else Could a Testicular Lump Be?

The good news is that most testicular masses are not cancerous. According to the NHS, the vast majority of lumps are benign (non-cancerous). However, even benign conditions can cause discomfort or impact your fertility if left untreated. Common non-cancerous issues include:

Varicocele: An enlargement of the veins within the scrotum, often described as feeling like a "bag of worms." This is a leading cause of low sperm production and decreased sperm quality.
Hydrocele: A painless collection of fluid around the testicle.
Cysts (Spermatoceles): Fluid-filled sacs that often form in the epididymis.
Epididymitis: An infection or inflammation of the sperm ducts, often causing pain and swelling.

The Bottom Line

Most lumps are harmless, but you cannot self-diagnose. If you feel something abnormal, seek a professional opinion immediately. Protecting your health and your future fertility starts with these simple monthly checks.