How to Perform a Testicular Exam
Regular check-ups of your testicles are necessary so that you can learn what is normal and abnormal for you. If you check your testicles regularly, in time you will learn what’s normal for your test and be able to tell when something is out of the norm and can treat concerns early.
If you want to do a testicular self-exam to ensure that your testes are normal, the best time to do so is following a bath or shower, when the skin of the scrotum is more relaxed.
Here’s the best way to perform a testicular exam:
- Move your penis out of the way and check one testicle at a time.
- Place the testicle between your thumbs and fingers of both of your hands. Roll it gently between your fingers.
- Look and make sure you feel around for any hard lumps, bumps or a change in size, consistency and shape of your testicles.
When performing a testicular exam, do not be concerned if you feel a small, coiled tube (epididymis) which can also feel like a small bump. The epididymis is usually located on the upper or middle outside side of the testicle. Also, if your testicles are healthy, they will have blood vessels, supporting tissues, along with the tube which carries the sperm through your penis. Don’t confuse these things with abnormal lumps. But, if you are still in doubt, contact your physician who can perform an exam on you.