Testicular Self-examination

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Checking your testicles (TES-ti-kls) for lumps and other changes is called a testicular (tes-TIK-u-lar) self-examination (TSE). The testicles are egg-shaped glands inside the scrotum (bag of skin hanging behind your penis). Doing regular TSE can help you learn how your testicles normally look and feel. Then if you have lumps or changes, you may find them and tell your caregiver right away. The chances for curing testicular cancer are good if it is found early.
  
  
• Learning how to check your testicles can save your life. Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in men 15 to 35 years old. It can also happen to men of any other age. Talk to your caregiver and decide when and how often you should do TSE. Ask your caregiver to teach you how to do a TSE if you are not sure that you are doing it correctly.

INSTRUCTIONS:

How should I do a TSE?

You may start checking your testicles regularly after you have gone through puberty. Puberty is the change that a boy goes through to become a man. An easy way to remember to do TSE is to do the exam on the same day of each month.

• The best time to do a TSE is after a warm shower or bath. This is the time when your scrotum is most relaxed.
  
  
• Look: Stand in front of a mirror and look at your scrotum. Look for changes in its shape, size, and color. It may be normal for one side of your scrotum to be larger or to hang lower than the other.
  
  
• Feel: Examine one testicle at a time. Put the thumbs of both hands in front of the testicle. Put the second (pointer) fingers behind the testicle. Gently roll each testicle between the thumbs and fingers of both hands. Feel for any lumps or changes in the testicle. Feel all parts of the scrotum and testicle.
  
  
• Using your fingers, try to find the epididymis (ep-i-DID-i-mis). This is a long, cord-like tube on top and in back of each testicle. The epididymis holds and carries sperm from the testicle to the end of the penis. It is important that you know what the epididymis feels like. This way you will know what is normal and what is not.
  
  
• Whenever you see your caregiver: Make sure your caregiver checks your testicles when you have regular physical exams.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have aching or discomfort in your lower abdomen (belly) or groin (area between your thighs).
  
  
• You find any lumps or changes in your testicles.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Testicular Self-examination (Aftercare Instructions)