What Are Testicles And Why Check Them?
Testicles (or testes) are male reproductive organs that typically reach the size of golf balls in adult males. Located within the scrotum—a skin sac that hangs beneath the penis—testicles serve two primary functions:
- Production of testosterone level and other hormones
- Production of sperm
Any abnormality affecting the testes can potentially lead to serious health issues, including fertility problems and testicular cancer. Regular self-checks help men become familiar with the normal size, shape, and feel of their testicles, making it easier to spot changes that might require medical attention.
When To Start Testicular Self Exams
Many men wonder, “What age should you get a testicular exam?” Medical experts recommend that males begin regular self-examinations during puberty, typically around age 15, and continue throughout their lives. This is particularly important since testicular cancer most commonly affects men between 15 and 35 years of age.
How Often Should You Perform A Testicular Self Exam?
The question of “how often should a man check his testicles” has a straightforward answer. Health professionals advise conducting a testicular self exam once a month. This frequency is ideal because it allows you to become familiar with the normal state of your testicles while providing regular opportunities to detect any changes.
Consistency is key—many men find it helpful to choose a specific date each month as a reminder to perform their self-exam.
Step-By-Step Testicular Self Examination
Performing a thorough testicular self examination requires following certain steps to ensure all areas are checked properly. The entire process takes only a few minutes but could be life-saving.
Best Time To Perform The Exam
The ideal time for a testes self examination is after a warm shower or bath when the scrotum is relaxed, making the testicles easier to feel.
The Examination Process
- Stand in front of a mirror if possible, to visually inspect the scrotum for any swelling.
- Hold your penis out of the way to access the scrotum fully.
- Examine one testicle at a time using both hands. Place your index and middle fingers under the testicle with your thumbs on top.
- Gently roll the testicle between your fingers and thumbs, feeling for any lumps, bumps, or changes in texture.
- Locate the epididymis, a soft, tube-like structure at the back of each testicle that stores and carries sperm. It’s important to identify this normal structure so you don’t mistake it for a lump during future examinations.
- Repeat the process with the other testicle.
What’s Normal About Testicular
Understanding what’s normal helps you identify potential problems during self examination of testis.
Normal Findings
- Testicles should feel smooth, firm, and somewhat rubbery
- The left testicle commonly hangs slightly lower than the right
- Minor size differences between testicles are normal
- The epididymis can be felt as a soft, slightly tender cord-like structure behind each testicle
- You may feel blood vessels and tubes that carry sperm
When To See A Doctor
Contact a healthcare provider if you notice:
- A lump on bottom of testicle or anywhere on the testicle
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
- Swelling or heaviness in the scrotum
- A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
- Sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
- Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts
Remember that a lump might be as small as a pea. Any unusual finding warrants prompt medical attention.
Signs And Symptoms Of Testicular Cancer
While most lumps found during a self examination are non-cancerous, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer:
- A painless lump or swelling in either testicle
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- A dull ache in the abdomen or groin
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
- Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts
- Back pain (in some cases)
Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes, which is why regular self-exams are so important.
Epididymitis: Another Reason For Regular Checks
During self-examination, you might discover epididymitis symptoms. Epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis, the coiled tube at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm.
Common epididymitis symptoms include:
- Gradual onset of scrotal pain and swelling
- Tenderness and warmth in the scrotum
- Pain during urination
- Discharge from the penis
- Blood in semen
- Fever (in some cases)
If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention. Epididymitis is typically treated with antibiotics if caused by infection.
Where Is The Epididymis Located?
During testicular self exams, it’s crucial to identify the epididymis correctly. The epididymis is located at the back of each testicle. It feels like a soft, slightly tender, rope-like structure. Many men ask, “Can you feel your epididymis?” The answer is yes—it’s a normal part of the anatomy that you should be able to feel during examination.
Knowing the location and normal feel of your epididymis helps prevent unnecessary concern, as it can sometimes be mistaken for a lump. The epididymis should not be confused with an abnormal growth.
The Importance Of The Illumination Test
The illumination test, also known as transillumination, is a technique sometimes used by medical professionals to help distinguish between various types of scrotal masses.
During this test, a doctor shines a bright light through the scrotum. Fluid-filled structures, like cysts, allow light to pass through (transilluminate), while solid masses, which could potentially be tumors, do not.
While this test is typically performed by healthcare providers during a professional testicular examination, understanding its purpose can help explain some diagnostic procedures your doctor might use.
What To Expect At A Urology Appointment
If you find something unusual during a self-exam, your doctor may refer you to a urologist. Many men wonder what to expect at their first urology appointment.
The urologist will likely:
- Take a detailed medical history
- Perform a physical examination, including a thorough testicular exam
- May order imaging tests such as a scrotum sonogram (ultrasound)
- Discuss findings and potential next steps
Remember that urologists are specialists in male reproductive health and have examined countless patients. There’s no need to feel embarrassed or anxious about the examination.
Why Do Doctors Check Your Testicles During Physicals?
During routine physical examinations, doctors include a testicular check because:
- It helps detect testicular cancer early
- It can identify hernias
- It can discover other conditions like hydroceles or varicoceles
- It provides an opportunity to educate men about self-examination
These professional checks complement your monthly self-exams but shouldn’t replace them. Regular self-examinations remain crucial for early detection between medical visits.
Inside Of Balls: Understanding Testicular Anatomy
To perform effective self exams, it helps to understand what’s inside the scrotum. A cross section of testis would reveal:
- Testes – The oval-shaped organs that produce sperm and testosterone
- Epididymis – The coiled tube where sperm mature and are stored
- Vas Deferens – The tube that carries sperm from the epididymis
- Blood vessels – Supply blood to the testicles
- Nerves – Provide sensation to the area
This knowledge helps you distinguish between normal anatomical structures and potential abnormalities during self-examination.
How To Check Balls For Cancer: Key Techniques
While the basic self-examination steps outlined earlier are essential, here are some additional techniques to effectively check for testicular cancer:
- Be systematic – Always follow the same pattern when examining to ensure you don’t miss any areas.
- Use consistent pressure – Apply gentle but firm pressure throughout the examination.
- Take your time – Don’t rush the process; a thorough examination may take several minutes.
- Check the entire testicle – Make sure to feel all surfaces, not just the front.
- Know what testicles look like – Understanding what a normal testicle looks like helps identify visual abnormalities. Actual testicles are oval-shaped and should appear relatively symmetrical.
FAQs About Testicular Self Examination
How do you check your testicles properly?
Examine one testicle at a time by gently rolling it between your thumb and fingers, feeling for any lumps, changes in size, or abnormalities. Do this after a warm shower when the scrotum is relaxed. Check the entire surface of each testicle, including the epididymis at the back.
What does a testical look like normally?
A normal testicle is oval-shaped, smooth, and firm with a slightly springy consistency. Most testicles are about 2 inches long, 1 inch wide, and 1 inch thick, similar in size to a large olive or small egg. The left testicle often hangs slightly lower than the right.
Should testicles feel sensitive during examination?
Testicles are naturally sensitive organs, so some tenderness during examination is normal. However, excessive pain when touching the testicles is not typical and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Apply gentle pressure during self-exams to minimize discomfort.
What if I find a lump at base of testicle?
If you discover a lump at the base of your testicle, schedule an appointment with your doctor promptly. While many lumps are non-cancerous (like epididymal cysts), only a medical professional can determine the nature of the lump through proper examination and possibly imaging tests like a scrotal sonogram.
How often should males conduct a testicular self-exam?
Males should perform a testicular self-exam once a month. Monthly examinations help you become familiar with the normal feel of your testicles, making it easier to detect changes. Choose a regular date each month to establish a routine.
Where are testes located exactly?
The testes are located in the scrotum, which is the sac of skin that hangs below the penis. The right testis and left testis hang slightly differently, with the left usually positioned lower than the right. This arrangement helps prevent discomfort when the thighs are closed.
How to ask your doctor for a testicular exam?
Simply state that you’d like a testicular examination as part of your check-up. You can say, “I’d like you to check my testicles as I want to make sure everything is normal,” or “Can you perform a testicular exam? I want to ensure my health in that area.” Doctors routinely perform these exams and appreciate proactive patients.
Is it normal for one testicle to be bigger than the other?
Yes, it’s quite common for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other, just as one foot or hand might be slightly larger. Typically, the left testicle hangs lower than the right. However, significant size differences or sudden changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Regular testicular self examination is a simple yet powerful tool for men’s health. By taking a few minutes each month to check your testicles, you familiarize yourself with what’s normal for your body and increase the chances of early detection if something changes.
