What you're looking for when you examine your testicles

A testicular self-exam is a simple way to get to know how your testicles normally feel, so you can notice if something changes. You're looking for lumps, swelling, heaviness, or tenderness—anything that feels different from before. Most lumps in the testicles are not cancer, but finding a change early means you can see a doctor quickly if something does need attention.

The goal is not to diagnose yourself. It's to catch changes that warrant a conversation with your doctor. A doctor can tell the difference between a harmless cyst, an infection, or something that needs further testing in ways you cannot do alone.

Key Takeaways

  • A testicular self-exam takes about three minutes and is best done once a month, ideally after a warm shower when the skin is relaxed.
  • You're feeling for lumps, swelling, heaviness, or tenderness—any change from how your testicles normally feel.
  • Most testicular lumps are not cancer, but any new lump or persistent change should be checked by a doctor within a few weeks.
  • A doctor can examine your testicles and order an ultrasound if needed, which is the standard way to determine what a lump actually is.

When and how to do a testicular self-exam

The best time is after a warm shower or bath, when the skin of the scrotum is warm and relaxed. Stand in front of a mirror. Using both hands, gently roll each testicle between your fingers and thumb, feeling the entire surface. You're not squeezing hard—just enough pressure to feel the texture and shape.

Start with one testicle. Cup it gently in your palm and use your thumbs and fingers to roll it slowly, working from top to bottom and all the way around. Then do the same with the other one. The whole exam takes about three minutes. It's normal for one testicle to be slightly larger or hang lower than the other.

Do this once a month. Pick the same day each month—the first of the month, or the day after your birthday—so you remember. Consistency matters more than perfect technique. The point is to notice if something feels different from last month.

What changes warrant a doctor's visit

See a doctor if you notice a lump, hard spot, or thickening in either testicle. Also watch for swelling that doesn't go away within a week, a feeling of heaviness or dragging in the scrotum, or pain or tenderness that persists. A change in the size or shape of a testicle, or dimpling or puckering of the skin, should also be checked.

You don't need to panic if you find something. Most lumps are benign—meaning they're not cancer. Common non-cancerous causes include cysts, infections, or collections of fluid. But a doctor needs to examine you and possibly order an ultrasound to know for sure. Don't wait months, but you also don't need to go to an emergency room unless you have sudden severe pain.

What a doctor will do during an exam

Your doctor will examine both testicles by hand, feeling for lumps, size changes, and tenderness. They'll ask when you first noticed the change, whether it hurts, and whether anything else feels different. This physical exam is the first step.

If your doctor finds something that needs more information, they'll order an ultrasound. This is a painless imaging test that uses sound waves to create a picture of the inside of your testicle. An ultrasound can show whether a lump is solid or filled with fluid, and it helps determine whether further testing is needed. Results usually come back within a few days.

Understanding what an ultrasound can show

An ultrasound is the standard tool for evaluating a testicular lump. It can tell your doctor whether the lump is inside the testicle itself or in the surrounding tissue, whether it's solid or cystic, and whether blood flow to the area is normal or abnormal. These details help your doctor decide what happens next.

If the ultrasound shows something that could be cancer, your doctor will refer you to a urologist—a specialist in the urinary and reproductive systems. A urologist may recommend a blood test to check for tumor markers, which are substances that can be elevated in testicular cancer. If cancer is suspected, the next step is usually surgery to remove the testicle, which is both a treatment and a way to get a definitive diagnosis.

Risk factors and who should be especially attentive

Testicular cancer is rare overall, but certain groups have higher risk. Men with a family history of testicular cancer, or those whose testicles didn't descend normally into the scrotum during development, have increased risk. Men between 15 and 35 are diagnosed most often, though it can happen at any age.

If you have risk factors, monthly self-exams are especially worthwhile. But all men benefit from knowing how their testicles normally feel. The earlier a change is caught, the more treatment options are usually available.

What to do if you find a lump

First, don't assume it's cancer. Make an appointment with your primary care doctor or a urologist within the next week or two. Write down when you first noticed it and what it feels like. Bring that information to your appointment.

Your doctor will examine you and decide whether an ultrasound is needed. If one is ordered, you'll typically get results within days. From there, your doctor will tell you what the next step is—whether that's simple monitoring, further testing, or a referral to a specialist. Having a plan and a timeline will help you feel less uncertain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for one testicle to be bigger or hang lower than the other?

Yes. Most men have one testicle that's slightly larger or positioned lower. This is normal variation. What matters is whether the size or position of your testicles changes over time, not whether they're perfectly matched.

What does a testicular cancer lump usually feel like?

It's often described as a hard, painless lump or thickening. It may feel like a pea or marble inside the testicle. Some men notice swelling or a feeling of heaviness. Pain is less common with cancer but can occur. Any new lump should be checked by a doctor.

Can I do a self-exam if I have pain or swelling right now?

If you have sudden severe pain, see a doctor or go to an urgent care clinic—this can indicate a twisted testicle or infection that needs prompt treatment. For mild discomfort or swelling, a gentle self-exam is fine, but see your doctor within a few days to rule out infection or other causes.

How often should I do a self-exam?

Once a month is the standard recommendation. Doing it more frequently won't help you catch problems earlier and may increase anxiety. Picking the same day each month makes it easier to remember.

What if I find a lump but my doctor says it's nothing to worry about?

Trust your doctor's examination and any imaging results. If they've done an ultrasound and determined the lump is benign, you can monitor it at home. But if you're uncomfortable or the lump changes, you can ask for a second opinion or a follow-up ultrasound in a few months.