Testicular self examination (TSE)

From puberty onwards it’s important that men check their testicles| regularly (once a month) for anything unusual like a lump or swelling. When you do this you’ll soon get to know what feels normal for you.

The best time to check your testicles is during or right after a warm bath or shower, when the scrotal skin is relaxed. Hold your scrotum in the palm of your hand and use your fingers and thumb to examine each testicle. Feel for lumps, anything unusual, or differences between your testicles. It’s normal for the testicles to be slightly different in size and for one to hang lower than the other.

Testicular self-examination

View a larger version of the image here.|

A normal testicle should feel smooth and firm (not hard). The epididymis (tube that carries sperm) lies at the top of the back part of each testicle. It feels like a soft coiled tube. It’s not uncommon to get harmless cysts or benign lumps in the epididymis.

What to do if you notice a lump or something different

Lumps or swellings can be caused by other conditions, and most lumps aren’t cancer. But it’s very important that you have anything unusual checked by your doctor as soon as possible. Doctors are used to dealing with problems like this on a regular basis. Remember that testicular cancer is nearly always curable, particularly when it’s found and treated early.

If you feel embarrassed about seeing your GP, you can go to your local sexual health clinic. The details will be in the health section of your local phone book, or you can get them from NHS Direct on 0845 4647, or NHS 24 in Scotland on 08454 242424.

Depending on where you live, there are also online directories you can search to find a clinic near you:

• England,
• Northern Ireland,
• Scotland
• and Wales.