Why you should check your testicles
Checking your testicles regularly means you can get to know what is normal for you.
This makes it easier to notice any changes that could be signs of a condition such as testicular cancer.
Men and boys should start checking their testicles from puberty onwards (usually from around the age of 12 years old). Anyone with testicles should check theirs regularly.
What to look for when checking your testicles
Symptoms to look and feel for include:
- lumps or swellings on your testicles – your testicles should feel smooth and firm, but not hard
- changes to the size, weight or shape of your testicle – it's common for one testicle to be slightly bigger or hang lower, but check for any changes to them
- anything else that is not normal for you
How to check your testicles
The best time to check your testicles is during, or right after, a warm bath or shower.
To check your testicles:
- Hold your scrotum (the skin that covers your testicles) in the palm of your hand.
- Use the other hand to gently roll 1 testicle at a time between your thumb and fingers.
- Feel behind both testicles – the small, soft tubes at the back of the testicles (epididymis) can sometimes become hard, swollen or painful.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- you have a lump or swelling in one or both of your testicles
- one or both of your testicles are getting bigger
- your scrotum (skin that covers the testicles) feels heavy, firm or hard
- you have an ache or pain in your scrotum or one or both of your testicles
- you notice a change in one or both of your testicles that is not normal for you
- you have a lump, pain or notice a change in the tubes at the back of each testicle (the epididymis)
Important
These symptoms, including testicle lumps and swellings, are very common and can be caused by many different conditions.
Having them does not mean you have testicular cancer, but it's important to get them checked by a GP.
If your symptoms are caused by testicular cancer, finding it early may mean it's easier to treat.