How to Perform a Testicular Self-Examination: A 2-Minute Guide

Written by Stephen T. Hooper.

This testicular self-examination guide is curated from official NHS and other professional resource

protocols to ensure accuracy for our readers.

Early detection is the most effective tool in treating testicular cancer. Most cases are first discovered by men themselves during a routine check. This guide breaks down exactly what you are looking for and how to perform a thorough self-examination in under two minutes.

When is the best time to check?

The ideal time is during or immediately after a warm bath or shower. The heat relaxes the scrotum, making it much easier to feel for any abnormalities or changes in the underlying tissue.

The 3-Step Check – How to check for testicular lumps

1. The Visual Check

To do a testicular self-examination at home, stand in front of a mirror. Look for any visible swelling or changes in the shape of the scrotum. It is perfectly normal for one testicle to hang slightly lower than the other, but you are looking for new or unusual asymmetry.

2. The Roll Technique

Examine each testicle individually using both hands.

• Place your index and middle fingers underneath the testicle with your thumbs on top.

• Gently but firmly roll the testicle between your fingers.

• You are feeling for the consistency; it should feel smooth and firm, similar to a hard-boiled egg without the shell.

3. Identify the Epididymis

As you feel the back of the testicle, you will notice a soft, rope-like structure. This is the epididymis (which stores sperm).

• Note: Many men mistake this for a lump. It is a normal part of your anatomy. Get to know how this feels so you can distinguish it from something new.

What are you looking for?

You are checking for any of the following:

• A hard lump (often the size of a pea or a marble).

• Painless swelling or an increase in size.

• A change in the “weight” or firmness of the testicle.

• A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin.

Important: Most lumps are not cancerous—they are often cysts or swollen veins—but you cannot tell the difference by touch alone.

What to do if you find something

If you notice a change, do not wait. Book an appointment with your GP. A simple physical exam or an ultrasound scan can provide a definitive answer. When caught early, testicular cancer is over 99% curable.

What to Expect: Your GP Appointment Checklist

If you’ve found a lump or noticed a change, your GP is your first port of call. You don’t need to be embarrassed; they see these concerns every week. To make the most of your 10-minute slot, use this checklist to ensure you get the answers you need.

1. The Examination

The doctor will perform a physical exam of the scrotum. They may also check your abdomen and lymph nodes in your groin.

• Pro Tip: If the GP suggests “monitoring it” but you are still worried, it is perfectly acceptable to ask for a referral for an ultrasound scan for peace of mind.

2. Questions to Ask Your GP

• Is this a solid lump or does it feel like a fluid-filled cyst?

• Given my symptoms, do I need an urgent referral to a urologist?

• If you aren’t referring me today, what changes should I look out for that would make a referral necessary?

3. Information to Have Ready

• When did you first notice the lump?

• Has the size or shape changed since you found it?

• Do you have any dull aches in your lower belly or groin?

• Do you have a family history of testicular cancer?

Related articles:

Testicular cancer symptoms guide – 7 Vital FAQs About Testicular Cancer