How to check your testicles in under two minutes
A simple monthly testicular self-check: when to do it, what normal feels like, what to look out for, and why it matters most for men aged 15 to 49.
Of all the things men do in a bathroom without talking about it, this is the one that could save your life. It takes two minutes, once a month. Nobody has to know.
Why bother
Testicular cancer isn’t common overall, but it mostly affects younger men, roughly 15 to 49. It’s also one of the most treatable cancers, especially when it’s found early. The man most likely to find it early is you.
When
In or after a warm shower or bath, when the skin of the scrotum is relaxed. Once a month is plenty. Pick a date you’ll remember, like the first of the month.
How
- One at a time. Hold a testicle between your thumb and fingers.
- Roll it gently. You’re feeling the surface and the texture. It should feel smooth and firm, but not hard.
- Find the tube at the back. There’s a soft, coiled tube along the back and top (the epididymis). That’s normal. Everyone who checks for the first time thinks they’ve found something; this is usually it.
- Repeat on the other side. It’s normal for one to be slightly bigger or to hang lower than the other.
- Look in the mirror for swelling or changes in the skin.
What you’re learning is what normal feels like for you. The point is to notice when that changes.
What to look out for
See a doctor if you notice:
- a lump or swelling in either testicle, even a small, painless one,
- a change in size, shape or firmness,
- a heaviness or dragging feeling in your scrotum,
- an ache or pain in a testicle or the scrotum that doesn’t go away.
Most lumps turn out not to be cancer. Plenty are harmless cysts or swollen veins. But only a doctor can tell, so don’t sit on it.
Sudden, severe pain in a testicle is an emergency. It can be a twisted testicle, which needs treatment within hours. Go to A&E or call your local emergency number.
Make it a habit
Set a monthly phone reminder with a deliberately boring name. Or tie it to Movember: check on 1 November, then every month after.
This page is general information and not medical advice. If you’re worried about a symptom, see a doctor.
Quick answers
How often should I check my testicles?
About once a month is enough. The aim is to know what is normal for you so you notice changes.
Is a testicular lump always cancer?
No. Most lumps and swellings are not cancer, but you should always get a new lump or change checked by a doctor.
Who gets testicular cancer?
It is most common in men aged roughly 15 to 49, which makes it one of the most common cancers in young men. It is very treatable, especially when found early.
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