How To Check Your Testicles

Overview

Checking your testicles (your balls) is a simple self-exam you can do at home. It helps you learn what is normal for you so you can notice changes and ask a doctor about them. It is not a test that tells you whether you have cancer.

Testicular cancer is not common. Most testicle lumps turn out to be harmless. Checking is a common health habit because it helps you notice changes early.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A hard or firm lump in a testicle
• Swelling of a testicle or the scrotum
• A heavy or aching feeling in the scrotum
• A dull ache in the lower belly or groin
• A change in the size, shape, or firmness of a testicle
• Pain or discomfort in a testicle

Symptoms in children

• Swelling or pain in the scrotum
• A testicle that is missing from the scrotum or sits high
• A bulge in the groin that may get bigger when crying or straining
• Redness or tenderness of the scrotum

Symptoms in older adults

• A new lump or swelling in a testicle
• Heaviness or ache in the scrotum
• Fluid buildup or a hernia is more common with age, but cancer is still possible
• Pain or change that does not go away

Causes

Main causes

• Harmless cysts or fluid around the testicle
• Swollen veins in the scrotum (varicocele)
• Infection of the testicle or epididymis (the tube that stores sperm)
• A hernia (bowel or fat pushing into the groin)
• A twisted testicle, which is an emergency
• Testicular cancer, which is uncommon

Risk factors

• Being a young man, especially around ages 15 to 35, for testicular cancer
• A family history of testicular cancer
• A history of an undescended testicle
• Having had testicular cancer before
• Some fertility or hormone conditions

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Sudden, severe testicle or scrotal pain
• A testicle that feels high or pulled up, especially with nausea or vomiting
• A swollen, red, hot scrotum with fever
• A scrotal injury with severe pain or swelling

Book a routine appointment if:

• A new lump or swelling in a testicle
• A change in the size, shape, or firmness of a testicle
• A heavy or aching feeling that lasts more than 2 weeks
• Pain or discomfort that worries you
• Any change you are not sure about

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask what you noticed and when, then gently examine your testicles, scrotum, groin, and belly. They may ask about your health history. If needed, they will arrange tests or refer you to a specialist.

Tests that may be done

• A physical exam by a doctor
• An ultrasound scan, which is a painless scan using sound waves
• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• A referral to a specialist if more checks are needed

What to expect at your appointment

The exam is quick and done in a private room. A doctor or nurse may offer a chaperone (another staff member in the room). You can ask questions and say if you feel uncomfortable. It is normal to feel embarrassed, but doctors do this often.

Treatment

There is no treatment needed for checking your testicles. If you find a change, treatment depends on the cause. Most causes are harmless, but some need care.

Self-care at home

• Check once a month after a warm bath or shower, when the scrotum is relaxed.
• Hold the scrotum in the palm of your hand and gently roll each testicle between your thumb and fingers.
• Feel for lumps, swelling, or changes in firmness. Do not squeeze hard.
• Compare both sides. It is normal for one testicle to be slightly larger or to hang lower.
• If you find a change, see your doctor. Do not wait, and try not to panic.

Medical treatments

If a cause is found, treatment depends on it. An infection may be treated by a clinician. Fluid buildup or a hernia may need a procedure. Cancer is treated by a specialist team with surgery and other treatments. Your doctor will explain the choices.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be needed for a twisted testicle, which is an emergency. It may also be used for a hernia, a fluid collection that is uncomfortable, or cancer. Your specialist team will discuss the benefits and risks.

Living with this condition

Keep checking monthly and learn how your testicles normally feel, so changes stand out. You can work, exercise, and have sex as usual unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Lifestyle tips

• There is no proven lifestyle change that prevents testicular cancer.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol for your general health.
• Practice safer sex to protect against infections.
• Ask your doctor about any sexual health concerns.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet and regular movement support your general health. There is no special diet for testicle lumps or testicular cancer.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Finding a lump or having pain can cause worry. Most lumps are harmless, but anxiety is normal. Talk to someone you trust or to your doctor. If you feel overwhelmed or unsafe, contact your local emergency or crisis service.

Prevention

You cannot prevent every testicle problem, and there is no sure way to prevent testicular cancer. Knowing what is normal for you and getting changes checked early is the best step.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine that prevents testicular cancer. Vaccines for other conditions are recommended at the usual ages.

Screening programmes

There is no national screening programme for testicular cancer. Some doctors teach self-checking; others advise being aware of changes. Either way, see your doctor if something changes.

Complications

If left untreated

• A twisted testicle can be lost if not treated quickly.
• Some infections can get worse or form an abscess (a pocket of pus).
• A hernia can become stuck and cause serious problems.
• Testicular cancer can spread if not treated.
• Some conditions can affect fertility or hormone levels.

Long-term outlook

Most testicle changes are harmless. Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, especially when found early. Checking and asking for help is a positive step.

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