Testicular Health: What Every Man Should Know About Self-Exams
Not long ago, a young man in his twenties — let’s call him Jake — came into my office looking nervous. He’d noticed a small lump in one of his testicles while showering. A friend urged him to get it checked out, and I’m glad he listened. After some simple tests, we confirmed it was early-stage testicular cancer.
The good news? Because Jake acted quickly, treatment was straightforward, and today he’s healthy and cancer-free.
Stories like Jake’s are a reminder that small steps — like a regular self-exam — can make a huge difference. But here’s the reality: many men don’t know how to check themselves, or they avoid it because it feels awkward. That needs to change.
Why Testicular Health Matters
Most people think of cancer as something that happens later in life, but testicular cancer is different. It’s the most common cancer in men aged 15 to 35. These are young, healthy men — students, athletes, professionals just starting out.
Now for the hopeful part: if testicular cancer is caught early, the cure rate is over 95%. That means a quick self-exam each month could literally be the difference between a simple treatment and something much more serious.
In my years as a urologist, I’ve seen too many men put off coming in. Some were embarrassed. Others thought the issue would go away on its own. A few told me they were simply too busy. Unfortunately, waiting often makes the situation worse
The Right Way to Do a Self-Exam
Checking yourself doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how I explain it to patients in the clinic:
- Pick the right time. Do it during or right after a warm shower. The heat relaxes the scrotal skin, making it easier to feel what’s normal.
- Take a look. Stand in front of a mirror and check for swelling, changes in size, or skin irregularities.
- Use both hands. Roll each testicle gently between your thumbs and fingers.
- Know your baseline. A healthy testicle feels smooth and firm but not rock-hard. At the back, you’ll feel the epididymis — a soft, rope-like structure. That’s normal.
- Check one at a time. Don’t compare them to each other too much — it’s normal for one to be slightly larger or hang lower.
The whole process takes less than two minutes. Think of it as routine maintenance, like checking the oil in your car.
Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Most testicular issues turn out to be harmless, but there are symptoms that should always get checked:
- A lump or firm spot that wasn’t there before
- A noticeable change in size or shape
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- Persistent, dull ache or discomfort
- Pain in the lower back combined with testicular changes
If you spot something unusual, don’t panic. Many conditions mimic cancer but aren’t life-threatening. Still, the only way to know for sure is by seeing a doctor.
What to Expect at the Doctor’s Office
One reason men delay making an appointment is fear of the unknown. So let me clear that up.
- Conversation first. We’ll talk about what you’ve noticed, when you noticed it, and any other symptoms.
- A quick exam. I’ll check each testicle, the scrotum, and surrounding structures. It’s professional, simple, and usually done in minutes.
- Imaging if needed. If something feels unusual, we may do a scrotal ultrasound. It’s painless — just a bit of gel and a small probe.
- Blood tests. Sometimes, we check for specific markers that can help identify cancer.
Most men are surprised to learn that many lumps or irregularities are benign — cysts, minor infections, or just normal anatomy. But distinguishing between those and something serious is exactly why the exam matters.
Beyond Cancer: Other Testicular Conditions
While cancer gets the most attention, there are other testicular issues worth knowing about:
- Epididymitis: An infection that causes pain and swelling. Usually treated successfully with antibiotics.
- Testicular torsion: A twisting of the testicle that cuts off blood flow. This is a medical emergency and needs immediate attention.
- Varicoceles: Enlarged veins in the scrotum. They’re not dangerous but can cause discomfort and affect fertility.
Getting to know your body makes it easier to spot these conditions early, too.
Making Self-Exams a Habit
The biggest hurdle isn’t learning how — it’s remembering to actually do it. A few tips that work well for patients:
- Set a reminder. Use your phone to ping you once a month.
- Tie it to something routine. Maybe the first day of the month, or right after paying bills.
- Ask your partner to remind you. Sometimes the people closest to us are better at keeping track of our health.
Think of it this way: you brush your teeth daily, not because you expect a cavity every morning, but because prevention is easier than treatment. Self-exams are the same idea.
Taking Charge of Your Health
Over the years, I’ve treated patients for everything from kidney stones to prostate conditions to kidney transplants. One pattern is clear: men who pay attention to their health and seek care early generally do better long-term.
Testicular self-exams are about more than just cancer detection. They’re about being aware of your body, taking ownership of your health, and not waiting until problems become serious.
The truth is, most men who come in with testicular concerns leave with peace of mind. And for the few who do face a diagnosis, catching it early makes a world of difference.
Final Word
Testicular cancer is highly treatable, but only if it’s caught early. That’s why I encourage all men — especially younger men — to take two minutes once a month to check themselves.
If you notice something, don’t ignore it and don’t feel embarrassed. Reach out to a urologist. Most of the time, it’s nothing serious. And if it is, you’ll be glad you acted quickly.
Your health deserves attention, and in my practice, I make sure every patient gets the time and answers they need. Taking care of your testicular health is one small but powerful step toward protecting your future.
Having urological symptoms that concern you? Early treatment is usually simpler and more effective than waiting. Most problems are very manageable when addressed promptly.
