Testicular Examination and Testicular Self-Examination

Test Overview

Testicular exam and testicular self-exam are two ways to find lumps or other problems in the testicles.

The two testicles, Opens dialog, or testes, are the male sex organs. They are located in the scrotum, a pouch below the penis. The testicles make sperm, Opens dialog and the male hormone testosterone, Opens dialog. Each testicle is about the size and shape of a small egg. At the back of each testicle is a coiled tube called the epididymis. It stores sperm.

The testicles develop in the belly of an unborn male baby. In most cases they move down into the scrotum, Opens dialog before or soon after birth. But sometimes they do not descend as expected. Having an undescended testicle, Opens dialog can increase the risk for testicular cancer, Opens dialog.

Testicular exam

This is a complete physical exam of the groin and the genitals, which are the penis, scrotum, and testicles. Your doctor will feel the organs and check them for lumps, swelling, shrinking, and other signs of a problem.

A genital exam is an important part of a routine physical exam for every teenage boy and man. Baby boys should also have their genitals checked for problems they were born with, such as an undescended testicle. An undescended testicle is more common in premature babies than in full-term babies.

Testicular cancer is rare, but it is the most common cancer in men younger than age 35. It often appears as a painless lump or swollen testicle. In the early stages of the cancer, the lump may be about the size of a pea. In many cases, this cancer is found by the man himself or by his sex partner. The chance of cure is very high when this cancer is found early and treated right away.

Testicular self-exam

A self-exam can help find testicular cancer at an early stage. Many times this cancer is found during self-exam as a painless lump or a swollen testicle.

Next Section:

Why It Is Done

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.