How to Do a Testicular Self-Exam (Slideshow) (for Teens) (2024)

FAQs

How to perform testicular self exam step by step? ›

Set aside five minutes while you're in the shower. A warm shower will relax the scrotum and the muscles holding the testicl*s, making an exam easier. Starting with one side, gently roll the scrotum with your fingers to feel the surface of the testicl*. Check for any lumps, bumps or unusual features.

It may help to do TSE in front of the mirror, so you can see as well as feel what you're doing. Check one testicl* first, then the other. Gently roll one testicl* using the fingers and thumbs of both hands. Feel along the underside of the scrotum to find the epididymis that sits at the back of the testicl*.

A testicular exam can make a guy feel a bit awkward or embarrassed. But just like checking a person's blood pressure, it's a normal part of a physical exam. The doctor checks the testicl*s and the area around them to make sure everything is healthy and that a guy doesn't have any problems, like a hernia.

When should I do a TSE? The testicular exam should begin at age 15 and continue through age 40. It is important to do the exam every month in order to find any changes. The best time to examine your testicl*s is right after a hot bath or shower.

You always have the right to refuse to answer certain questions or to decline a physical examination of any part of your body.

The exam should be painless. Find and become familiar with the epididymis, the soft, tube-like structure located on the backside of each testicl*. Lumps found on the epididymis are normal, not harmful.

Because regular testicular self-exams have not been studied enough to know if they reduce the death rate from this cancer, the ACS does not have a recommendation on regular testicular self-exams for all men.

Common causes of testicl* pain include: Injury. Infection or swelling of the sperm ducts (epididymitis) or testicl*s (orchitis). Twisting of the testicl*s that can cut off the blood supply (testicular torsion).

Causes of testicular lumps and scrotal swellings. Lumps and swellings in the testicl*s and scrotum can have lots of different causes. Most are caused by something harmless, such as a build-up of fluid (cyst) or swollen veins. Sometimes they can be a sign of something serious, such as testicular cancer.

Generally around puberty is when it becomes a concern to check development however it can depend on the doctor. Usually ages 11 to 40 will be when your genitals will be examined.

What is a shy testicl*? ›

✳️ In a normal boy, both testes are fixed to the. scrotal wall.. ✳️ Failure of the fixation cause upward movement of. testicl*s, either unilaterally or bilaterally.. ✳️ This situation is known as "retractile (shy) testis"..

Should I shave before a testicular exam? No, you don't need to shave your scrotum or do any other preparation before a healthcare provider performs a testicular exam. But you may want to wear comfortable clothes that you can easily pull down or remove, such as athletic pants or shorts.

Physical Exams: Your provider will examine your genitals, including the penis, testicl*s, and scrotum. They may ask you to cough while examining the groin to help check for inguinal hernias. Digital Rectal Exam: You will be asked to take off your underwear and provided a gown or cloth to cover yourself.

A big YES for sure. Go through medical policy by armed forces. It is clearly mentioned that if one of paired testis is removed after surgery with other one is in normal size and shape; you're FIT.

With your free hand, glide your thumb and fingers along both sides of the testicl*, from top to bottom. Feel for any lumps or bumps. Then, glide your fingers over the front and back of the testicl*. On the back at the top, you should feel the epididymis, a tube that carries sperm.

A testicular lump may feel hard or soft to the touch and vary in size. It also may feel painful, tender or swollen, but some lumps may be completely painless.

Examine one testicl* at a time using both hands. Roll it between your thumb and fingers. Feel for a pea-sized lump. If you see or feel something like that, contact your doctor.

You may have: A physical examination of your testes. Blood tests to evaluate hormone levels. Urine tests to check for infection or other diseases.