Testicular cancer is real, and it affects thousands of men every year. Yet you almost never hear men talk about it.
That silence is the problem.
Even today, conversations about sexual health—and especially the health of male sexual organs—are considered taboo. Young men often feel embarrassed, unsure, or simply uninformed. But testicular cancer is most common in younger men, often between ages 15–35, when most are otherwise completely healthy and unlikely to see a doctor regularly.
Because of that, the person most likely to catch testicular cancer early is you.
And that starts with knowing how your testicles normally look and feel.
Below is a simple, step-by-step guide to performing a testicular self-exam, along with the other ways we screen for this cancer in our clinic.
Why Self-Exams Matter
Testicular cancer usually starts subtly. A small lump. A slight change in size. A new heaviness or discomfort.
But you’ll only notice those changes if you’re familiar with what “normal” feels like.
Most young men:
- Don’t see a doctor regularly
- Assume they’re invincible
- Feel awkward talking about anything involving their genitals
- Aren’t sure what is normal anatomy vs. something concerning
This is why self-exams are so important, especially for teens and young adults.
Self- Exam Step 1: Choose the Right Environment
Always do your exam when your scrotum is relaxed—typically in a warm environment.
A warm shower or a warm room is ideal because heat allows the scrotum to hang lower, making each testicle easier to feel.
This is actually by design: your testicles sit outside the body so they can stay a few degrees cooler, which is essential for healthy sperm and testosterone production.
Self- Exam Step 2: Examine One Testicle at a Time
Using both hands, gently roll each testicle between your thumb and fingers.
You’re checking for:
- Smoothness
- Consistent texture
- A generally oval/egg-like shape
- No unusual bumps or hard spots
It should feel smooth—not lumpy, not irregular.
Self- Exam Step 3: Know What Normal Anatomy Feels Like
Many young men mistake normal structures for abnormalities simply because they’ve never been taught what’s supposed to be there.
Here’s what you should feel:
1. The Epididymis
This is a soft, coiled structure on the back/underside of the testicle.
It stores and carries sperm.
It’s normal for this to feel slightly lumpy or ridged.
2. The Vas Deferens
This is the tube that transports sperm upward toward the body.
It feels like a thin, firm cord.
If you don’t know these structures exist, they can be confusing.
Once you know what’s normal, it becomes much easier to spot what isn’t.
Self- Exam Step 4: Repeat Regularly
You don’t need to do a self-exam daily.
But you should do it:
- Once a month, or
- Every few months, or
- At the very least, often enough to know your baseline
The goal is familiarity.
When something is different, you’ll notice.
If you ever feel:
- A new lump
- A hard area
- A change in size
- A feeling of heaviness
- Pain that wasn’t there before
Call your doctor immediately. Early detection makes a life-changing difference.
What Happens If You Notice Something?
At Phoenix Men’s Health Center, we’ll:
- Perform a professional exam
- Use an orchidometer (a tool that measures testicle size)
- Order an ultrasound if needed
- Run bloodwork to identify markers of cancer or inflammation
These are simple, painless steps—but they provide powerful information.
Blood Tests for Testicular Cancer
Today we have a revolutionary blood test that screens for 50+ cancers, including testicular cancer. We typically recommend it for:
- Men 50+
- Younger men with a family history of cancer
- Anyone who wants deeper peace of mind
With cancer becoming more common across all ages, early screening is one of the most powerful tools you have.
Final Thoughts: Take Ownership of Your Health
Self-exams aren’t awkward—they’re responsible.
At Phoenix Men’s Health Center, we’ve worked with thousands of men over the last 14 years, helping them navigate everything from hormones to heart health to sexual wellness. We’re here to make these conversations normal, comfortable, and empowering.
Your masculinity is something to be proud of.
Taking care of your health is part of that pride.
If you ever have questions—or if something doesn’t feel right—reach out to us.
We’re here for you.
Let’s live the best life possible, together.
