Tips and Tools

Examine Yourself: Techniques for Breast and Testicular Self-Examinations

Testicular Self Exam (TSE)

The best time to conduct a monthly TSE is after a warm bath or shower, then the skin of the scrotum is relaxed. Here's how to do it:

• Standing in front of a mirror, inspect the scrotum visually for swelling
• For each testicle: hold the testicle between the thumb and fingers of both hands; roll it gently between the fingers, looking out for any hard lumps or nodules or for any change in size, shape, or consistency
• Feel the epididymis, a cord-like structure on the top and back of each testicle, noting any changes

Last Modified: September 5, 2006