Monthly Testicular Self-Exam
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Self-examination of both testes is important for early detection of testicular cancer (TC). The most common method of early detection is performing a monthly exam. Since TC is usually isolated to a single testicle, comparison of each testicle can be helpful. It is normal for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other. Your focus should be noticing any lumps, bumps, or changes from the previous month
Upon reaching puberty, all men should conduct a monthly testicular self-exam and ask your doctor during your yearly physical to perform one as well.
Please see below for translated instructions in Spanish, German & French.
Consulte a continuación las instrucciones traducidas en español, alemán, francés.
Nachfolgend finden Sie übersetzte Anweisungen in Spanisch, Deutsch, Französisch.
Vous trouverez ci-dessous les instructions traduites en espagnol, allemand et français.
How to Perform a Testicular Self-Exam
The best time to do a self-exam is during or after a warm shower, when the scrotal skin is relaxed.
Step 1
Examine each testicle gently with both hands by rolling the testicle between the thumb and forefingers.
Step 2
Find the epididymis, the soft tube-like structures behind the testicle that collects and carries sperm. If you are familiar with this structure, you won't mistake it for an abnormal mass.
Step 3
Look for any lumps or irregularities. Remember that lumps or bumps may also present themselves as painless.
Step 4
Look for any changes in size, shape, or texture. Remember it's normal for one testicle to be slightly larger.
Multilingual Instructions
Spanish
El mejor momento para hacerse un autoexamen es durante o después de una ducha caliente, cuando la piel del escroto está relajada.
Instrucciones para el autoexamen en español.
(Haga clic en el enlace para ver recursos adicionales en español)
German
Die beste Zeit für eine Selbstuntersuchung ist während oder nach einer warmen Dusche, wenn die Hodensackhaut entspannt ist.
Anleitung zur Selbstprüfung in deutscher Sprache.
French
Le meilleur moment pour faire un auto-examen est pendant ou après une douche chaude, lorsque la peau du scrotum est détendue.
Instructions pour l’auto-examen en français.
For Public Service Announcement videos, click here.
If you notice a lump or any changes as mentioned above, you should seek medical advice and schedule an appointment immediately. Remember testicular cancer can spread very quickly and if detected early is one of the most curable cancers.
All images are © Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation