Testicular Checks

What are testicular self-examinations?

Performing regular testicular self-examination (TSE) can help you to become familiar with the usual feel of your testicles so that you can recognise any changes if they occur. All men should check their testicles regularly. Testicular self-examination only takes a minute, and you should aim to examine yourself once every four weeks or so. If you recognise changes in your testicles, see a doctor as soon as possible.

What to expect when performing a testicular self-examination?

Become familiar with the look, feel and shape of your testicles; this will help you notice any abnormalities. The characteristics of healthy testicles include:

  • Each testicle should feel like a smooth, firm egg.
  • Adult testicles range in size from about 15 mL (similar to a bird egg) to 35 mL (similar to a small chicken egg).
  • One testicle may be slightly larger than the other.
  • Commonly, one testicle hangs lower than the other.
  • There should be no pain or discomfort when the testicles and scrotum are handled gently.

How to perform testicular self-examination

  • Make sure your scrotum is warm and relaxed. You may like to perform TSE after showering or bathing.
  • It may help to do this examination in front of the mirror, so you can see as well as feel what you are doing.
  • Check one testicle first, then the other.
  • Gently roll one testicle 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 testicle. It should feel like a little bunch of tightly curled tubes.
  • Once you have done this on one testicle, repeat this on the other testicle.

Completing this examination should not be painful or uncomfortable. If one or both testes have become tender or painful, see your doctor.

Symptoms of testicular cancer and what to look for when conducting a testicular self-examination

Symptoms of testicular cancer include a testicular lump that is usually painless (around 1 in 10 are painful), a sensation of heaviness in the scrotum and a persistent ache in the affected testicle. You should also take note of anything else unusual such as:

  • Change in testicular size
  • Change in testicular shape
  • A lump or swelling on or in the testicle itself

It is important to also note that if you find a lump or anything else unusual, that some other non-cancerous conditions can affect the testicle which could include:

  • Cyst – an abnormal but harmless collection of fluid.
  • Varicocele – varicose veins. About 10 to 15 per cent of men have varicose veins of the scrotum.
  • Haematocele – a blood clot caused by trauma or injury to the testicles or scrotum.
  • Epididymo-orchitis – infection of the epididymis, testicle or both that causes inflammation and pain. Treatment is usually antibiotics.
  • Testicular torsion – the cord that attaches the testicle to the body twists and cuts off the blood supply. This extremely painful condition needs urgent medical attention.
  • Undescended testicles – either one or both testicles are missing from the scrotum and are lodged instead inside the lower abdomen. Premature and low-weight newborn boys are most prone to undescended testicles. This condition is known to increase the chance of testicular cancer later in life and is also linked to infertility.

It is important that you visit your GP for a prompt diagnosis when you notice any change or something unusual.

Where can I receive support?

If you are worried and would like to talk:

Learner Welfare Drop-Ins

The Learner Welfare Team offers a range of drop-ins including confidential 1-1s, mixed drop-ins and wellbeing walks with our therapy dogs. We will also offer specific drop-ins including Sexual Health Drop-Ins and drop-ins for our Looked After Children (LAC) learners.

Please see the current timetable below:

Day Time Type Room Time Type Room
MONDAY 8:30-9:30am Early bird Drop-in 1909 Social Space 12-1pm 1:1 Drop-in B009
8:30-9:30am Sexual Health Drop-in S006
TUESDAY 12-1pm Inclusion Drop-in S006 3-4pm Afternoon Drop-in 1909 Social Space
3:30-4:30pm Sexual Health Drop-in S006
WEDNESDAY 8:30-9:30am Early bird Drop-in The Hub 1:30-2:30pm 1:1 Drop-in H101b
THURSDAY 11-12pm 1:1 Drop-in S006 12:30-1:30pm Sexual Health Drop-in S006
3:30-4:30pm Afternoon Drop-in The Hub
FRIDAY 8:30-9am Dog walk and talk Meet at 1909 Social Space 12:30-1:30pm Sexual Health Drop-in S006
3-4pm 1:1 Drop-in H101b
Group sessions
1:1 sessions
Sexual Health

Early Bird Drop-in/Afternoon Drop-in – No appointment necessary, drop by for a chat with the Learner Welfare Team and mingle with other students.

1-1 Drop-in – Confidential 1-1 session (10-minute slots) with a member of the Learner Welfare Team. No appointment necessary.

Sexual Health Drop-in – Make an appointment on the Student Dashboard to get advice and support from our Wellbeing Mentors.

Dog Walk and Talk – Enjoy a short walk around the outskirts of our campus with our therapy dog.

Inclusion Drop-in – No appointment necessary, drop by for a chat with our Inclusion Officers.

Mental Health First Aiders

We offer a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) service where students are able to call the Mental Health First Aid phone available Monday-Friday 08:30-16:30 if they feel they need someone to talk to. Our staff will support you with various issues such as academic pressure, bullying, wellbeing support, panic etc.

Please call 07483 956433 or 07483 956434 if needed.