Know Your Options.

Testicular Screening

It is your decision whether or not you think you should perform testicular self-exam.

You and your doctor should discuss your risks for testicular cancer and decide whether self-screening would help you. If you choose to do the testicular self-exam, you should perform it once every month while you are between the ages of 15 and 40 years old.

You should do the exam after a warm shower or bath so that the scrotum is relaxed. First, look in the mirror for any swelling. Next, examine each testicle in the following way. Place your thumb in front of the testicle and your middle and index fingers on the back. Roll the testicle around to feel for lumps. Have your doctor show you how to perform a testicular self-exam. You will feel the tube structure at the back of the testicle. This is normal and does not get cancerous lumps. Cancer lumps usually appear on the sides and in front of the testicles. Sometimes and infection or bruise can feel like a tumor, but you should still contact your doctor if you find anything has changed.