How to Do a Testicular Self-Examination
When to perform a TSE?
The best time to examine
How frequent should TSE be done?
Doctors recommend monthly self-examination of the testicles. More frequent exams have been suggested to result in missing a slowly changing lump or a mass.
How to conduct the test?
Support each testicle with one hand. Use the other hand to examine. Examine one testicle at a time. It is important that one becomes familiar with normal size, shape, and weight of each testicle and epididymis (described later). Only then would one be able to detect any changes in the normal structure.
- Gently roll each testicle between your thumb and fingers. The consistency of a normal testicle is that of a hard-boiled egg without the shell, i.e. firm and smooth.
- Do not mistake the epididymis for an abnormal lump. The epididymis is a rope like structure and is attached to the back of the testis.
- Feel for firm masses, lumps, or nodules in the testicle.
