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How to check your testicles — U-Test health guide

Men's health

How to check your testicles

Written by the U-Test team using NHS and NICE guidance.Medically reviewed by Dr Rohit Kulkarni, Medical Director. Last checked . Next review . This guide is general information, not medical advice. Speak to your GP or pharmacist about symptoms or results.

At a glance

  • Check your testicles once a month, in or after a warm bath or shower.
  • Cup your scrotum, gently roll each testicle between your thumb and fingers, and feel the soft tube at the back.
  • Get any lump, swelling or change checked by your GP. Most aren't cancer, but testicular cancer is easier to treat when it's found early.

Why it matters

Testicular cancer is most common in men aged 15 to 49 (NHS). It's one of the most treatable cancers, and finding a change early makes treatment easier. A monthly check helps you learn what's normal for you.

How to check: 3 steps

  1. Get warm. Check in or just after a warm bath or shower, when the skin is relaxed.
  2. Roll each one. Cup your scrotum in your palm. With your other hand, gently roll one testicle at a time between your thumb and fingers.
  3. Check the back. Feel the soft tube at the back of each testicle (the epididymis). It can sometimes become hard, swollen or painful.

What's normal

Testicles should feel smooth and firm, but not hard. It's common for one to be slightly bigger, or to hang lower, than the other. What matters is a change that isn't normal for you.

What to look out for

  • a lump or swelling in one or both testicles
  • a testicle getting bigger
  • your scrotum feeling heavy, firm or hard
  • an ache or pain in your testicles or scrotum
  • a change that's unusual for you
  • a lump, pain or change in the soft tube at the back

These are common and often have other causes, but always get them checked.

More men's health checks: see Men's health checks by age.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I check my testicles?

Around once a month.

At what age should I start?

The NHS suggests from puberty, usually around 12.

Is it normal for one testicle to be bigger?

Yes. It's common for one to be slightly larger or hang lower.

I found a lump. Is it cancer?

Most lumps aren't cancer, but see your GP so it can be checked.

What does testicular cancer feel like?

Often a lump or swelling, a heavy or hard scrotum, or an ache. Some people have no pain at all.

Sources

  1. How to check your testicles, NHS (Checked 30 October 2026)
  2. Testicular cancer: symptoms, NHS (Checked 30 October 2026)
  3. Testicle pain, NHS (Checked 30 October 2026)
  4. Cancer of the testicle, NHS 111 Wales (Checked 30 October 2026)
  5. Testicular cancer, nidirect (Northern Ireland government) (Checked 30 October 2026)
  6. Testicular cancer: what to look out for, NHS Lincolnshire ICB (Checked 30 October 2026)

Change log

  • 2026-10-30: Guide written for Movember using the listed NHS and charity sources.