Testicular self-examination

It's easiest to examine your testicles after a warm bath or shower has relaxed the scrotal tissues.

• Support your scrotum in the palm of one hand. Note the size and weight of your testicles. This will help you to detect any changes in the future. It's normal for one testicle to hang slightly lower than the other.
• Examine each testicle in more detail by rolling it between your fingers and thumb. Press firmly but gently to feel for any lumps, swellings or changes in firmness.
• Don't worry if you find the epididymis, a tube that carries sperm to the penis. This can be felt at the top and back of each testicle.

It's best to examine yourself about once every month or two. It's also important not to become obsessed with self-examination – remember, testicular cancer is uncommon. But if you do find anything unusual, don't wait for it to disappear or start throbbing – see your doctor as soon as possible.