Men's Health: Getting to Know Your Testicles

A healthy testicle should feel smooth and firm, but not hard, with no new lumps, and it’s worth checking yours once a month so you know what’s normal for you. This applies to anyone with testicles, including trans women and non-binary people.

November is Men’s Health Month, which makes it the perfect time to talk about testicular health. Do you know what’s normal for your testicles? Could you spot a new lump or swelling?

This guide will walk you through how to check your testicles at home, what changes to look out for, and what to do if you notice anything unusual.

What is normal? What a healthy testicle should look and feel like

A healthy testicle feels smooth and firm, but not hard, and free of lumps. It’s normal for one testicle to be slightly larger or to hang a little lower than the other, and for the epididymis — a soft, coiled tube at the back of each testicle — to feel a little lumpy; that’s a normal part of the anatomy, not a problem.

  • Normal: smooth and firm but not hard, with no new lumps, and gradual, symmetrical change over time.
  • Also normal: one testicle a little larger or lower than the other, and a soft, coiled epididymis at the back of each one.
  • Get checked: any new lump, hard area, swelling, or a sudden change in size, shape or weight.

See the NHS guide on how to check your testicles for more on what a healthy testicle should feel like.

Why is it important to check your testicles regularly?

Getting familiar with what’s normal for your testicles can help you quickly spot any changes in size, shape, or texture. Detecting abnormalities early and speaking to a healthcare professional is key to addressing potential concerns.

How often should you check?
It’s recommended that you check your testicles once a month. Regular checks help you build a baseline for what’s normal, making it easier to notice any new lumps or swelling.

What could a lump or swelling in my testicles mean?

Not all lumps or swelling are a cause for alarm. There are a few common reasons you might notice changes in your testicles:

  • Hydrocele: A painless swelling caused by fluid build-up due to injury or infection.
  • Epididymal cyst: A harmless fluid-filled sac that doesn’t usually require treatment.

While most lumps aren’t cancerous, testicular cancer is a possibility. Around 4 in 100 lumps turn out to be cancer, which is why it’s important to get any changes checked by a doctor.

What is testicular cancer?

Testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in young men in the UK, with over 2,300 new cases every year.

  • Average age of diagnosis: 30–35 years old.
  • Risk factors: Family history, particularly if your father or brother has been diagnosed.

The good news? Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer. Around 98% of men live for at least five years or more after diagnosis, especially when it’s caught early.

Warning signs of testicular cancer

The most common sign is a painless lump or swelling in one testicle, but a few other changes are worth knowing too:

  • A painless lump or swelling in a testicle.
  • A change in size, weight, shape or firmness.
  • A dull ache or heaviness in the scrotum, groin or lower tummy.
  • A new difference between the two testicles.

These symptoms are common and usually aren’t cancer, but it’s still worth seeing a GP if you notice any of them, so they can be checked properly. See Cancer Research UK’s guide to checking for testicular cancer for more detail on what to look for.

How to check you testicles?

Checking your testicles is quick, simple, and can easily be done during your daily routine. Here’s how:

1. Timing: Perform your check during or after a warm shower or bath when the scrotum is relaxed.

2. Method:

  • Gently roll one testicle between your thumb and fingers.
  • Feel for any unusual lumps, bumps, or changes in size or texture.
  • Repeat for the other testicle.

3. What’s normal:

  • Testicles should feel smooth, firm (but not hard), and free of lumps.
  • The epididymis, a soft tube at the back of each testicle, might feel lumpy—that’s normal.

What if I find a lump?

First, don’t panic. Most lumps are not cancerous. However, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional promptly for a proper evaluation.

A doctor will:

  • Examine the lump or swelling.
  • Advise you on the next steps, which might include further tests like an ultrasound.

How your testicles change with age

It’s normal for the scrotum to become looser and hang a little lower as you get older, and for testicles to reduce slightly in size and firmness over time. What matters is the pace of change: gradual, symmetrical change with age is normal, while a sudden change, a new lump, or a change on only one side isn’t, and should be checked by a GP. See Bupa’s guide to what a healthy testicle feels like for more on how testicles change as you get older.

How Doctor Care Anywhere can help

If you have concerns about a lump, swelling, or other symptoms, our clinicians are here to help.

  • Book a consultation: Speak to a GP specialising in men’s health or an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) online, 24/7.
  • Specialist referrals: If necessary, we can connect you with the appropriate specialists for further care.
  • Men’s health advice: Get personalised support to address any concerns about your testicular health or overall wellbeing.

Looking after your testicles

Alongside your monthly self-check, a few simple habits help protect testicular health:

  • Wear appropriate protection during contact sports.
  • Avoid smoking.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to excessive heat, such as very hot baths or tight, non-breathable clothing.

See Bupa’s guide to what a healthy testicle feels like for more on looking after your testicles.

Take control of your health

Testicular cancer is rare, and early detection makes all the difference. Regular self-checks can help you stay in tune with your body and catch any potential issues early.

This Men’s Health Month, make it a habit to check your testicles—and encourage others to do the same. If you have questions or concerns, book an appointment with Doctor Care Anywhere today and speak to a GP specialising in men’s health for expert advice.

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Frequently asked questions

Common questions about checking your testicles, answered by our GPs.

Healthy testicles feel smooth and firm, but not hard, with no new lumps, and slight differences in size or one hanging lower are completely normal. Check yours once a month, using the "What is normal" section above as a guide, and see a GP about any new lump, swelling or ache.

The main signs are a painless lump, a change in size or firmness, swelling, or a dull ache or heaviness in the scrotum or groin. Most lumps aren’t cancer, but checking early makes treatment easier — see the warning signs section above, or Cancer Research UK’s guidance, for more.

A hard lump, an area that feels harder than the rest of the testicle, unusual swelling, or a new heaviness or ache can all be signs something isn’t right. This is different from the epididymis at the back of the testicle, which normally feels like a soft, coiled tube and isn’t a cause for concern.

Yes — it’s completely normal for one testicle to be slightly larger or to hang a little lower than the other. What matters is a new or sudden change in size, shape or firmness, which is worth getting checked by a GP.

Once a month, ideally during or after a warm bath or shower when the scrotum is relaxed, so you get to know what’s normal for you and can spot any changes early.