What does a healthy testicle feel like?

You should check your testicles (also called testes or balls) regularly for any changes, lumps or swelling. Regular checks can help you get to know what is normal for you. But how and when should you check them? And how do you know if your testicles are healthy? I’ve put together a simple guide to remove the guesswork.

How should my testicles look and feel?

A healthy testicle has a firm and smooth surface, but doesn’t feel hard.

You might have one testicle slightly bigger than the other. This is normal. It’s also normal for one testicle to hang slightly lower than your other one. But any big differences between them should be checked out by your doctor.

When carrying out your check, you might feel something tube-like behind each testicle. This is called the epididymis, and it’s a tube that carries sperm to each testicle.

What are signs of testicle problems?

When checking yourself, visit your doctor if you notice:

• lumps or swelling
• pain
• hardness
• one testicle noticeably different from the other
• an increase in the size of one testicle

You should also see your doctor if you experience a heavy feeling in your testicles, a dull ache, or if you find anything else unusual.

Will my testicles change as I get older?

As you get older, you might start to notice that your testicles get slightly smaller. As you age, you produce less of a hormone called testosterone. This can cause your testicles to reduce in size. This is normal, and is part of the natural changes that happen in our bodies as we get older.

How can I look after my testicles?

Regular self-checks are an important way to look after your testicles, but there are also other things you can do.

Protection during sports

Protect your testicles when playing sport as this can help to reduce your risk of injury. Testicle injuries are painful and can also affect your fertility. An injury can lead to testicular torsion where your testicles twist cutting off blood supply causing pain and swelling. This needs urgent medical attention. You can wear a plastic protective cup (known as a jockstrap and cup) over your genitals during sport to help prevent this.

Eat well

Your fertility can be affected by your diet. A healthy and balanced diet can improve sperm quality. Try to include the following foods in your diet.

• Sources of vitamins and minerals such as fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds.
• Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines which provide omega-3 fatty acids.
• Protein such as chicken and lean red meat, vegetarian sources include eggs, soya, tofu and nuts.

Quit smoking

Research has also shown that smoking can have a negative impact on your fertility. So, if you smoke, try quitting as another way to look after your testicles.

Avoid heat

The temperature of your testicles is important too, as too much heat can affect sperm production and quality. Keep your testicles cool by:

• not keeping a laptop on your lap for too long
• avoiding hot baths or saunas
• taking breaks if you work in a hot environment such as a kitchen
• not wearing tight clothing

What should I do if I feel a lump or swelling in my testicle?

If you notice any unusual changes in your testicles, such as a lump or swelling, contact your GP. But, try not to worry as lumps are often caused by things that aren’t testicular cancer. Testicular lumps can also be a sign of a hernia, cyst or infection. Your doctor can check your testicles and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

If you feel nervous or uncomfortable about visiting your doctor, you could ask:

• to be examined by a doctor of the same gender
• for someone you trust to come with you for support
• for a chaperone (someone to be in the room with you and the doctor during your examination)

Remember that your doctor has performed lots of testicular exams before. Protect your health and make testicle checks part of your normal routine. It’s always better to get checked if you’re worried that something isn’t right.