My mom says that my doctor will probably examine my testicles the next time I have a physical exam. Why?
- Ben*

A testicular exam can make a guy feel a bit awkward or embarrassed, but just like checking a person's blood pressure, it's a normal part of a physical exam. The doctor checks the testicles and the area around them to make sure everything is healthy and that a guy doesn't have any problems, like a hernia.

Your doctor can teach you how to check your testicles yourself (called a testicular self-exam) so you can learn what's normal and what changes to be aware of that might need to be checked out, like lumps or swelling.

Reviewed by: Julia Brown Lancaster, RN
Date reviewed: January 2013

* Names have been changed to protect user privacy.