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Why Do Doctors Perform Testicular Exams?

My son just had a physical exam, and the doctor examined his testicles. Why is this done?
– Phyllis

Testicular exams can make any guy feel a bit awkward or embarrassed, but just like a blood pressure check, they're a normal part of a physical examination. Doctors check the testicles and the area around them to make sure everything is healthy and that there are no problems, such as a hernia, a varicocele, or, in rare cases, a tumor. Teens should also learn how to perform testicular self-examinations so they can learn what is normal and what changes might signal a problem.

For more information, check out these articles:
Medical Care and Your 13- to 18-Year-Old
Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: November 2006
Originally reviewed by: Email us.

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