We talk a lot on this blog about the art of keeping your balls looking as smooth as you are, and rightly so. All balls deserve the right to look banging, not basic, which is why our SackSafe™ technology is the nuts (wahey).

However let’s be real, it’s also important to take the health of your gonads seriously and know how to check your balls.

And with this April being Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, there’s no better time to have a check of the little fellas to make sure everything’s feeling as it should.

We know it can be an awkward subject to bring up with your mates but there’s nothing embarrassing about checking your balls.

Testicular cancer is most common in men aged 15 to 44 but it’s also 99% curable if detected early, so it’s vital you inspect your balls regularly and often.

Here’s how to check your balls:

1. Have a bath or shower

This can be applied to most activities involving your balls really, can’t it? It’s best to check your balls when you are warm and standing up, so have a bath or shower to get yourself prepared.

You’re gonna want to be somewhere nice and undisturbed too, so pick a time when your flatmate/mum isn’t gonna be banging on the door because they need a shit.

Lesson learned: even mums sometimes have to take a dump.

2. Check each ball one at a time

There’s no need to rush here. Again, this can be applied to most activities involving your balls can’t it? #slowandsteadywinstherace

Be thorough and check each ball, one at a time.

3. Know your balls

The more you check yourself, the more you’ll get to understand what’s normal for your body. Every ballbag is different after all, but it’s common for one ball to be slightly bigger than the other and for one to hang lower.

4. Hold and roll

The key to checking each ball is the hold and roll technique. Hold your ball and roll it between your finger and thumb. You’re looking for any lumps, swellings or changes in shape, size or consistency here.

5. Have a final cup

Cup your hand under your balls to feel how heavy they are. They should be almost the same size and weight.

Frequently Asked Testicular Questions

How should my balls feel?

Your balls should feel smooth, free of lumps or bumps, and firm but not too hard.

When should I see a doctor?

If you spot anything unusual like a lump, swelling, an increase in firmness, or if one ball is a lot bigger than the other, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor.

The same goes if you have any pain or discomfort in your balls or ballsack.

Don’t put it off or shove it to the back of your mind along with every other bit of life admin you’ve been avoiding — it’s ALWAYS better to be safe than sorry.

Should I freak out?

Most of us have done a self-diagnosis freakout before and it sucks balls. Pun intended.

Before you panic — remember that most lumps are harmless and could be down to something as simple as a build-up of fluid (cyst) or swollen veins in your balls (varicocele).

However, it’s still important to get checked by your doctor as soon as possible. Better to get it out of the way than live with the worry hanging over you.

And finally…

Now you’ve checked your balls, make sure you do it regularly so you can easily spot any changes. Once a month is fine — set a recurring reminder on your phone like the don of balls inspection that you are.

Time to get checking...