The risk for serious genital conditions becomes higher when you don’t know your own body. With that comes an increased risk of later-stage cancer diagnosis. Genital self-exams are an essential way to notice potential signs of cancer before your next appointment, even though adults are recommended to visit their healthcare provider every year. A lot can happen in that amount of time.
Genital self-exams can also be a great way to understand human anatomy. What is the difference between the testicle and the epididymis? What is the difference between the labia minora and majora? Understanding which areas are inflamed or of concern can make communication with healthcare professionals a lot easier.
The Basic Needs
All genital self-exams begin with good lighting, a mirror, clean hands, and a chair or toilet lid. Women may also prefer to sit in a comfortable spot, such as on their bed. Good lighting ensures that the entire area is visible and that there is no confusion between an ingrown hair and a lump. Clean hands are essential for protecting the genitals from further bacteria. Try to perform one of these once per month, around the same date.
Testicular Self-Exam
- Begin with a warm shower. The scrotal skin should be relaxed.
- Stand in front of a mirror with one leg resting on a chair or toilet lid for a better view.
- Look at the skin of the testicles. Is there any swelling or discoloration?
- Next, locate one testicle and its spermatic cord: a rope-like cord that connects to the top of the testicle. Inspect it with your fingers and feel for any swelling or tender areas.
- Roll the testicle between your fingers gently, ensuring all areas are examined for extra lumps or abnormalities.
- Locate the epididymis behind the testicle and near the base of the penis. This may feel tender and squishy.
- Repeat on the other side.
Be sure to check your penis at the same time. Look for any discoloration, lumps, or unusual discharge. If there are any concerns over lumps on your testicles, spermatic cord, or epididymis, it may be time to visit with a healthcare provider for an official check. They will be able to run tests for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and other infections, varicoceles, and cancer.
Vulvar self-exam
- With clean hands, sit or stand with one leg propped so the vulva is visible.
- Hold a mirror or cell-phone camera with one hand, while feeling the area with the other hand.
- Begin from outside to inside: the mons pubis, then the left and right labia majora (outer lips) and minora (inner lips), the clitoris and surrounding area, the skin around the vaginal vestibule (opening), and the perianal area (between the vestibule and anus).
- Pay attention to any changes in skin color and whether any cuts, sores, or lumps are new.
- Note any changes in skin texture: if it's itchy, painful, or feels uncomfortable.
- Apply gentle pressure to feel any lumps that may be beneath the surface.
Vulvar self-exams should not be performed while menstruating to ensure that everything is visible. Vaginal self-exams can be performed at the same time. Insert a finger and feel the vaginal walls for any abnormal ridges or bumps. Note any smells or abnormal discharge. If anything concerning appears, it may be time to schedule a gynecologist appointment. They will be able to run the proper checks and tests for STIs, cysts, and cancers.
Key Takeaways
- Genital self-exams are an excellent form of preventative healthcare that can be performed in the comfort of one’s own home.
- Finding growths in the early stages can help catch serious conditions, such as cancer, earlier.
- Genital self-exams can help familiarize individuals with their bodies and are easy to do.
- Be sure to pay attention to anything that is alarmingly different from the last self-exam performed.
- If anything abnormal is noted, it is a good idea to visit a urologist or gynecologist.
Resources
Amato, R. J. (2024). Testicular self-examination (TSE): Health and Medicine: Research Starters: EBSCO Research. EBSCO. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/health-and-medicine/testicular-self-examination-tse
Bisoyi, D., Senapati, A., Sahu, R. R., & Pradhan, R. R. (2025). Vulval self-examination and mobile selfie. Journal of Skin and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 7, 125–127. https://doi.org/10.25259/jsstd_36_2025
Reardon, J., Tu, J., & Selk, A. (2026). Improving vulvar self-examination performance in a population at increased risk of vulvar cancer. Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease, 30(1), 48–52. https://doi.org/10.1097/lgt.0000000000000916
Saab, M. M., Davoren, M. P., Murphy, A., Murphy, D., Cooke, E., Landers, M., Fitzgerald, S., Richardson, N., Rovito, M. J., Von Wagner, C., Murphy, M., Dahly, D., & Hegarty, J. (2023). Promoting men’s awareness, self-examination, and help-seeking for testicular disorders: A systematic review of interventions. HRB Open Research, 1, 16. https://doi.org/10.12688/hrbopenres.12837.3
Tu, J., Reardon, J., & Selk, A. (2025). Knowledge, practices, and acceptability of vulvar self-examination in patients in Colposcopy and vulvar dermatology clinics. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 47(7), 102920. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogc.2025.102920
Vulvar self-examination. The National Vulvodynia Association. (2019, September 12). https://www.nva.org/learnpatient/vulvar-self-examination/
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