A penile examination is a fundamental component of male wellness screening. This assessment involves visually inspecting and manually feeling the penis and surrounding structures, including the scrotum and testicles. Understanding the process, whether performed by an individual or a healthcare provider, can significantly reduce anxiety and promote early detection of potential issues. Regular checks establish a personal baseline for the genital area. This awareness allows for the timely identification of subtle changes that may indicate a health concern, ranging from infections to structural abnormalities, thus maintaining long-term genitourinary health.
Performing a Self-Examination
A self-examination should ideally be performed monthly to maintain familiarity with your body’s typical state. The best time for this check is during or immediately after a warm shower or bath, as the heat relaxes the scrotal skin and muscles, making the structures easier to examine. Begin by visually inspecting the entire genital region, noting the skin of the pubic area, the shaft, and the glans (head) of the penis. If uncircumcised, gently retract the foreskin to fully examine the glans and the urethral opening, looking for any discoloration, rashes, or sores.
The next step involves palpation, or gentle touch, to feel for abnormalities beneath the skin’s surface. Roll the penile shaft between your thumb and fingers, checking for any areas of hardness, lumps, or unusual tenderness. You should also check the scrotum, examining each testicle separately by rolling it gently between the fingers and thumb. A normal testicle feels firm and smooth, while the cord-like epididymis is normally felt at the back of the testicle; this should not be mistaken for an abnormal lump. Any deviations from your established norm can be quickly identified and brought to a medical professional’s attention.
Warning Signs That Require a Doctor’s Visit
While many minor bumps or skin changes resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant an immediate consultation with a healthcare provider. Any persistent or unexplained discharge from the urethra is a primary warning sign, particularly if it is thick, colored (yellow, green, or gray), or has an unusual odor. Pain is another symptom that should be evaluated, whether it is a persistent ache in the testicles, pain during urination (dysuria), or pain during ejaculation.
Professional evaluation is required for the following:
- The discovery of any new, firm, or non-tender lump on the penile shaft or in the testicles, as painless masses can be associated with serious conditions.
- Changes in the skin, such as non-healing ulcers, warts, blisters, or areas where the skin has thickened or changed color.
- A noticeable curvature of the erect penis, especially if accompanied by pain or a palpable plaque beneath the skin, which could signal Peyronie’s disease.
- Any swelling in the groin area or scrotum that does not quickly subside.
Steps of a Clinical Penile Examination
A clinical examination by a physician, which may be a general practitioner or a specialist like a urologist, typically begins with a detailed medical history discussion. The provider will ask about your symptoms, sexual history, and any changes you have observed during self-examination. The physical assessment is generally performed with the patient standing and then lying down to check for structural issues, such as hernias or varicocele.
The provider will first conduct a visual inspection of the entire genital and groin region, checking the skin, hair distribution, and the urethral meatus. They will gently retract the foreskin if present, to inspect the glans for any signs of inflammation, lesions, or discharge. Following the visual check, the provider uses palpation to assess the underlying structures. This involves gently feeling the penile shaft for hardened areas or plaques that might indicate tissue scarring in the corpora cavernosa.
The examination extends to the scrotum, where the provider carefully palpates each testicle to assess size, consistency, and the presence of any masses. They will also feel the epididymis and the spermatic cord, which runs upward from the testicle. If discharge is reported or suspected, the provider may gently “milk” the penile shaft from the base toward the glans to check for any fluid exiting the meatus. Depending on the initial findings, the provider may also perform ancillary checks, such as using a light to transilluminate a scrotal mass to determine if it is solid or fluid-filled.
Understanding Common Diagnosis and Next Steps
Following the physical examination, the healthcare provider will discuss their initial findings, which often lead to further testing to secure a diagnosis. If an infection is suspected, such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or a urinary tract infection, a urine sample or a swab of any discharge is collected for laboratory analysis. These tests help differentiate between infectious causes, like Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and non-infectious issues, such as dermatological conditions or benign anatomical variants like pearly penile papules.
If the examination reveals a concerning mass or structural abnormality, the next steps often involve imaging studies. An ultrasound provides detailed images of soft tissues and can determine if a lump is a solid tumor or a fluid-filled cyst. For more complex cases, or if cancer is suspected, advanced imaging like a CT scan or MRI may be ordered to assess the extent of the abnormality and check for lymph node involvement. Based on the test results, the provider will establish a specific treatment plan, which may involve antibiotics, topical medications, or a referral to a specialist, such as a urologist, for specialized care or surgical consultation.