Sexual Health Alliance

What Men Should Know About Their Balls, According to a Urologist

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Most men are never taught what their testicles should normally look or feel like. That lack of familiarity can lead to unnecessary panic over harmless differences, or delays in seeking care when something genuinely changes.

The testicles do far more than support fertility. They produce s***m and testosterone, a hormone involved in libido, energy, mood, muscle mass, and bone health. It is normal for one testicle to hang lower, for the two sides to differ slightly in size, and for them to move closer to or farther from the body depending on temperature.

However, a new firm lump, persistent pain, swelling, redness, warmth, or a noticeable change in size or shape should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Most lumps are not cancerous, but an examination and ultrasound may be needed to tell the difference. Sudden, severe pain on one side requires immediate medical attention because it may indicate testicular torsion, which can block blood flow.

Occasional self-checks are not about diagnosing yourself. They are about learning your baseline so you can recognize changes early. Many urologists suggest checking during a warm shower, gently feeling one testicle at a time and becoming familiar with its shape, surface, and surrounding structures.

Understanding your anatomy is an important part of s//xual health. The best time to learn what is normal for your body is before something feels wrong.

Want a comprehensive, evidence-informed resource on male s//xual health, anatomy, hormones, fertility, and functioning? Comment “MALE” and we’ll send you our free 76-page Male S//xual Health and Functioning Guide.

Emotional Cheating Vs. Close Friendship

Emotional cheating isn't about having close friends. It's about whether a connection crosses the boundaries you and your partner have intentionally created together.

Unlike physical infidelity, emotional cheating doesn't always have a clear starting point. It often develops gradually through increasingly personal conversations, emotional dependence, or sharing parts of yourself that once belonged primarily within your relationship. Over time, what begins as an innocent friendship can shift into something that leaves a partner feeling excluded, replaced, or betrayed.

Healthy friendships, on the other hand, don't require secrecy. They respect your relationship instead of competing with it. They're open, transparent, and don't rely on hiding conversations, minimizing interactions, or seeking emotional support outside your partnership at the expense of your connection with your partner.

The challenge is that there's no universal rulebook.

For one couple, regularly confiding in a close friend may feel completely appropriate. For another, it may cross an agreed-upon boundary. Neither relationship is "right" or "wrong"; what matters is that both partners clearly communicate their expectations and respect the boundaries they've established together.

Healthy relationships aren't built on assumptions. They're built on honesty, transparency, and ongoing conversations about what helps each partner feel safe, valued, and connected.

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