What you do is put the snakes head in your mouth up to the snakes eyes and gently blow. The hemipenes pop right out like party favors. (Please folks, this is a joke. Do not try this at home.)
Five scales would be neutral territory. Could be either. I myself call anything that doesn't probe 4 or less scales a probable male. I agree that if you feel comfortable doing it, that popping would be advised. If not, perhaps a second opinion from someone else on the sex.
