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Jugendmedizin|language=German|last1=Stier|first1=Bernhard|last2=Weissenrieder|first2=Nikolaus|last3=Schwab|first3=Karl Otfried|publisher=Springer-Verlag|year=2018|isbn=978-3-662-52782-5}}</ref> It consists of a string of twelve numbered wooden or plastic beads of increasing size from about 1 to 25 [[millilitre]]s. [[Physician|Doctor]]s sometimes informally refer to them as "Prader's balls", "the medical [[worry beads]]", or the "endocrine [[rosary]]."<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V5ExDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA86|page=86|title=Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Comprehensive Guide|last1=Hindmarsh|first1=Peter C.|last2=Geertsma|first2=Kathy|publisher=Academic Press|year=2017|isbn=978-0-12-811483-4}}</ref>
Jugendmedizin|language=German|last1=Stier|first1=Bernhard|last2=Weissenrieder|first2=Nikolaus|last3=Schwab|first3=Karl Otfried|publisher=Springer-Verlag|year=2018|isbn=978-3-662-52782-5}}</ref> It consists of a string of twelve numbered wooden or plastic beads of increasing size from about 1 to 25 [[millilitre]]s. [[Physician|Doctor]]s sometimes informally refer to them as "Prader's balls", "the medical [[worry beads]]", or the "endocrine [[rosary]]."<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V5ExDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA86|page=86|title=Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Comprehensive Guide|last1=Hindmarsh|first1=Peter C.|last2=Geertsma|first2=Kathy|publisher=Academic Press|year=2017|isbn=978-0-12-811483-4}}</ref>


The beads are compared with the testicles of the patient, and the volume is read off the bead which matches most closely in size. Prepubertal sizes are 1–3 ml, pubertal sizes are considered 4 ml and up and adult sizes are 12–25 ml.
The beads are compared with the testicles of the patient, and the volume is read off the bead which matches most closely in size. Prepubertal sizes are 1–3 ml, pubertal sizes are considered 4 ml and up and adult sizes are 12–25 ml.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V5ExDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA86|page=86|title=Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Comprehensive Guide|last1=Hindmarsh|first1=Peter C.|last2=Geertsma|first2=Kathy|publisher=Academic Press|year=2017|isbn=978-0-12-811483-4}}</ref>


The orchidometer can be used to accurately determine size of testes. Discrepancy of testicular size with other parameters of maturation can be an important clue to various diseases. Small testes can indicate either primary or secondary [[hypogonadism]]. Testicular size can help distinguish between different types of [[precocious puberty]]. Since testicular growth is typically the first physical sign of true puberty, one of the most common uses is as confirmation that puberty is beginning in a boy with [[delayed puberty|delay]]. Large testes ([[macroorchidism]]) can be a clue to one of the most common causes of [[intellectual disability|inherited generalised learning disability]], [[fragile X syndrome]].
The orchidometer can be used to accurately determine size of testes. Discrepancy of testicular size with other parameters of maturation can be an important clue to various diseases. Small testes can indicate either primary or secondary [[hypogonadism]]. Testicular size can help distinguish between different types of [[precocious puberty]]. Since testicular growth is typically the first physical sign of true puberty, one of the most common uses is as confirmation that puberty is beginning in a boy with [[delayed puberty|delay]]. Large testes ([[macroorchidism]]) can be a clue to one of the most common causes of [[intellectual disability|inherited generalised learning disability]], [[fragile X syndrome]].
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==Related concept==
==Related concept==
Numerous clinical scales and measurement systems exist to define genitals as normal male or female, or "abnormal", including the [[Prader scale]], [[Quigley scale]]. and the satirical [[Phall-O-Meter]].
Numerous clinical scales and measurement systems exist to define genitals as normal male or female, or "abnormal", including the [[Prader scale]], [[Quigley scale]]. and the satirical [[Phall-O-Meter]].

==See also==
* [[Testicle]]

==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== Further reading ==
== Further reading ==
* Prader, A., "Testicular size: Assessment and clinical importance", ''Triangle'', 1966, vol. 7, pp.&nbsp;240 – 243
* {{cite journal|last=Prader|first=Andrea|journal=Triangle; the Sandoz Journal of Medical Science|title=Testicular size: Assessment and clinical importance|year=1966|volume=7|issue=6|pages=240-243|pmid=5920758}}
* Taranger, J., Engström, I., Lichtensten, H., Svenberg-Redegren, I., "Somatic Pubertal Development", ''Acta Pediatr. Scand.'' Suppl. 1976, vol. 258, pp.&nbsp;121–135
* Taranger, J., Engström, I., Lichtensten, H., Svenberg-Redegren, I., "Somatic Pubertal Development", ''Acta Pediatr. Scand.'' Suppl. 1976, vol. 258, pp.&nbsp;121–135


Revision as of 08:07, 10 February 2020

A schematic of an orchidometer

An orchidometer (or orchiometer) is a medical instrument used to measure the volume of the testicles.

The orchidometer was introduced in 1966 by Swiss pediatric endocrinologist Andrea Prader of the University of Zurich.[1] It consists of a string of twelve numbered wooden or plastic beads of increasing size from about 1 to 25 millilitres. Doctors sometimes informally refer to them as "Prader's balls", "the medical worry beads", or the "endocrine rosary."[2]

The beads are compared with the testicles of the patient, and the volume is read off the bead which matches most closely in size. Prepubertal sizes are 1–3 ml, pubertal sizes are considered 4 ml and up and adult sizes are 12–25 ml.[3]

The orchidometer can be used to accurately determine size of testes. Discrepancy of testicular size with other parameters of maturation can be an important clue to various diseases. Small testes can indicate either primary or secondary hypogonadism. Testicular size can help distinguish between different types of precocious puberty. Since testicular growth is typically the first physical sign of true puberty, one of the most common uses is as confirmation that puberty is beginning in a boy with delay. Large testes (macroorchidism) can be a clue to one of the most common causes of inherited generalised learning disability, fragile X syndrome.

Stephen Shalet, a leading endocrinologist who works for the Christie Hospital in Manchester, is reported to have told The Observer, "Every endocrinologist should have an orchidometer. It's his stethoscope."[citation needed]

Orchidometers are also commonly used to measure testicular volume in rams.

Numerous clinical scales and measurement systems exist to define genitals as normal male or female, or "abnormal", including the Prader scale, Quigley scale. and the satirical Phall-O-Meter.

See also

References

  1. ^ Stier, Bernhard; Weissenrieder, Nikolaus; Schwab, Karl Otfried (2018). Jugendmedizin (in German). Springer-Verlag. p. 16. ISBN 978-3-662-52782-5.
  2. ^ Hindmarsh, Peter C.; Geertsma, Kathy (2017). Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Comprehensive Guide. Academic Press. p. 86. ISBN 978-0-12-811483-4.
  3. ^ Hindmarsh, Peter C.; Geertsma, Kathy (2017). Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Comprehensive Guide. Academic Press. p. 86. ISBN 978-0-12-811483-4.

Further reading

  • Prader, Andrea (1966). "Testicular size: Assessment and clinical importance". Triangle; the Sandoz Journal of Medical Science. 7 (6): 240–243. PMID 5920758.
  • Taranger, J., Engström, I., Lichtensten, H., Svenberg-Redegren, I., "Somatic Pubertal Development", Acta Pediatr. Scand. Suppl. 1976, vol. 258, pp. 121–135
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