[Clinical evaluation of testicular size in boys and adolescents]

On 596 healthy boys and adolescents from 4 to 17 years of age measurements of the length and the width of the left testis as well as of the thickness of scrotal skin were carried out by means of a caliper, and the testis volume was secondarily calculated. Age specific mean values (means) and their +/- 2 s-limits are listed. Nonlinear s-shaped regression lines of the three main parameters clearly underline that the greatest increase is to be found in the length of testis. Consequently, as an indicator for gonadal developmental disturbances instead of testis volume measuring of testis length is recommended for routine in the physical examination of inpatients and outpatients as well as for the screening of schoolboys and male teenagers.