Correlation of ultrasonographic and orchidometer measurements of testis volume in adults

A study from New York was aimed at determining the correlation between testicular volume measurements made with an orchidometer and with high‐resolution scrotal ultrasonography; the authors found that measurements made with the former strongly correlate with those from the latter. Premature ejaculation remains a significant problem, and authors from Brazil reports a placebo‐controlled study into the use of topical anaesthetic in this condition. OBJECTIVE To determine the correlation between testicular volume measured with an orchidometer or high‐resolution scrotal ultrasonography (US) with colour‐flow Doppler analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS In all, 159 men (mean age 36.6 years) presenting for infertility evaluation underwent both a physical examination by a one experienced examiner and high‐resolution US with colour‐flow Doppler analysis. An orchidometer was also used to measure testicular volume after stretching the scrotal skin tightly over the testis and after warming with a heating pad. The US was interpreted by a radiologist who had no knowledge of the orchidometer estimates. The volume was calculated as 0.71 × length × width × height. RESULTS For the right testes the mean orchidometer and US estimates were 18.4 and 18.3 mL, yielding a correlation coefficient of 0.72 ( r 2 = 0.52, P < 0.01). On the left the respective values were 17.1 and 16.9 mL, with a correlation coefficient of 0.69 ( r 2 = 0.48, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Orchidometer estimates of testicular volume correlate closely and very significantly with US estimates in adults. In the hands of an experienced examiner orchidometer measurements provide an accurate, rapid and inexpensive assessment of testicular volume.