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Testicular SizeTesticular size in relation to body weight varies widely. In the mammalian kingdom, there is a tendency for testicular size to be larger when the species is more likely to be polygamous than monogamous. Production of testicular output is also larger in the polygamous animal, possibly a spermatogenic competition for survival. In normal adult human males, testicular size range from the lower end of around 14 cm to the upper end larger than 35 cm. Measurement in the living adult is done in two basic ways: (1) comparing the testicle with ellipsoids of known sizes (orchidometer), or (2) measuring the length, depth and width with a ruler, a pair of calipers or ultrasound imaging. The volume is then calculated, e.g. using the formula for ellipsoids: π/6 length width. To some extent it is possible to change testicular size. Short of direct injury or subjecting them to adverse conditions, e.g. higher temperature than they are normally accustomed to, they can be shrunk by competing against their intrinsic hormonal function through the use of externally administered steroidal hormones. Similarly, stimulation of testicular functions via gonadotrophic-like hormones may enlarge their size.
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