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OrchidometerAn orchidometer is a medical instrumentused to measure the volumeof the testicles. The orchidometer was introduced in 1966by pediatric endocrinologist Andreas Praderof the University of Zurich. It consists of a string of twelve numbered wooden or plastic beads of increasing size from about 1 cc to 25 cc. Doctorssometimes informally refer to them as "Prader's balls", "the medical worry beads", or the "endocrine rosary." 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 cc, pubertal sizes are considered 4 cc and up and adult sizes are 12-25cc. 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 mental retardation, fragile X syndrome. Professor Stephen Shalet, a leading endocrinologistwho works for the Christie Hospitalin Manchester, is reported to have told The Observer, "Every endocrinologist should have an orchidometer. It's his stethoscope." Further reading
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Categories: Andrology| Medical equipment| Dimensional instruments
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