Small Testicles And The Average Testicle Size

Are small testicles a serious problem for men?

The testes, oval organs located in the scrotum, play a fundamental role in the production of sperm.

The size of the testicles can vary considerably and usually does not affect your health.

What is considered small testicles?

On average, the standard size of the testicles varies between about 2 to 3 inches in length, 1 to 1.5 inches in width.

They are considered small if they measure less than 1.5 inches in length.

How to measure testicle size

Usually, the size of the testicles is measured using ultrasound, a painless and non-invasive method that provides precise results.

Another tool is the orchidometer, a simpler device for measuring the testicles. It consists of oval beads of various sizes, each corresponding to the size of a human testicle.

Your doctor can compare your testicles to these beads by gently touching them to determine their size.

You can also estimate the size at home using a tape measure. It is important to do this after a hot shower to avoid cold cramps.

This is also a good time to do a testicular self-examination to look for lumps or signs of testicular cancer.

Small testicles and low fertility

The testes play two fundamental roles in the male body:

The size of the testes can potentially influence sperm production since approximately 80% of their volume is made up of the seminiferous tubules, where sperm are formed.

A 2014 study published in the African Journal of Urology suggests that smaller testicles may be related to lower sperm concentration.

However, it is important to note that testicular size is not a definitive indicator of fertility. Even with smaller testicles, a man can be just as fertile as one with larger testicles.

If you and your partner are having trouble conceiving, it is advisable to consult a fertility specialist. Measuring testosterone levels and sperm count can help determine whether fertility problems are related to these factors.

Why do I have small testicles

It is critical to understand that testicle size can vary significantly between individuals, and these natural variations do not always indicate the presence of medical conditions.

Often, these differences have little or no impact on the health and functioning of the reproductive organs.

However, there are some medical conditions that can lead to a reduction in the size of the testicles.

Male hypogonadism

A condition that can affect the size of the testicles is known as male hypogonadism.

Hypogonadism occurs when there is insufficient production of testosterone in the body, which can lead to the failure to develop male characteristics.

Primary hypogonadism

Primary hypogonadism can result from testicular dysfunction, in which the testes do not respond adequately to brain signals to produce adequate amounts of testosterone and sperm.

Causes may include birth defects, infections, testicular torsion, or excessive use of anabolic steroids.

Secondary hypogonadism

Secondary hypogonadism occurs when the testes are functioning properly, but there is insufficient production of luteinizing hormone by the pituitary gland in the brain.

This hormone is essential for transmitting signals to the testicles for testosterone production.

Klinefelter syndrome and small testicles

This non-hereditary chromosomal disease results from the presence of an additional X chromosome in men. The total number of chromosomes is then 47 with a formula 47, XXY, instead of 46 with a formula 46, XY (normal formula in males).

Klinefelter syndrome affects approximately 1 in 600 men.

The main clinical sign is infertility (failing or even completely absent sperm), while other non-specific signs are an increase in the size of the mammary glands (gynecomastia) and small testicles.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for this syndrome. Treatment is only symptomatic, like testosterone replacement therapy or cosmetic surgery.

Obesity

An interesting study was conducted in Italy in 2022 that looked at testicular size in different groups of boys and men. The study involved 264 young men and boys, divided into 61 individuals with normal body weight, 53 overweight and 150 obese.

The results revealed that overweight and obese boys, aged between 9 and 14 years, had significantly lower testicular volume than their peers with normal body weight. Furthermore, overweight and obese boys reached puberty later than their peers with normal body weight.

In a group of boys aged 14 to 16 years and in another group aged less than 9 years, those with insulin resistance (hyperinsulinemia) showed smaller testicular volumes than boys without insulin resistance.

Varicocele

Small testicles can also be caused by a condition called varicocele. This condition is characterized by the presence of varicose veins in the pampiniform plexus, which can lead to a decrease in the size of the testicles and an increase in their sensitivity to touch.

Cryptorchidism (Undescended Testis)

Small testes can also result from cryptorchidism, a condition in which the testes do not descend into the scrotum during fetal development. Usually, this condition can be treated surgically during childhood.

What do small testicles mean for me

For prepubertal males, small testicular size can mean the lack of development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as:

After puberty, symptoms of testicular atrophy may include:

Is There a Cure for Small Testicles

If you have any concerns about the size of your testicles, we recommend that you consult your doctor.

A professional evaluation by a doctor will determine whether the size of your testicles indicates an underlying condition or whether it has no impact on your health.

Talking openly with your doctor can address your concerns and provide you with information about possible treatment options.

Infertility therapy

There are several medications available to treat fertility problems caused by hypogonadism. An example is clomiphene (Clomid), an orally administered drug that stimulates hormones necessary for fertility. Although commonly used in women, it can also be prescribed to treat male infertility.

Another option is gonadotropin injections, which can help increase sperm production in cases of small testicles. Gonadotropins are hormones that stimulate testicular activity.

Testosterone treatment can lead to benefits such as increased energy, improved libido, increased muscle mass, and improved mental well-being.

However, it is crucial that testosterone treatment is supervised by a doctor due to possible serious side effects, such as prostate problems, aggressive behavior, and circulatory problems.

Treatment for varicocele

In the case of varicocele, treatment may not always be necessary. However, if varicose veins are negatively impacting testicular health or fertility, the surgical option may be considered.

During surgery, the surgeon closes the affected veins and diverts blood flow to healthy veins in the scrotum. This procedure can help reverse testicular atrophy and improve sperm production.

Therapy for undescended testicles

Surgical correction of undescended testes, known as orchidopexy, involves positioning the testes in the scrotum and is usually performed within the first year of life.

However, you must be aware that there are no reliable and effective methods to enlarge the testicles. You should not trust the procedures advertised in magazines or online.

Are small testicles a cause for concern?

If you have concerns about the size of your testicles, it is essential to consult a doctor.

While there may be no cause for concern, it is advisable to get a professional opinion to avoid unnecessary worry. Ask questions, and if treatment is an option, consider it carefully.

If everything seems to be normal, remember that the size of the testicles can vary and the important thing is that everything is working properly.