Epidemiologic Study about Testicular Volume Performed in Young Men in Taejeon City and Chung-nam Area

Lee, Kwang Woo; Ku, Ja Hyeon; Lee, Nam Kyu

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing testicular volume in young men.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Between May and November 2001, 2,700 20 year old men, form a census district, were randomly selected at a 10.0% sampling fraction, along with a further 2,080 men who agreed to participate in the study. All volunteers underwent a standard evaluation, including a detailed medical history and physical examination. After excluding men with testicular diseases, 1,792 men were included in the study.
RESULTS
There were significant correlations of testicular volumes with height, body weight, and body-mass index, but these were only weak. From the multivariate model used, high temperature was associated with a decreased likelihood (odds ratio [OR], 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29-0.60; p<0.001) of paired testicular volume (less than 25th percentiles among participants). The likelihood of a decreased paired testicular volume varied by area, with a 1.6-fold greater risk of men dwelling in large rural areas than those in major towns. A greater height was associated with a decreased likelihood (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38-0.96; p=0.032), and low body weight was associated with an increased likelihood, of a decreased paired testicular volume (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.57-4.12; p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings established that demographic and environmental factors have an impact on testicular size, and suggest that body size may have a role in determining testicular size in young men.