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

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.