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Anorchidometer (ororchiometer) is amedical instrument used to measure thevolume of thetesticles.
The orchidometer was introduced in 1966 by Swiss pediatricendocrinologistAndrea Prader of theUniversity of Zurich.[1] It consists of a string of twelve numbered wooden or plastic beads of increasing size from about 1 to 25millilitres.Doctors sometimes informally refer to them as "Prader's balls", "the medicalworry beads", or the "endocrinerosary".[2]
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 ml, pubertal sizes are considered 4 ml and up and adult sizes are 15-25 ml.[2]
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 secondaryhypogonadism. Testicular size can help distinguish between different types ofprecocious 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 withdelayed puberty. Large testes (macroorchidism) can be a clue to one of the most common causes ofinherited generalised learning disability,fragile X syndrome.
Stephen Shalet, a leading endocrinologist who works for theChristie Hospital inManchester, is reported to have toldThe Observer: "Every endocrinologist should have an orchidometer. It's hisstethoscope."[citation needed]
Orchidometers are also commonly used to measure testicular volume oframs.
Numerous clinical scales and measurement systems exist to define genitals as normal male or female, or "abnormal", including thePrader scale,Quigley scale, and the satiricalPhall-O-Meter.[citation needed]
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