Male gonadal quantitative parameters according to the direct orchidometry

In the context of the secular trend of decreasing male fertility rates that began worldwide in the 1980s, the issue of reference values of anatomical parameters of male gonads is actual scientific task of modern andrology and urology. The information available in the literature for different populations is contradictory and is represented by indirect measurements. The aim of the study was to establish reference values of anatomical parameters of male gonads based on direct instrumental orchidometry. The material for the study was measurements of orchidometric parameters of 217 autopsy cases of male individuals of homogeneous ethnic and territorial affiliation aged 19-88 years. The study did not include autopsy cases in which signs of liver disease, malignant neoplasms, HIV infection, diseases of the testicles and their membranes were found. Autopsies were performed within the first two days after death. To measure the linear dimensions of the testicle, we used an electronic caliper with an accuracy of 0,01 mm, scales with an accuracy of 0,001 mg, the volume was measured by water displacement in a measuring cylinder with an accuracy of 0,1 ml. According to the obtained results, the average weight of the right testicle was 18,4±0,39 g, the left - 17,3±0,37 g, the average volume of the right testicle was 17,8±0,38 ml, the left - 16,6±0,36 ml, the average density of both the right and left testicles was 1,04±0,002 g/ml with a range of variation of the average volume of 17,22±5,33 ml (M±σ). Among the linear parameters, the values of the length and width of the testicle showed the least variability, the coefficients of their variation did not exceed the permissible values for statistically significant conclusions about the boundaries of variability. The most variable parameter was the organ thickness, more pronounced fluctuations in values were also inherent in the mass of the left testicle. As a result of the study, reference (M±0,67σ) values of testicle sizes were established, which can be used to determine deviations during clinical examination of patients, forensic and pathological autopsies.