Is a 15ml Testicle Size Normal?
Yes, a testicular volume of 15 ml is within the normal range and does not indicate atrophy or pathology. 1
Understanding Normal Testicular Volume
The threshold that separates normal from abnormal testicular size is 12 ml, which represents the lower limit of normal testicular volume. 1 Volumes below this cutoff are considered small or atrophic and warrant further investigation. 2, 1
Your testicular volume of 15 ml falls comfortably above this threshold and corresponds to:
- A testicular length of approximately 4 cm, which translates to a volume range of 15-18 ml 1
- Normal spermatogenesis and adequate fertility potential 1
- No increased risk of intratubular germ cell neoplasia, which becomes significant when volumes drop below 12 ml 1
Clinical Context and Correlation with Function
Mean testicular size strongly correlates with testicular function, particularly total sperm count and sperm concentration. 1, 3 Research demonstrates that both sperm quantity and quality become impaired in testes smaller than 14 ml, but your 15 ml volume is at or above this functional threshold. 3
The normal adult male testicular volume ranges from 17-19 ml on average, though there is considerable individual variation. 4, 5 Your measurement of 15 ml, while slightly below the population mean, remains well within the normal functional range and does not suggest any pathology. 1
Important Caveats
If there is a size discrepancy between your two testes greater than 2 ml or 20%, further evaluation including ultrasound may be warranted to exclude pathology. 1 This is more clinically significant than the absolute size of either testis.
In the context of infertility concerns, even "normal-sized" testes should prompt semen analysis, as testicular volume alone cannot definitively predict fertility status. 1 A 15 ml testis can still be associated with abnormal semen parameters in some cases.
If you have a history of cryptorchidism (undescended testicles), testicular atrophy becomes more likely, though your 15 ml volume would not meet criteria for atrophy. 1 However, this history combined with any fertility concerns would warrant more thorough evaluation.
Measurement Considerations
The Prader orchidometer is commonly used in clinical practice and provides a reasonable estimate, though ultrasound measurements tend to read slightly higher (16-18 ml) for the same testis due to systematic measurement differences. 1 Regardless of measurement method, your 15 ml volume remains in the normal range. 5