METHODS: We performed a mini review of the literature.
RESULTS: In 1951 Reynolds and Wines categorised pubic hair growth and genital development in five stages by visual inspection. Today the Tanner scale is used to assess the five stages of pubertal development, The second genital stage, characterised by enlargement of the scrotum defines pubertal onset in males. Testicular volume may be evaluated by using a calliper or by ultrasound scan. The Prader orchidometer, described in 1966, offers a method for evaluating testicular growth by palpation. Pubertal onset is commonly defined as testicular volume >3 or ≥4 mL. The development of sensitive laboratory methods has enabled studies analysing hormonal activity in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. We review the relationships between physical and hormonal signs of puberty. We also discuss the results of studies assessing different aspects of pubertal development with a focus on identifying the most reliable clinical sign of pubertal onset in males.
CONCLUSIONS: A substantial amount of evidence supports testicular volume of 3 mL as the most reliable clinical sign of male pubertal onset.
方法:我们对文献进行了简短回顾。
结果:1951年,雷诺兹和葡萄酒公司通过目视检查将阴毛生长和生殖器发育分为五个阶段。今天,Tanner量表用于评估青春期发育的五个阶段,第二个生殖器阶段,以阴囊增大为特征,定义了男性的青春期发作。睾丸体积可以通过使用卡尺或通过超声扫描来评估。Prader睾丸仪,描述于1966年,提供了一种通过触诊评估睾丸生长的方法。青春期发病通常定义为睾丸体积>3mL或≥4mL。灵敏的实验室方法的发展使研究能够分析下丘脑-垂体-性腺轴中的激素活性。我们回顾了青春期的身体和荷尔蒙体征之间的关系。我们还讨论了评估青春期发育不同方面的研究结果,重点是确定男性青春期发病的最可靠临床体征。
结论:大量证据支持睾丸体积为3mL是男性青春期发病的最可靠临床体征。