No, everyone's testicles (balls) are not the exact same size; there's a normal range of sizes, and it's common for one to be slightly larger or hang lower than the other, often the right one being bigger, but significant changes or lumps warrant a doctor's visit. Average adult testicles measure around 4.5-5.1 cm in length, but variation is normal, with volumes generally between 12-30 cm³, and sizes can vary from a bird egg to a small chicken egg.
Not everyone's testicles are the same size, and a range of sizes can be healthy. Some studies suggest that smaller testicles are associated with lower sperm production. However, you can have smaller-than-average testicles and be just as fertile as someone with larger testicles.
It's normal for guys to have one testicle a bit bigger than the other. A normal size difference is about the size of half a teaspoon, and usually the right testicle is larger than the left. If one testicle is just a little bigger than the other, you can ask your doctor about it at your next checkup.
On average, adult balls are about 18ml as shown here. Although, it's worth noting that in a study of 159 males, scientists found that the left testicle was slightly smaller at around 17ml.
The normal testis in the postpubertal male is oval shaped, 4-5 cm long, 3 cm high, and 2.5 cm wide. However, testis volume differs according to age and the stage of sexual development. It is also common for each testis to have a different volume.
In general, the size of the testicles does not directly affect health. However, some studies in animals suggest that testicle size may affect the amount of sperm that a male produces.
Testicular volume (a measure of testicle size) is directly related to sperm count. This means smaller testicles tend to produce less sperm. Up to one-quarter of young men aged 18-19 have low testicular volume, or smaller-than-normal testicles. This puts their future fertility at risk, Cannarella said.
In men, natural testosterone levels tend to fall over time, and some studies note that testicles may start to shrink during middle age—often noticeable around the 40s or 50s. This process happens because of age-related changes in hormones and the normal aging of the testicular tissue.
Adult testicles range in size from about 15 mL (similar to a bird egg) to 35 mL (similar to a small chicken egg). One testicle may be slightly larger than the other. Commonly, one testicle hangs lower than the other. There should be no pain or discomfort when the testicles and scrotum are handled gently.
One of the most common hormonal causes of smaller testicles is low testosterone, a condition where the body doesn't produce enough of this critical male hormone. Some men with low testosterone may notice a reduction in testicular size.
While there are many factors that can influence actual testicular size: genetics, body proportion, medication use, a taller individual with proportionately larger testicles does not necessarily produce more sperm by volume than a shorter man with smaller testicles.
Mean testicular volumes at birth, 1, 5, 10, 15, and 18 years were 1.8, 1.8, 3.3, 15.3, and 24.1 ml, respectively.
See a GP if:
Scrotal asymmetry, in which one testicle extends farther down into the scrotum than the other, is common. This is because of the differences in the vasculature's anatomy. For 85% of men, the right testis hangs lower than the left one.
Not releasing sperm for 30 days is generally harmless, as the body reabsorbs unused sperm or expels it via "wet dreams," but it can lead to temporary testicular discomfort (blue balls) from increased blood flow and may alter sperm quality (potentially improving motility initially but decreasing quality over much longer periods). While some believe in benefits like increased energy, scientific evidence is limited; if you experience difficulty ejaculating (anejaculation), it's best to see a doctor as it could signal an underlying issue.
Exercise and nutrition can improve hormonal balance and overall health, but they won't directly increase testicle size. Supplements and Pills: Many supplements, such as testosterone boosters, herbal supplements like tribulus terrestris, and other over-the-counter pills, claim to increase testicle size.
Symptoms
We cannot determine male fertility by looking at a man or even by analysing his general health and lifestyle factors. To know if you are fertile, you will need to get tested. The depth of analysis and what the testing can tell you depends upon the package you opt for.
In theory, you only need one sperm cell to create a baby, but most people realise they need a few more to conceive. If you have a sperm count below 15 million sperm cells per millilitre, you are considered to have a low sperm count, making it less likely to achieve pregnancy without fertility treatment.
High testosterone in males can cause a variety of signs and symptoms, including acne, increased sex drive, excessive facial and body hair, mood changes, infertility, and more. People who show symptoms associated with high testosterone should contact their doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Specifically, the authors found that men with a higher consumption of fish oil supplements had larger testicular size, greater sperm volume, greater total sperm count, lower follicle-stimulating hormone concentration, lower luteinizing hormone concentration, and a higher ratio of free testosterone to luteinizing ...
Testicular volume rapidly increases during puberty and peaks at age 30 years. Subsequently, the volume of the testes stabilizes in a plateau-like manner until age 60 years. After age 60 years, this study shows that testicular volume decreases significantly.