Sir.—Most articles about preparticipation examination of athletes1 discuss examination of the joints, muscles, and internal organs, but conclude that youngsters with only one testicle should be excluded from participation in sports.
The male has long treasured his gonads; indeed, they have been termed "the family jewels." Whenever a man or boy is injured, the first thing he checks or asks about is the status of his gonads.
The testicles were one of the first structures to be completely encased in steel, aluminum, or plastic to provide the ultimate in protection, as they should be. However, common athletic injuries include those to the ankle, knee, hip, spine, clavicle, and long bones, followed by injuries to the head, spleen, and heart. I have never heard mention of an athletic injury leading to loss of the gonads.
This being the case, why do we exclude athletes who have only one testicle,