Long-Term Perspectives for 46,XY Patients Affected by Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome or Congenital Micropenis

ABSTRACT

Controversy concerning optimal treatment for individuals affected by syndromes of abnormal sex differentiation can best be resolved with knowledge about long-term medical, surgical, and psychosexual outcomes of patients. Follow-up information has recently been gathered on older cohorts of the following patient groups: (1) those affected by complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) raised female and (2) those affected by congenital micropenis raised male or female. As a group, women with CAIS were satisfied with their female gender and sexual function. However, a need for better patient education was identified for this specific population. Most patients with congenital micropenis, whether raised male or female, were satisfied with their gender. Regardless of sex of rearing, dissatisfaction with the appearance and function of the genitalia as judged by both physicians and subjects was evident. For patients with congenital micropenis, male sex of rearing was concluded to be optimal because genital reconstructive surgery is not required with this choice.

KEYWORDS

Androgen insensitivity - micropenis - gender - sex - intersex

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