| ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX |
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| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
Reifenstein syndrome |
| Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention |
| Alternative Names: |
| Partial androgen insensitivity syndrome; Incomplete male pseudohermaphroditism |
| Treatment: |
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Early and continuous testosterone treatment may improve the chance that a boy will grow up to be fertile. |
| Support Groups: |
| Support can be obtained from the Androgen Insensitivity Support Group. Call 978-455-2012. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
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Androgens are most important during early development in the womb. A male with Reifenstein syndrome can have a normal lifespan and be totally healthy, with the exception of infertility and possible psychological problems related to gender identity. In the most severe cases, feminized external genitalia or an extremely small penis tend to cause psychological and emotional problems for these boys. In these cases, some parents have tried to raise people with Reifenstein syndrome as girls; however, this is rarely effective. Genital surgery should be postponed until the affected person can make an informed choice. There are numerous accounts of people with ambiguous genitalia who had surgery during infancy to feminize their organs (since it is easier to do this than to create male organs) who later feel maimed. |
| Complications: |
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| Calling your health care provider: |
| Call your health care provider if you, your son, or a male family member have infertility or incomplete development of male external organs, despite high blood testosterone. Genetic testing and counseling is available if there is a strong suspicion that this disease is present. |
Male reproductive system |
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