Treatment for Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome
Treatment for AIS depends on whether the condition is complete, partial, or mild, and doctors tailor it to the individual’s needs. When it comes to treatment for androgen insensitivity syndrome, the focus is on physical health, hormone balance, psychological support, and informed decision-making.
Complete AIS (CAIS)
- Gonadectomy (Removal of Testes)
- Undescended testes have a small risk of cancer over time.
- Doctors may perform surgery after puberty to allow natural hormone effects on breast and bone development.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- Doctors usually prescribe estrogen after gonadectomy to maintain feminine features and prevent osteoporosis.
- Vaginal Lengthening (if needed)
- For those with a short or absent vagina, options include non-surgical dilation or vaginoplasty.
- Only pursued if the individual desires penetrative intercourse.
- Psychosocial Support
- Counselling helps individuals and families process the diagnosis, gender identity, and future reproductive choices.
Partial AIS (PAIS)
- Gender assignment may be challenging at birth. Doctors make decisions in consultation with specialists.
- Doctors may perform surgery to reconstruct genitalia, but they increasingly delay it until the individual can participate in the decision-making process.
- Doctors may administer hormone therapy during puberty, depending on the gender assigned or identified.
Mild AIS (MAIS)
- May only require monitoring, fertility counselling, and breast tissue management if needed.
Multidisciplinary Approach
In South Africa, treatment is available at specialised endocrine and urology centres. A team approach may involve:
- Paediatricians
- Endocrinologists
- Surgeons
- Psychologists
- Genetic counsellors
Let’s now examine possible complications and the long-term outlook for people living with AIS.
👉 [Next: Complications of Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome]
Martin Herbst Physiotherapist Pretoria East
