Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome:
Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) is a genetic condition that affects an estimated 1 in 20,000 people worldwide. People with AIS are born with female sex organs, but their bodies are unable to respond to androgens, the hormones that cause male physical traits. As a result, they may have physical characteristics that are neither male nor female. AIS is divided into three categories: complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS), and mild androgen insensitivity syndrome (MAIS).
Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS):
Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) is the most severe form of AIS. People with CAIS are born with female external genitalia, but their internal reproductive organs are undifferentiated, meaning they have neither ovaries nor testes. People with CAIS are usually raised as girls, although they may not experience puberty or menstruation.
Partial Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (PAIS):
Partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS) is the second most common type of AIS. People with PAIS are born with a mix of male and female external genitalia, and their internal reproductive organs may be partially developed. People with PAIS may experience some degree of male physical traits, such as facial hair, although they may not experience puberty or menstruation.
Mild Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (MAIS):
Mild androgen insensitivity syndrome (MAIS) is the least severe form of AIS. People with MAIS are born with female external genitalia, and their internal reproductive organs may be partially or fully developed. People with MAIS may experience some degree of male physical traits, such as facial hair, although they may not experience puberty or menstruation.
Prevalence of Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome:
The exact prevalence of androgen insensitivity syndrome is not known. However, it is estimated that 1 in 20,000 people have some form of AIS. It is also estimated that 1 in 100,000 people have CAIS, 1 in 10,000 people have PAIS, and 1 in 1,000 people have MAIS.