What is Klinefelter’s Syndrome?
Klinefelter’s Syndrome, also known as KS or XXY, is a genetic disorder affecting males from birth. It is a condition that is not life-threatening, but can have major quality of life implications throughout all stages of development from early childhood to adolescence to manhood.
Over 13,000 Australian males with KS (Klinefelter’s Syndrome) are undiagnosed and untreated. Males with KS have an extra X sex chromosome.
An orchidometer is used by doctors to measure the size of testes. If the testes size of adolescents or adult males is less than 4mL see your doctor.
KS males have:
- Very small undeveloped testicles
- Delayed puberty
- Sparse body and facial hair
- Poor muscle development and strength
- Poor motor skills
- Childhood learning difficulties
- Developmental and self-esteem issues
- Tend to be tall and uncoordinated
- Female-like fat distribution (hips and breasts)
- Low sexual motivation and sexual problems
- Low levels of the hormone testosterone
- Poor bone structure (osteoporosis)
- Infertility
More KS information:
Hear from the Medical Expert about KS - from the ABC TV program Catalyst in 2014
