Partial (PGD) or Mixed (MGD)?
- Guys with PGD are born with gonads that have 2 types of tissue: testicular tissue and nonfunctioning tissue (also called ‘dysgenetic’ tissue.) The testicular tissue produces some testosterone (T) and which their bodies cab fully react to. However, because the gonads are only partially formed, they will make less T for puberty and may not produce sperm (or other genetic material). Guys with this condition have a Y chromosome, which means they won’t have a womb or periods.
- Guys with MGD are born with gonads that have 3 types of tissue: testicular tissue, nonfunctioning tissue (also called ‘dysgenetic’), and ovarian tissue. The testicular tissue can produce some T and their body can react fully to it. And, the ovarian tissue can produce some E and their body can react fully to it, too. As a result, the gonads may make less T and more E for puberty than other guys. It isn’t clear if the gonads can make sperm or eggs, but it isn’t likely. Guys with this condition may have both an X and a Y chromosome. Some may have 2 X chromosomes.Some guys may have some cells with X & Y chromosomes and some cells with 2 X chromosomes (this is called ‘mosaicism.’) Typically, guys with MGD do not have wombs or periods.
Penis
Some guys with MGD or PGD may have a penis on the smaller side; in others the penis may be larger. It probably depends on how much T your body had before you were born. Perhaps doctors gave you extra T when you were a child, to help your penis grow larger (ask your parents or doctors if you’re not sure about this).
The penis often grows during puberty with T. Depending on how much T the body can make, there may be less or more growth of a penis.
If you want to know more about your genitals, orgasms, sex, and potential treatments, check out this and this link.
What is your gonadal situation?
With gonads
Some people choose to remove gonads for different reasons. If someone with PGD or MGD has a tumor—or if there is a high risk of developing one, depending on your body—some guys choose to have them removed.
Changes from T & E are often irreversible: this means that body hair, acne, or a voice getting lower will remain in your body, even when you don’t have those hormones. And, for some guys, doctors might see if enough T is made to help the body change at puberty and give penis growth—sometimes, doctors might talk with guys with PGD or MGD about taking extra T, even if they have gonads that produce T. It just depends.
Talk to your doctors and parents about this decision: it’s a big one, and removing the gonads means taking hormones for the rest of your life. Weigh the options and decide what feels right for you.
In the Puberty:Outside section, we show a range of body responses to T. When you go back, check out what happens when you are able to react to T but may not have a lot of it. Some changes from T may have happened before you were born.
Remember that PGD or MGD covers a big range, so we can’t pinpoint exactly how much T your body has, but we know that your body can absolutely respond to it if it has it.
Also check out the changes your body can make with a little E (like strengthening bones)
Without Gonads
Your body will respond to both the hormone testosterone (T) and to estrogen (E).
Changes from the hormones T & E are often irreversible: this means that body hair, acne, or a voice getting lower will remain in your body, even when you don’t have those hormones.
Talk to your doctors and parents about which hormones are right for you.
In the Puberty:Outside section, we show a range of body responses to T. When you go back, check out what happens when you are able to react to T but may not have a lot of it. Some changes from T may have happened before you were born.
Also check out the changes your body can make with a little E (like strengthening bones).