Klinefelter syndrome is one of the most common genetic disorders in men. It occurs when a male fetus has as many or more X chromosomes than necessary.
Many men have the same X and Y chromosome and a different chromosome can disadvantage a man with physical characteristics that are not suitable for men.
Klinefelter syndrome is found in 1 in 1000 men. An unwanted opposite-sex chromosome results from a rare error in sperm or egg formation.
More than half the time there is something wrong with sperm production and the rest is due to problems with egg development. Women who become pregnant after the age of 35 are more likely to have a baby with the disease.
The complete picture of an individual’s chromosomes is called a karyotype. Any variation in that karyotype results in chromosomal abnormalities and Klinefelter syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality due to the presence of an extra or extra X chromosome in offspring.
Causes Of Klinefelter Syndrome
The presence of an extra X chromosome occurs when the gene segregates asynchronously in an egg. It can also form if the gene in the sperm separates in a different way.
Although it is one of the most common genetic disorders, it is not passed down through family members.
Symptoms Of Klinefelter Syndrome
Men with Klinefelter syndrome have no obvious symptoms. Some of them had short messy hair, wide hips and enlarged breasts. In every man the sperm remains small, and in some the penis does not grow to adult size.
Treatment Of Klinefelter Syndrome
There are different types of treatments available for Klinefelter syndrome and treatments vary depending on the patient symptoms. Treatment includes:
- Fertility treatment.
- Psychological counselling.
- Removal of excess breast tissue.
- Hormonal Replacement Therapy.
- Support and Educational evaluation.
Men affected by Klinefelter syndrome are given testosterone, the male sex hormone needed for sexual enhancement. If treatment begins near the age of puberty, it can work to optimize the development of children’s bodies.
Testosterone is injected through a gel or skin film. Treatment generally extends a man’s life, but does not help with infertility. Educational support and speech therapy can help children with language impairments.
A man can collect his sperm using a sperm extraction test (TEST) if he wants to have children. Sperm is obtained during the TEST by inserting a clean needle into the anus or a small artificial tube. Normal sperm is obtained and used through in vitro fertilization.
This was a brief introduction to Klinefelter syndrome. Visit us at BYJU’S Biology to learn more about Klinefelter, its causes, symptoms and other related topics.
