As we proudly progress towards equality, Sewanee has become more comfotable with topics that were once taboo, such as gender and sexuality. This column is dedicated to uplifting some of the sexually related topics that are seldom spoken-of in our community. The topic of this edition is CAIS!
Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) is when a person who is genetically male (who has one X and one Y chromosome) is resistant to male hormones (called androgens). As a result, the person has some or all of the physical traits of a woman, but the genetic makeup of a man.
So is a person with CAIS man? Woman? Superwoman? While her chromosomes tell a different story, a person with CAIS is very much a superwoman. While almost all men and women carry the hormones of the opposite sex, people with CAIS cannot use androgens AT ALL. Because of their appearance, female sex characteristics (a present vagina and internal gonads), and inability to process testosterone, they are typically raised with a female gender identity.
How common is CAIS? According to Genetic’s Home Reference, a guide to understanding genetic conditions, anywhere between 2 to 5 people per 100,000 people who are genetically male.
If they appear the same, what makes women with CAIS unique?
1. NO PERIODS. Women with CAIS cannot have periods because they are genetically male; therefore, they do not have eggs or a uterus.
2. PUBELESS. If you’re forestry major, this may not be what you’re into. However, many women with CAIS lack axillary or pubic hair!
3. TIG OLE BITTIES. Though boob-size shouldn’t matter, the extra estrogen really pays off in some ways…sometimes.
A CAIS CUTIE: Jamie Lee Curtis
She’s has stolen our hearts from the Halloween movies to Freaky Friday! She’s known for her rockin’ bod and sultry voice. She’s also known for her ledgendary strip tease in True Lies, but claims that “in some circles [her] Caesar salad is more famous than [her] body.” She’s a superwoman: a non-believer in cosmetic surgery and a believer in natural beauty; a woman devoted to her family; a blogger for the Huffington Post, a New York Times best selling author, and a BAFTA and Golden Globe winner. Jamie Lee is also a dedicated supporter of seventeen charities and foundations including: children’s hospitals, American Foundation for Equal Rights, American Red Cross, Feed America, and rehabilitation centers for women in need.
If you have a subject that you think should be featured in this article, e-mail byarsmr0@sewanee.edu!
SOURCES:
[http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/androgen-insensitivity-syndrome