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46,XX testicular disorder of sex development (46,XX testicular DSD) is characterized by male external genitalia, ranging from normal to ambiguous with associated testosterone deficiency.
Features include very common findings: Male hypogonadism, Ambiguous genitalia, Polycystic ovaries, and Decreased testicular size.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Hormones | 1 | Male hypogonadism |
Age of onset: at birth.
No consensus clinical diagnostic criteria for nonsyndromic 46,XX testicular disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) have been published. However, algorithms have been developed for the evaluation and diagnosis of DSD, including nonsyndromic 46,XX testicular DSD .
Nonsyndromic 46,XX testicular DSD should be considered in individuals with the following clinical, supportive laboratory, and imaging findings.
Clinical findings
No approved treatments are currently available for 46,XX testicular disorder of sex development. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
No clinical practice guidelines for nonsyndromic 46,XX testicular disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) have been published. Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis To establish the extent of the condition and needs in an individual diagnosed with nonsyndromic 46,XX testicular DSD, the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended. Table 5. Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis in Individuals with Nonsyndromic 46,XX Testicular Disorders/Differences of Sex Development
Table 7. Recommended Surveillance for Individuals with Nonsyndromic 46,XX Testicular Disorders/Differences of Sex Development
System/Concern |
|---|
1 clinical trial registered, 1 recruiting. Interventions under study include procedural interventions. Research is primarily sponsored by academic and government institutions.
17 publications have been identified in PubMed for 46,XX testicular disorder of sex development. Research spans Case Report / Case Series (41%), Basic Science / Preclinical (24%), and Review / Meta-Analysis (18%).
Research Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
Patient case studies | 7 |
Data assembled from 6 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 20, 2026, 9:35 PM UTC
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Common questions about 46,XX testicular disorder of sex development
By definition, nonsyndromic 46,XX testicular disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) are not associated with dysmorphic features, congenital anomalies outside of the genitourinary system, learning disorders / cognitive impairment, or behavioral issues. Approximately 85% of males with a 46,XX sex chromosome complement present after puberty with typical male pubic hair and penile size but small testes, gynecomastia, and sterility resulting from azoospermia . These typically represent individuals with nonsyndromic 46,XX testicular DSD, but ovotesticular DSD cannot be excluded as testicular biopsy is not clinically warranted and thus rarely performed. Differences of the penis. Most affected individuals have an orthotopic urethral meatus and no abnormalities of phallic size (i.e.
Source: GeneReviews — "Nonsyndromic 46,XX Testicular Disorders/Differences of Sex Development"
Male external genitalia that ranges from typical to ambiguous (penoscrotal hypospadias with or without chordee)
Two testicles, typically smaller than average for age
Absence of dysmorphic features and congenital anomalies outside of the genitourinary system
Normal cognitive development
Supportive laboratory findings
Source: GeneReviews — "Nonsyndromic 46,XX Testicular Disorders/Differences of Sex Development"
Nonsyndromic 46,XX testicular disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) must be differentiated from ovotesticular DSD as their potential outcomes differ, thus affecting management; see . Other disorders to consider in the differential diagnosis of nonsyndromic 46,XX testicular DSD are summarized in . Sex chromosome aneuploidies, which represent the most common disorders in the differential diagnosis, can be distinguished from 46,XX testicular DSD by karyotype and by FISH testing.
Table 4.
Disorders to Consider in the Differential Diagnosis of Nonsyndromic 46,XX Testicular Disorders/Differences of Sex Development
DifferentialCategory | Etiology | Phenotype
Sex
chromosome
Source: GeneReviews — "Nonsyndromic 46,XX Testicular Disorders/Differences of Sex Development"
Biomarker and diagnostic research for 46,XX testicular disorder of sex development has been reported in the published literature.
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Constitutional | Measurement of length/height | To assess for short stature |
Endocrinology | Measurement of LH, FSH, total testosterone levels | In those age 10 yrs Assessment of libido, energy, erectile function, acne, breast tenderness, presence of gynecomastia |
Urology | Physical exam for evidence of undervirilization | Incl assessment of length width of phallus; location of urethral meatus; location of gonads through palpation size measurement w/orchidometer Digital rectal exam measurement of PSA1 |
Psychology | Assessment of mood gender identity | By mental health professional Genetic |
counseling | By genetics professionals2 | To inform affected persons their families re nature, MOI, implications of nonsyndromic 46,XX testicular DSD to facilitate medical personal decision making Individual family support/ resources |
Treatment of Manifestations in Individuals with Nonsyndromic 46,XX Testicular Disorders/Differences of Sex Development Manifestation/Concern | Treatment | Considerations/Other |
Short stature | Growth hormone therapy may be considered. | Referral to endocrinologist recommended Low or absent serum testosterone levels1 |
Gynecomastia | Reduction mammoplasty may be considered if gynecomastia is causing psychological distress. | Regression of gynecomastia may occur w/testosterone replacement therapy. |
Osteopenia | Standard treatment per endocrinologist | May incl calcium, exercise, vitamin D, biphosphonates, or calcitonin |
Undervirilization | Standard therapy per urologist | May incl orchidopexy /or hypospadias repair Psychological |
distress | Referral to mental health professional | Sensitivity is necessary when conveying information to persons w/nonsyndromic 46,XX testicular DSD about genetic cause of the disorder assoc sterility. |
Source: GeneReviews — "Nonsyndromic 46,XX Testicular Disorders/Differences of Sex Development"
Contraindications to testosterone replacement therapy include prostate cancer (known or suspected) and breast cancer. Oral androgens such as methyltestosterone and fluoxymesterone should not be given (especially for long-term therapy) because of liver toxicity.
Source: GeneReviews — "Nonsyndromic 46,XX Testicular Disorders/Differences of Sex Development"
Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this condition.
Source: GeneReviews — "Nonsyndromic 46,XX Testicular Disorders/Differences of Sex Development"
1 trial found
Evaluation
Frequency |
|---|
Short stature | Measurement of length/height | At each visit Low testosterone |
levels | Assessment of mood, libido, energy, erectile function, acne, breast tenderness, presence or progression of gynecomastia | At each visit in adolescence adulthood For those on testosterone replacement |
therapy | Measurement of serum testosterone levels | Every 3 mos (prior to next injection) to evaluate nadir testosterone concentrations1 Digital rectal exam measurement of PSA in adults2 |
Osteopenia | DXA scan | Every 3-5 yrs after puberty or annually if osteopenia has been identified DXA = dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; PSA = prostate-specific antigen 1. Concentrations lower than 200 ng/dL or higher than 500 ng/dL may require adjustment of total dose or frequency. |
Source: GeneReviews — "Nonsyndromic 46,XX Testicular Disorders/Differences of Sex Development"
Phenotype severity distribution: 4 very common features.
Estimated prevalence: 1-9 in 100,000 (Uncommon).
Laboratory research | 4 | 24% |
Research summaries | 3 | 18% |
Testing and diagnosis research | 1 | 6% |
Disease patterns and progression | 1 | 6% |
New treatment approaches | 1 | 6% |
Vinayak A (2026). [PMID: 42176933](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42176933/). *Clin Chim Acta*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Muhammad RY (2026). [PMID: 41574113](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41574113/). *Urology case reports*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Ozeki T (2026). [PMID: 41827981](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41827981/). *Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Güllü M (2025). [PMID: 36987810](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36987810/). *Journal of clinical research in pediatric endocrinology*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Priya PK (2025). [PMID: 41560884](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41560884/). *Journal of human reproductive sciences*. [Diagnostic / Biomarker]
Saraswat A (2025). [PMID: 41048635](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41048635/). *Medical journal, Armed Forces India*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Yang H (2025). [PMID: 41108712](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41108712/). *Hormone research in paediatrics*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Mitrakas AG (2025). [PMID: 41155851](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41155851/). *Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Peng W (2025). [PMID: 41220431](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41220431/). *Frontiers in genetics*. [Gene Therapy / Novel Therapeutics]
Chin RT (2025). [PMID: 39906899](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39906899/). *JCEM case reports*. [Case Report / Case Series]
AI-curated news mentioning 46,XX testicular disorder of sex development
Updated Jul 24, 2026
A recent study reviews a decade of prenatal care for disorders and differences of sex development, providing insights into management and outcomes. This analysis from an expert center highlights evolving practices and patient experiences.