Intersex and the VA

[Bobbijean]

Hi all,

 

The healthcare providers at the VA seem to be completely disinterested in my potential intersex condition.  I have been diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria and they seem more than happy to prescribe estrogen therapy, but there is little interest in my existing conditions.  Specifically, I believe I may have Partial Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome; likely Quigley Grade 2.  I say this because I have document the following forensic evidence of my intersex condition, possibly Partial Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome:

 

1.       I have a micro penis that does not, nor has it ever, meet the stretched penile length of 3.67 inches.

2.       I had a surgery at an early age around 2 years.  The surgery left a scar of an incision above my right testicle.  Was the right testicle undescended (cryptorchidism)?  In 1963 I was not a premature birth.  This right testicle hangs higher than the left testicle.  The left testicle has an abundance of varicoceles.

3.       Penis has what appears to be a scar of a glanular hypospadia.  This scar is over 50 years old and difficult to tell.  Also, a scar at the tip of the penis, where the urethra was extended to discharge, that causes a wicked spray.

4.       Ten years ago, a test for testosterone was performed and the results were normal.

5.       My arms are the daintiest arms one has ever seen on AMAB.  No amount of weight lifting with testosterone supplements has ever been able to make them bigger.

6.       My arms are long and slender.  The span of the arms is 4-inches longer than my torso.  Legs are also longer than torso.

7.       Adam’s apple is small - almost undetectable.

8.       The pitch of my voice is not naturally in the male range below 147 hertz.  Instead it is in the female range above 185 hertz.

9.       I started puberty late at about age 14 ½ to 15.  My voice didn’t start to crack until age 14 ½.   My grandson is not even 12 ½ and his voice has already dropped to solid baritone.

10.   My wife, who is a Registered Nurse with over 30 years experience and is now a graduate student studying to be a Nurse Practitioner, has pointed out that my prostate is small and difficult to find.

 

How do I draw attention to my situation?  My LGBT+ Care Coordinator is a psychiatrist that seems lazy and completely disinterested.  Any suggestions?

 

Because of my age, I am very interested in any comorbidities that I may have to negotiate as I age.  Also, I am not prepared to transition until these issues are addressed.

 

Thanks for your help,

 

Hugs...