Sexological theory, H-Y antigen, chromosomes, gonads, and cyclicity: two syndromes compared

The androgen-insensitivity syndrome (AIS) and Rokitansky syndrome (RS) are clinically similar except for H-Y antigen, chromosomal sex, gonadal sex, and the cyclicity of sex hormonal functioning. Nine AIS women and nine RS women could not be distinguished systematically on any of the following variables: romantic and genitoerotic imagery/ideation; sensory channels of erotic arousal; gender orientation; satisfaction with feminine status; self-rating of sexual frequency and interest; masturbation experience; orgasm experience; attitude toward marriage; and attitude toward infant and child care. These findings indicate that neither H-Y antigen status, chromosomal sex, nor hormonal cyclicity directly determines the differentiation of gender-identity/role (G-I/R) as male, female, or ambiguous. By implication, these findings are relevant to heterosexual/homosexual theory.