Malherbe visits ODN to raise awareness
OUDTSHOORN - Stephen Malherbe (65) from Cape Town visited Oudtshoorn last week to raise awareness about a rare condition identified as Klinefelter syndrome. Malherbe explained that this syndrome is a numerical chromosomal disorder that affects one in 450 males.
The syndrome is defined by the presence of at least one extra X chromosome (female chromosome) in addition to a Y chromosome yielding a total of 47 or more chromosomes rather than the usual 46 in humans.
Malherbe said that from personal experience, the extra chromosome will have an impact on male puberty such as fertility and unusually small male testicles which is not life-threatening, but it can have a huge impact on relationships with the opposite sex.
Males diagnosed with this syndrome, cannot produce children and often struggle with erectile disfunction.
Other symptoms to look out for in young boys include delayed communication development, behavioural and learning problems. The problem according to Malherbe is that it is commonly misdiagnosed by doctors as ADHD or other learning disabilities.
Malherbe said that he started with his journey on 10 October from Cape Town covering 47 towns that included Vredenburg, Paternoster, Rawsonville, Ladismith, Kleinmond and Swellendam to name a few.
"The aim is to go to these towns and visit the clinics where I can have muchneeded information sessions with the doctors and sisters. All of this is an effort for early diagnosis so that from puberty, young males can receive testosterone supplementation to prevent testosterone deficiency. There are also new management options available for infertility providing men with Klinefelter Syndrome a chance to father children of their own via assisted reproduction. Even though it is financially challenging to undertake this journey, I feel like it is my duty because I was also diagnosed with Klinefelter at 17 years and understand the harsh realities that come with it, " he said.
Malherbe also has a back-a-buddy page to assist him with covering the cost of his expedition. It is called Driving with my X and can be accessed at www.backabuddy. co.za/driving-with-my-x.