One of the major criteria of the syndrome is infertility as a result of hypogonadism. This does not mean people with PWS are infertile, however. In one study (Testicular histology in boys with Prader-Willi syndrome: fertile or infertile?) researchers found "CONCLUSIONS: Prader-Willi syndrome appears to be a heterogenic disorder with respect to testicular histology. Although most boys showed absent spermatogonia, 2 of 8 had normal testicular histology. Therefore, it is suggested that it is uncertain what the fertility outcome is in boys with Prader-Willi syndrome."

Also, from an article in Gene Reviews: "With rare exception, individuals with PWS do not reproduce." but "Recent reports of fertility in two women with PWS raise the issue of the need for birth control [Akefeldt et al 1999, Schulze et al 2001]."

As to whether a resulting child would carry the genetic mutation for PWS, it depends on how the mutation occurred. There is a 50% risk of the child having Angelman Syndrome or PWS. The Gene Reviews article discusses offspring of someone with PWS.

Families should work with a genetic counselor to determine the type of syndrome and discuss future sexual activity.

Many more resources are available at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/praderwillisyndrome.html
Source(s):
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/portal/utils/pageresolver.fcgi?log$=activity&recordid=1234972729276278

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/br.fcgi?book=gene&part=pws

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/praderwillisyndrome.html

Permalink | Report