You've probably heard the word " Intersex " somewhere. But you may not be very clear about what it exactly means. Some people may think that this is a strange disease or a defect. But the truth is , it's much different. So, today we'll talk about this condition called "Intersex", very simply, in language that you can understand.
What does "Intersex" really mean?
Simply put, "Intersex" is a condition in which a person's reproductive system or sexual characteristics do not fit neatly into the usual categories of female or male. For example, some people have these characteristics at birth. But sometimes, they can appear during puberty, or in adolescence, or even later, at any time in life. Surprisingly, some people's "Intersex" characteristics may not be visible on the outside. Such people may only be diagnosed after undergoing another surgery or an imaging test, such as a scan.
In the past, this condition of "Intersex" was called `(disorder of sex development - DSD)` or ``a disorder of sexual development.`` You may still see it referred to as such in some places. But the important thing is, "Intersex" is not a disease, an illness, or any medical condition. Being "Intersex" does not mean that you need special treatment or care. It is simply one aspect of natural diversity.
"Inter sex " status can affect your:
- To your genitals .
- To your chromosomes.
- To your hormones .
- Your reproductive system.
- Your reproductive glands, that is, your ovaries or testicles (gonads).
How common is the condition "Intersex"?
You might think this is very rare. But in fact, it's estimated that about one in every 100 people in the United States has "Intersex" traits. Worldwide, about 2% of the population exhibits "Intersex" traits. So, this is not as unusual as you might think.
What are the causes of being "Intersex"?
In fact, experts are still unable to pinpoint a single cause of "Intersex" conditions. However, some "Intersex" characteristics can be passed down from generation to generation , that is, genetically. There are several factors that can contribute to the development of this condition:
- Variations in the androgen hormone receptor gene.
- Exposure to natural or synthetic hormones during the embryonic stage, that is, during the early stages of development of the baby in the womb.
- The sex -determining region Y gene (SRY) is missing or not where it should be.
- Other genetic conditions that abnormally alter hormone levels related to the development of sexual organs.
It is for reasons like these that a person can be born with "Intersex" characteristics or develop those characteristics later.
How does "Intersex" affect my body?
Intersex can manifest itself in a variety of ways, roughly 40 different ways, depending on the individual. Here are some of the most common signs of intersex:
- A combination of chromosomes : We all inherit sex chromosomes from our biological parents. Typically, males have two `XY` chromosomes and females have `XX` chromosomes. An "intersex" person may have a mixture of these chromosomes. For example, `XXY`. Or, some cells may be `XY` and others `XX`. Another person may have only one `X` chromosome (`XO`). There are many other combinations of these.
- Mixed genitalia and sex organs: An "intersex" person can have both ovarian tissue and testicular tissue (ovotestes). For example, you may have external genitalia that we think of as male. However, inside your body, you may have a reproductive system or hormone levels that we think of as female.
Imagine, there is a person named Niluka. When she was born, everyone thought she was a girl. But when she reached puberty, she did not start menstruating. It was only when doctors examined her that they discovered that she had parts of both ovaries and testicles inside her body. She is "Intersex".
Does being "intersex" affect sexual orientation?
This is a question that many people ask. No, being "Intersex" does not affect your sexual orientation, whether you are attracted to people of the opposite sex (straight), gay/lesbian, bisexual, or asexual. Your sexual identity and sexual orientation are different from being "Intersex".
Is an "Intersex" person a "Hermaphrodite"?
No, that's a misconception. There are no living things called "hermaphrodite." It's a very old, now obsolete word. It used to mean that someone was both completely male and completely female at the same time. But that's not biologically possible. In fact, many in the "Intersex" community consider the word to be a very derogatory and derogatory term. The correct words are "Intersex" and "being Intersex."
Do "intersex" people need surgery or treatment?
If you are "Intersex", you usually don't need any surgery - unless you want it.
In the past, children born with "intersex" characteristics underwent surgery to either make their genitals match the sex they were assigned at birth or to remove parts of their reproductive system (e.g., gonadal tissue) that did not match that sex. Such surgeries were often performed before the child was 2 years old.
But recently, intersex people and activists have begun to speak out against these surgeries. They say they are unnecessary. They believe that parents should allow children to make decisions about their bodies, such as whether to have surgery or treatment, until they are old enough to understand (the age at which they can give informed consent).
Many organizations, such as the American Academy of Family Physicians, support the right of "intersex" people to make decisions about their own bodies. That means waiting until someone is old enough to give informed consent.
What are the risks of "Intersex" surgery?
There are some risks associated with this type of surgery (especially when performed at a young age). These include:
- Decreased sexual activity.
- Infertility.
- Scarring.
- Inability to control urine (Urinary incontinence).
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Are there health problems associated with being "intersex"?
Most people with intersex live healthy lives. However, in rare cases, the condition can be associated with certain health problems. Some examples include:
- Bone problems, such as osteopenia (weakened bones) and osteoporosis.
- Types of cancer (very rare).
- Conditions such as `congenital adrenal hyperplasia` or `androgen insensitivity`.
- Hypospadias (the location of the urethral opening on the penis instead of its normal location) or the absence of a urethral opening.
- Klinefelter syndrome (males have an extra X chromosome).
- Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (abnormal development of the uterus and vagina).
- Swyer syndrome (underdevelopment of the gonads).
These are not things that happen to every "Intersex" person, but in some cases they can be seen. Therefore, it is important to seek medical advice.
How do I know if I am "Intersex"?
If you were born with no obvious differences in your sex organs, you may not know you are "intersex." Later in life, you may experience things like:
- Failure to begin puberty (for example, not starting menstruation at the expected time).
- During puberty, changes occur that do not match the sex you were assigned at birth (for example, the development of breasts in a boy).
- Problems conceiving children (infertility).
If you have symptoms like these, it is best to see a doctor and seek advice.
Does being "intersex" affect fertility (having children)?
If you are intersex, your ability to conceive a child depends on many factors. Some intersex people are able to have children naturally, while others may not. However, many intersex people can have families through Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). This can include In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), using donated eggs, sperm, or embryos, or using a gestational carrier/surrogate.
When you first learn about your intersex condition, you may have many questions. Intersex people may feel embarrassed about their appearance or have difficulty fitting in with their peers. Connecting with others who understand these challenges can be very helpful. Talk to your doctor about support groups and other resources that will listen to you and make you feel seen.
Take-Home Message
"Intersex" is a complex topic, but it's important to understand it. Remember:
- "Intersex" is not a disease, it is part of human diversity.
- Many intersex people live healthy, successful lives.
- If you are "Intersex", you are not alone. There are many people who can help and support you.
- You have the right to make decisions about your body, especially regarding medical interventions.
We hope this information has helped you gain some understanding of the condition "Intersex". If you have any further questions, never hesitate to ask a trusted doctor.
` Intersex, sexual development, chromosomes, hormones, reproductive health, gender, surgery
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