Sex - Basic Aspects of Human Sexuality

The Role of Hormones:
Intersexuality

Examples

In very rare cases, one finds both ovarian and testicular tissue in the same body. In other cases, one finds the gonads of one sex and the external sex organs of the other sex. In addition, there is a very rare chromosomal condition characterized by an insensitivity to 'male hormone' stimulation. In male fetuses, this leads to a dominant influence of 'female hormones'. As a result, the baby shows apparently female external sex organs, but the corresponding internal structures are missing. In sum: There is a large spectrum of possible problems of this sort.

What can be done?

It depends on the individual case, how one decides on the sex of assignment and rearing. Intersexuality is a matter of degree, and it can take many different forms.There are usually a number of options, ranging from hormonal treatment and cosmetic surgery to psychological counseling. Today, surgical options are usually postponed until the individual reaches puberty and can have a say in the treatment. There are now several organizations that articulate the interests of those concerned. Here is an example: