Intersexuality - The Intersexual Spectrum

Causes of Intersexuality - Hormones

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

Treatment and Support

Treatment                                                                                                                                                         Some forms of CAH can be detected in prenatal tests like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. Some forms can even be treated before the baby is born. If there is a suspicion of CAH at birth, an early screening test is advisable, because some newborns will need immediate salt replacement. They and most others also require some regular hormonal treatment in order to correct the existing imbalance. The therapy needs to be adjusted as the child grows older and must be continued in adulthood. Close medical attention and supervsion are required at all times. Once these are assured, a person with CAH can lead a fairly normal life. In the past, “corrective“ surgery was routinely performed on “ambiguous” sex organs within the first weeks or months after the baby’s birth. However, today physicians have become much more cautious. They now involve both the parents and, if at all possible, the girl. They then decide together what kind of surgery is appropriate at what time, or if any surgery is wanted at all. As a result, in many cases surgery is postponed until much later or even considered unnecessary.

Support Groups
In the past, persons with CAH and their families often felt isolated and found it difficult to learn more about the condition. However, in recent years, a number of support groups have organized. They will gladly supply additional information as well as links to other related sites. For example these groups (click on logos):

Adrenal Hyperplasia Network    Climb CAH UK Support Group