Definitions of intersex

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Various criteria have been offered for the definition of intersex, including

ambiguous genitalia and atypical genitalia
.

arbitrary.[1]

1.7% of people are born with a

Klinefelter's syndrome. The DSD was specifically made to be as inclusive to all atypical sexual development
; not all conditions within the DSD effect individuals to the same extent.

There can also be a stricter definition, specifically for ambiguous DSD. This definition is restricted to those conditions in which typical chromosomal categorization patterns is inconsistent with phenotypic sex, or in which the phenotype is not easily classifiable as either male or female", with the prevalence of about 0.018% only. [2] This definition is upheld by Leonard Sax.

Most

intersex activism is based around the end of unnecessary medical interventions on intersex youth which attempt to assign an arbitrary sex and gender binary, often causing physical harm with no input from the child. Intersex conditions are usually expanded to include the DSD more generally.[3] While 0.5% of all births are born with atypical genitalia, only 0.05% of births are medically treated or considered to be "truly" ambiguous generally.[4]

The exact cut-off point between male and female in an intersex context is largely arbitrary. Likewise, the definition of biological sex is also sometimes considered to be arbitrary; as an example, some individuals with

sexual development and the definition of intersex.[7]

Causes of intersex development

The overall causes of intersex conditions are complex, and are caused primarily by sexual development during

sexual development such as those with XX male.[1]

Most conditions under the DSD are not apparent at

ambiguous genitalia.[4]

Assigned sex

migrants in social danger: expulsions, impoverishment, contamination, and violence." Existrans 2017, Paris
.

There is a high bias to assign intersex people with ambiguous genitalia as

female at birth, as it was generally thought that it was easier to create a girl than a boy. Likewise as puberty would result in general feminization for most intersex children as well as a low libido, it was thought that they should be assigned female. This was also motivated by the fact that vaginoplasty was far more developed than phalloplasty.[9][7]

This system was known as the "optimum gender rearing model" (OGR model) which attempted to define a binary for intersex children. Some individuals who did not have any intersex conditions were raised under the OGR model, such as

gender incongruence, and to assign a gender binary for "proper" sex socialization. The model often specifically involved the falsification of medical history, such as the karyotype falsification or that internal testis were ovaries and needed to be removed for "cancer," despite no physical complications existing from their presence.[7]

Intersex advocates used a

human right, which led to criticisms of the OGR taking away the bodily autonomy of intersex people.[7][10]

Intersex and medical definitions

The Phall-O-Meter satirizes clinical assessments of appropriate clitoris and penis length at birth, and the definition of ambiguous genitalia. It is based on research published by Suzanne Kessler.

The OGR stated that

intersex genital surgeries.[12]

The DSD as a model was advocated for by intersex advocates to include all variation of

sexual development over differences which effects all individuals, this however has been controversial, with many instead opting for "differentiation" or "variation."[7]

The DSD has generally superseded the OGR in the US, although no official medical precautions exist against intersex genital mutilation in the US. Another point of contention is intersex conditions and karyotype, while many intersex individuals have atypical gene expression, many intersex individuals are born due to hormonal changes in pregnancy, either natural or induced. As an example, a case of a woman who had a virilized clitoris which was surgically altered during her birth, brought up the point that she was intersex, which was stated to be "false" by a doctor as her mother had gone on progesterone, instead of natural virilization which induced biological change. Generally those who have undergone the OGR model, or have ambiguous genitalia are considered intersex. The DSD consortium was specifically made to remedy this, and was advocated for by intersex activists by including all differentiation in sexual development.[7]

The definitions of intersex genitalia are difficult as different medical practices exist in different regions for what a "normal" penis or vagina should look like. Although 0.5% of births show atypical genital development, only 0.05% are considered for medicalization, and this varies by region.[7]

Spectrum approach

A group of people standing on a staircase in a hotel facing the camera.
Participants at the third International Intersex Forum, Malta, in December 2013

Many intersex activists have advocated for a spectrum based approach for intersex conditions, which would differentiate various intersex conditions, including

individualized care for people with atypical sexual development, making the distinction between different conditions.[9][13]

See also


References

  1. ^
    doi:10.22329/p.v5i2.3087
    .
  2. ^ "How Common is Intersex? An Explanation of the Stats. – Intersex Campaign for Equality". www.intersexequality.com. Retrieved 2024-03-12.
  3. S2CID 27104390
    .
  4. ^ a b "Variation in Sex Characteristics". www.healthit.gov.
  5. PMID 18000096
    .
  6. PMID 12137885
    .
  7. ^
    Project MUSE 261479
    .
  8. PMID 21960961
    .
  9. ^
    S2CID 144551384
    .
  10. ^
    S2CID 143900731
    .
  11. ^ a b https://www.thetrevorproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Intersex-Youth-Mental-Health-Report.pdf
  12. ^ "How common is intersex? | Intersex Society of North America". isna.org.
  13. Project MUSE 222245
    .

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