Can a person be born with male and female parts?
Intersex Conditions
Intersex is a general term used to describe a range of conditions in which a person is born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t fit the typical definitions of male or female. In some cases, a person may be born with both male and female parts, such as having both a vulva and a penis. Another term for this is having “ambiguous genitalia.”
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) is a genetic condition present at birth and affects the adrenal glands. These glands are responsible for regulating hormones in the body. In people with CAH, the adrenal glands produce excessive amounts of male hormones, leading to ambiguous genitalia. In some cases, a person may be born with both male and female parts.
Other Causes of Ambiguous Genitalia
In addition to intersex conditions and CAH, there are other causes of ambiguous genitalia. Some of these include androgen insensitivity syndrome, Turner syndrome, and 5-alpha-reductase deficiency.
Diagnosing Ambiguous Genitalia
When a child is born with ambiguous genitalia, medical professionals will perform tests to determine the cause. These tests may include hormone testing, genetic testing, imaging, and physical examination.
Treatment
The treatment for ambiguous genitalia depends on the underlying cause and the individual’s preferences. Treatment may involve hormone therapy, surgery, or both. In cases of intersex conditions, it’s important to discuss treatment options with the individual and their family.