Yes, some people do have both testes and ovaries. This condition is known as “true hermaphroditism” or “ovotesticular disorder of sex development” (DSD). It is a rare disorder in which a person is born with both ovarian and testicular tissue, and both male and female sexual organs. This condition is caused by a genetic mutation that occurs in the early stages of development in the embryo, resulting in the presence of both male and female sex organs.
People with this disorder may have external genitalia that appear to be either male or female, or they may have ambiguous sexual organs that are neither male nor female. Depending on the type of hermaphroditism, the person may have either two sets of gonads (ovaries and testes) or just one set of gonads with the other being a non-functional, vestigial structure.
The individual’s chromosomes can be either XX (female), XY (male), or a combination of both (mosaic hermaphroditism). In some cases, the person may have normal male or female hormones, while in others they may have both male and female hormones and/or an abnormal hormone balance.
The diagnosis of true hermaphroditism is based on a combination of physical examination, laboratory tests (hormone levels, chromosome analysis, ultrasound, etc.), and genetic testing. Treatment typically involves hormone replacement therapy and/or gender-affirming surgery.
In conclusion, some people do have both testes and ovaries, and this condition is known as true hermaphroditism. This is a rare disorder, and its diagnosis and treatment require a combination of physical examination, laboratory tests, and genetic testing.