Hermaphroditism
Hermaphroditism Causes
In most people with true gonadal intersex, the underlying cause is not known, although in some animal studies it has been linked to exposure to common agricultural pesticides.
Hermaphroditism Definition
Hermaphroditism (or Intersex) is a group of conditions where there is a discrepancy between the external genitals and the internal genitals (the testes and ovaries).
Hermaphroditism Diagnosis
The following may be done to diagnose hermaphroditism: Chromosome analysis; hormone levels (for example, testosterone level); hormone stimulation tests; electrolyte tests; specific molecular testing; endoscopic examination (to verify the absence or presence of a vagina or cervix); and ultrasound or MRI to evaluate whether internal sex organs are present (for example, a uterus).
Hermaphroditism Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms include: Ambiguous genitalia at birth; micropenis; clitoromegaly (an enlarged clitoris); partial labial fusion; apparently undescended testes (which may turn out to be ovaries) in boys; labial or inguinal (groin) masses -- which may turn out to be testes -- in girls; hypospadias (the opening of the penis is somewhere other than at the tip; in females, the urethra [urine canal] opens into the vagina); otherwise unusual appearing genitalia at birth; electrolyte abnormalities; delayed or absent puberty; and unexpected changes at puberty.
Hermaphroditism Treatment
Ideally, a team of healthcare professionals with expertise in intersex should work as a group to understand and treat the child with intersex - and to understand, counsel, and support the entire family.