Understanding Intersex: What It Means for You and Your Baby

As parents, we eagerly await the arrival of our little ones, imagining their future and celebrating every milestone. When a baby is born, the first thing many parents and doctors look for is external genitalia to assign a sex – typically male or female. But sometimes, a baby is born with variations in their sex characteristics that don’t fit neatly into these two categories. This is where the term intersex comes in. It might sound unfamiliar or even a little daunting, but understanding intersex is essential for fostering a more inclusive and informed approach to human diversity.

What Does Intersex Mean?

Simply put, intersex is an umbrella term used for people born with variations in their sex characteristics. These variations can include chromosomes, gonads (like ovaries or testes), sex hormones, or genitals. It’s important to understand that being intersex is not a disease or a medical condition that needs to be cured. It’s a natural variation in human biology, just like having different hair colours or eye colours. People who are intersex are your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours – you’ve likely met someone who is intersex and had no idea because they look like anyone else.

The term “intersex” itself is not new, but it’s gaining more recognition as we strive for greater understanding and acceptance. For a long time, societal norms have favoured a strict binary view of sex – either male or female. However, nature is far more diverse. Intersex variations are a part of this natural diversity. The question “What does an intersex person look like?” is often searched, but it might be more helpful to understand that there isn’t one single “look.” Intersex variations exist on a spectrum, and their visibility can range from very apparent at birth to not being noticeable until puberty or even later in life.

When Can Intersex Traits Be Identified?

The identification of intersex traits can vary significantly:

• At Birth: For some babies, variations in external genitalia are apparent right from birth. This might include a clitoris that is larger than typical, a penis that is smaller than typical, a penis without a urethral opening at the tip, labia that appear fused, or a scrotum that looks like labia. In other cases, the genitalia might appear typically male or female, but internal sex characteristics (like internal organs or hormone production) may differ.
• During Puberty: Sometimes, intersex traits are not obvious until a child reaches puberty. Hormonal changes during this time can trigger the expression of intersex variations. A person might not experience expected puberty milestones, such as voice deepening or breast development, or they might experience changes that seem more characteristic of the opposite sex according to societal expectations.
• Later in Life: For some individuals, intersex traits may never be outwardly apparent or may only become known much later in life, perhaps when trying to conceive and seeking medical advice for fertility issues. It’s even possible for someone to have intersex traits and never know it.

It is crucial to remember that a person doesn’t “become” intersex; they are born with intersex traits, whether these are apparent at birth or manifest later.

What Causes Intersex Variations?

Intersex variations arise from a complex interplay of genetics and development during fetal growth. It’s important for parents to know that nothing they did or didn’t do caused their baby to be intersex. These variations occur naturally. While the exact causes for every specific intersex variation are not always fully understood, they typically involve differences in chromosomes, genes, hormones, or the development of reproductive or sexual organs. For instance, some intersex variations involve having a combination of chromosomes that aren't typically XX (female) or XY (male), or differences in how hormones are produced or how the body responds to them. It’s a natural part of human genetic diversity.

Intersex vs. Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

It’s common to confuse intersex variations with gender identity or sexual orientation, but they are distinct concepts:

• Intersex refers to a person’s biological sex characteristics.
• Gender Identity is a person’s internal sense of being male, female, both, neither, or somewhere else along the gender spectrum.
• Sexual Orientation refers to who a person is attracted to romantically or sexually.

An intersex person can have any gender identity and any sexual orientation. For example, an intersex person might identify as a man, a woman, or non-binary, and they might be attracted to men, women, both, or neither.

Medical Interventions and Ethical Considerations

In the past, and sometimes still today, medical professionals have recommended surgeries to make the genitalia of intersex infants appear more typically male or female. These interventions, particularly those performed on external genitalia, have often been carried out without the individual’s consent, as they are performed on babies. While the intention may have been to help the child fit into societal norms, these surgeries can have lifelong physical and psychological consequences, including pain, loss of sensation, and emotional distress. Increasingly, there is a recognition of the importance of allowing individuals to make decisions about their own bodies as they grow and understand themselves. The focus is shifting towards providing supportive care, accurate information, and allowing individuals to determine their own path.

A Real-Life Scenario: Imagine a couple expecting their first child. During a routine ultrasound, the doctor notes that the baby’s genitalia don’t fit the typical appearance of either male or female. The doctor explains that this is an intersex variation and reassures them that it’s a natural variation. The parents feel a mix of surprise and concern, wanting the best for their child. They decide to seek out more information and connect with support groups to understand intersex traits better and prepare for their baby’s arrival with love and acceptance.

Supporting Intersex Individuals and Families

If you are a parent of an intersex child, or if you are intersex yourself, know that you are not alone. Support is available:

• Educate Yourself: Understanding intersex variations is the first step. Reliable sources like medical professionals, intersex advocacy groups, and reputable health organizations can provide accurate information.
• Seek Support: Connecting with other intersex individuals or families raising intersex children can offer invaluable emotional support and practical advice.
• Advocate for Informed Care: Encourage open communication with healthcare providers. Ensure that medical decisions are made with the individual’s well-being and autonomy as the priority.
• Promote Acceptance: Help foster an environment of understanding and acceptance in your community, schools, and workplaces. Challenge stigma and misinformation about intersex people.

When to Consult a Doctor

While being intersex is not a disease, there are times when medical consultation is necessary:

• If your baby is born with apparent intersex traits: Your doctor will guide you on the next steps, which may involve further evaluations to understand the specific variations.
• If you have concerns about your child’s development: If you notice any unusual physical development or delayed puberty milestones, consult a pediatrician.
• If you are an adult seeking to understand your own intersex traits: A doctor or a specialist in endocrinology or genetics can help provide clarity and support.

What to do next: If you have just welcomed a baby with intersex traits, focus on bonding and love. Your healthcare provider can connect you with specialists and resources. If you are an adult exploring your identity, consider speaking with a supportive doctor or therapist. Sharing your journey with trusted friends or family can also be beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is being intersex considered a disability?

No, being intersex is not a disability. It is a natural variation in sex characteristics. While some intersex variations might be associated with certain medical conditions that require monitoring, being intersex itself does not mean a person has a disability.

Are intersex people infertile?

Not all intersex people are infertile. Fertility varies greatly depending on the specific intersex variation. Some intersex individuals can conceive naturally, while others may face challenges and require fertility treatments.

Can intersex traits be inherited?

In some cases, intersex variations can have a genetic component and may run in families, but this is not always the case. Many intersex variations occur sporadically due to random genetic changes during fetal development.