Pseudohermaphrodism, also known as ambiguous genitalia, is an intersex condition in which the child is born with genitalia that are clearly neither male nor female.
Although the genitals can be difficult to identify as a girl or child, there is usually only one type of organ that produces sex cells, that is, only the ovaries or testicles; In addition, genetically, only one sex chromosome can be identified.
- To correct this change in external sex organs.
- The pediatrician may recommend certain types of treatment.
- However.
- There are several ethical problems related to the psychological development of the child.
- Which may not be related to the sex chosen by the parents.
- For example.
A pseudohermaphrodite woman is a genetically normal woman who was born with genitalia that resembles a small penis, but has female internal reproductive organs, and can also have male characteristics, such as excess hair, beard or absence of menstruation in adolescence. .
These cases usually occur due to congenital hyperplasia of the adrenal glands, which alters the production of sex hormones; however, other causes also include androgen-producing maternal tumors and the use of hormone drugs during pregnancy.
A pseudohermaphrodite male is genetically normal, but was born without a penis or with a very small penis. However, it has testicles, which can be located inside the abdomen. It can also have female characteristics such as breast growth, lack of hair or menstruation.
This alteration is most common in infants who do not produce adequate levels of male hormone, testosterone or who do not have enough Muller inhibitor factor to ensure proper development of male sex organs.
The most commonly used treatment options to correct this alteration of sexual organs are:
In some cases, these two forms of treatment can still be used at the same time, especially when there are several altered characteristics in addition to the sex organs.
However, there have been several ethical problems with treatment, as it can affect a child’s psychological development. If treatment is done too early, the child cannot choose his gender, but if done later, it can cause difficulty accepting his or her own body.