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re: re: so what does this "intersex" mean? Feb. 12th, 2005 12:02am
The only definition of intersex that I've heard in literature that I like is "when the phenotypical sex does not match the genotypical sex". I dislike it when docs/researchers label CAH as an intersex condition because not all people with CAH qualify for this 'labe'l (for lack of a better word). Little boys born with CAH (at least the 21 hydroxlase deficient ones) have perfectly normal male genitalia-- the genotype matches the phenotype, so not qualifying as intersexed. Girls, of course, are another case entirely. Some may be born with normal genitalia. Other girls are ambiguous or look completely male. These girls, I believe, can be termed intersex. Therefore, when docs/researchers refer to CAH as an intersex condition they are in error. They would be more accurate if they said that are particular subgroup of patients with CAH (virilized girls) were intersex. Just because a subset of patients qualify as intersex, tho, doesn't mean that the condition itself should.
Unfortunantly, this world is about labels. People who know nothing about the condition may assume that anyone with CAH is intersexed. I remember one parent stating that her little boy with CAH had heard that people with CAH were intersexed. Her little boy was confused and upset thinking that he might be a little girl. I hate to think how that boy felt about himself and I feel for the parent who had to reassure the boy about who and what he was- a little boy with CAH. I know that as a parent would like to spare my child that anguish, confusion, and assault upon his self image.
So I think Besty is right- perhaps we should say something to the people/docs/researchers that say CAH is an intersex condition. For CAH, perhaps in the medical journals we can get them to say 'some girls may exhibit intersex characteristics' or 'a few girls may be psuedohermaphrodites' instead of the blanket statement that everyone with CAH is intersexed.
And remember that research goes both ways, Besty. Several researchers who like to point out that intersex is not an uncommon occurance in humanity often use CAH to inflate their numbers when in fact only a fraction of the CAH population should qualify as intersex. Its not just the docs we rave about on this site- it's practically everyone in the medical/research community.
Bah- this ended up being much longer than I anticipated. Besty, I'm really not ignoring your reply the other day- busy day in the lab, I promise I'll get back to ya soon. But I hope this answers one of the questions you posed me. Signing off--
