Intersex is a general term used for a variety of conditions in which a person is born with reproductive or sexual organs that are not clearly identifiable as male or female.

Diagnosis is based mainly on physical attributes (with biological and genetic explanations) in contrast to the concept of transsexualism which is based on the subjective perception of gender identity.

Intersex conditions are difficult to measure, in part due to their lack of detection at birth and relative rarity, but studies (for example, by Professor Money) have suggested they may be as common as 3-4% of births. Some of the conditions are briefly described below.

Hermaphroditism

A true hermaphrodite is an individual who has both sets of male and female genitalia and is extremely rare. Severe cases are usually easily identified at birth and surgery is arranged to assign the child as male or female. This has attracted considerable controversy because gender identity is not known at birth. Therefore assigning the sex surgically without the knowledge of gender development could lead to problems later in life. Gender dysphoria is common, particularly if the individual identifies with the opposite gender to which they were assigned.

Kleinfelter's Syndrome

This chromosomal condition is present in approximately 1 in 1000 male births. Rather than having the sex chromosomes XY, there is XXY or XXXY. Although biologically male, there may be weaker male characteristics with the development of a much more feminine body shape and possibly breasts. Gender dysphoria is a common problem and some choose medical treatment to achieve full transition to the chosen gender role.

Turner's Syndrome

This is a chromosomal abnormality where the sex chromosomes is just X rather than XX. This condition affects 1 in 10,000 girls. The missing X leads to low female hormone production, masculinisation and, at times, associated gender dysphoria.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

In this condition, the individual is genetically female (XX) but the adrenal glands produce testosterone-like hormones that cause masculinisation. This occurs in about 1 in 80,000 births, and can cause gender dysphoria.

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