The intersex definition was developed by Dr. Paul Pelletier to provide a method for accurately identifying and classifying patients with various types of intersex conditions. It has helped to create a level of accuracy and consistency in the diagnostic process that can not be matched by any other existing classifications. The intersex definition is also used as a clinical tool to assist in the identification, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of patients with intersex conditions. As the most widely accepted intersex classification, the intersex definition offers patients with intersex conditions effective means to know what their condition is, and to understand why it affects their ability to have a healthy and happy sex life.
There are three intersex conditions that fall under the intersex definition – ambiguous intersex, genetic intersex, and micropenis. Each of these categories is a complex matter, and there is no single way of classifying them.
In the ambiguous intersex refers to cases where the symptoms of the intersex condition are present at birth and later on are revealed to be caused by another disorder. The most common of these disorders is intersex dwarfism. In this disorder, a fetus has an increased likelihood of being affected by a number of problems and illnesses, including cardiac and spinal dysfunctions, vision problems, and muscle weakness. A patient suffering from ambiguous intersex is classified as ambiguous if he or she shows symptoms of the intersex conditions at an early age. The only way to verify this is through a medical test.
Genetic intersex refers to cases in which the patient has been diagnosed as having certain intersex conditions at some point during their childhood. These conditions include: Turner Syndrome, Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome, and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Some patients may also have acquired intersex conditions before the age of puberty, however, in those cases, a definitive diagnosis cannot be made.
Micropenis refers to a medical condition wherein the testes are present in males but not in females. A patient suffering from micropenis may exhibit a male-like or female-like appearance in various bodily traits, such as development of male hair or presence of a scrotum. The cause of micropenis is unknown, but some doctors believe that this condition may be the result of abnormal development of male or female spermatozoa. due to abnormalities of their reproductive system.
Micropenis is often classified as intersex if a man has developed hair on the penis that grows abnormally, or if he shows certain physical features that have a distinctly female appearance. The cause of micropenis is unknown. A definitive diagnosis of this condition must be made through a medical exam.
For the genetic intersex patient, the intersex definition of this condition is not as complicated
The intersex definition classifies him or her as having this condition if they display all of the symptoms associated with it, such as ambiguous intersex, and have at least one of the symptoms described in either of the other categories. If they also have a history of genetic diseases like Down Syndrome, and if the child born to a woman with Down Syndrome exhibits some of the same symptoms, he or she is likely to be classified as having the genetic condition. If both men and women are affected, the woman may be suspected of having a condition known as primary genetic instability, in which case a DNA test is recommended. This is used as a basis for the intersex definition, but it can still not be proven by a direct test.
Because of the high occurrence of medical conditions affecting the reproductive system, many medical professionals are recommending more than one intersex definition, especially since the treatment options available are quite varied. For those patients who prefer to go under the medical term, there are now intersex camps, groups and organizations that specialize in helping patients cope with the disorder. Most patients who have intersex problems opt to undergo surgery, while others choose to undergo hormone therapy or otoplasty.