True Hermaphrodites By: Candice Candelori Kelly Hare CT Harry Becca Paczkowski

Background §Definition: a term referring to being of both sexes (intersexual) l requires the presence of both ovarian and testicular reproductive tissue §condition named after greek god Hermes and goddess Aphrodite

Causes §if X chromo inherited from father = female §if Y chromo inherited from father = male §result of mosaicism l 1/2 of 46 chromos are XX and 1/2 are XY §factors l ambiguous external genitalia or l genitalia that may not match the genotype ex. XX with male genitalia

Typical symptoms §child born with traits of both sexes (mismatch) l enlarged clitoris has appearance of small penis l one or both testes may not be palpable or not descended l labia may be fused, resembling a scrotum §child born with female internal organs, male external organs §child born with male internal organs, female external organs

Treatment §Confirm hermaphroditism by karyotyping §surgery necessary l usually more feasible to raise a child as female l decision should be made soon after birth due to damaging social and psychological effects §hormone replacement may also be required