Those born with intersex traits are individuals that don’t fit into typical binary notions of male or female bodies. Although some people advocate the use of surgery to correct intersex traits, others believe that nature doesn’t dictate where the category of “male” and “female” ends and begins.
Nature doesn’t decide where the category of “female” ends and the category of “male” begins
Whether you’re interested in the physics of it or not, it’s a fact that a person’s gender can change over time. Often, people develop a gender identity early on in life. A person may identify as a boy for the rest of their life, or they may identify as a girl later on.
The scientific community has been discussing the idea of a sex spectrum for many years. The idea has taken a while to reach the public consciousness.
There’s no doubt that sex is a complex subject, but there is plenty of evidence to support the claim. For instance, there are some species that have two sexes. Similarly, there are some babies born with atypical genitalia. There are also some species that have genders that change during their lifetimes.
The medical community is implementing sex and gender analyses, and many researchers are also pushing for clearer language on the subject. For example, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the European Union introduced guidelines for reporting sex and gender differences in research.
People with intersex traits don’t fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies
Unlike most people, intersex people have physical features that don’t fit into the traditional binary concepts of male and female bodies. This is a result of the presence of genetic and hormonal features. Some of these features are visible at birth, but others may be more obvious later in life. Intersex people may also have genitals that are different than what is typical for a male or a female.
There are also several different ways that intersex traits can be defined. Some people may not even realize they are intersex until they start puberty. Others may find out about their condition when they’re trying to conceive. Some intersex people may even have a genital condition that requires medical intervention. Other intersex traits include a genital area that is divided, a small penis, or labia.
Some intersex people may be able to change their sex later in life. Others may be born with male internal organs or external genitals that are male-like.
Surgery affects fertility, sexual function, and emotional well-being
Despite the fact that the number of cancer patients who have undergone a prostate augmentation is on the rise, there is still much uncertainty regarding the long-term effects of such surgeries on the endocrine glands. A study of 47 patients showed that augmentation can lead to increased rates of menopause, a decrease in the body mass index, and an increased risk of urinary tract infections. In addition, men often experience erectile dysfunction due to decreased blood circulation to the penis. Although these effects may be alleviated by a well-timed augmentation, the risks of complications and treatment failures remain.
As with most cancer treatments, the impact on fertility is likely to be a side effect. This may be attributed to the disruption of the hormonal, chemical, and physical production of sperm. In addition, the aforementioned effects may be compounded by damage to the egg or eggs resulting from treatment-related chromosomal aberrations, or the disruption of the reproductive tract resulting from cancer-related chemotherapy.
Advocates speak against intersex surgeries
Activists speak against intersex surgeries, arguing that the procedures are unnecessary and cause harm. Children who undergo medically unnecessary surgeries may suffer from lifelong sexual dysfunction, acute pain, and psychological trauma.
In the United States, several advocacy groups have tried to gain traction in the intersex rights movement. Unfortunately, they have not gained much traction. They have also faced heavy resistance from niche medical industry groups.
The intersex community, however, is seeking protection from normalizing surgeries. In particular, they are seeking protection from the harmful effects of forced genital surgeries. These surgeries are typically performed on infants without their parents’ consent.
Parents of young intersex children shared their stories of medical staff pressuring them to undergo nonconsensual surgeries. Some said they were left in a state of confusion about their child’s sexuality, while others said they felt isolated.
Doctors and other medical specialists have spoken out against the harmful effects of nonconsensual surgeries. Some have even cited statistics about surgical risks. However, recent medical journal articles show that many clinics continue to perform unnecessary surgeries.
