Sao Paulo
In a video published on social media this Tuesday (21), influencer Karen Bachini revealed that she is an intersex person. The term is used to define people who show differences in traditional sexual development, but this condition is still poorly understood among the general population.
According to the UN (United Nations), approximately 0.05% to 1.7% of the world’s population is born with intersex characteristics. However, these characteristics can be different in each individual and are independent of gender and sexuality.
What distinguishes intersex people?
The characteristics of the reproductive system from the formation of the genitals to the hormoneproducing gonads are determined by the sex chromosomes.
In general, males have XY chromosomes while females have XX chromosomes.
Changes that modify the development of organs occur in intersex people, and some of the traits of sex may not be as delineated.
“The medical term for this is DDS (Differences in Sexual Development),” says endocrinologist Júlio Américo, a member of SBEMSP (Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism Regional São Paulo) and a volunteer in the transgender and DDS/intersex Clinics from the Faculty of Medicine of the USP (University of São Paulo).
“When those differences cause clinical or social disruption, some people start labeling themselves as intersex,” he says.
Alexandre Hohl, vice president of the Department of Female Endocrinology, Andrology and Transgenderity at SBEM, says many patients are not comfortable with the term.
Different types
According to Américo, there are different types of intersex. There is a scientific categorization, but “every case is different”.
In some types, the genitals change, in others only the internal organs or hormone production.
In all cases, followup care by professionals is recommended to avoid fertility problems, problems in sex life and risks related to hormone production.
How is the identification done?
The identification of an intersex person by health professionals can be done in a number of ways and depends on their characteristics and issues.
If there are atypical genitals, the examination begins at the moment when the pediatrician notes this difference. “In other cases, the investigation starts later, for example, differences in puberty, absence of menstruation or fertility problems,” says Américo.
Hohl emphasizes that the physiological changes are often not noticeable and the symptoms can be confused with those of other causes. “It’s a condition that’s difficult to diagnose around the world, not just in Brazil,” he said.
Importance of medical aftercare
Américo says monitoring from childhood is important to identify and treat hormonal changes that can cause damage in the future.
Early followup can avoid height dissatisfaction or the risk of developing tumors in certain forms of intersex. However, “in some cases no therapy is necessary,” he points out.
Américo advises that if the patient is unsatisfied or has fertility problems, surgical intervention is recommended. In children, one can wait until the patient is old enough to consent.
“The biggest problems usually arise from a lack of understanding on the part of society,” reports the expert.
In addition, hormone replacement therapy that is not given in good time “can lead to serious health problems,” emphasizes Hohl. The endocrinologist says that sex hormones are also important, for example, to strengthen bones.
After diagnosis, specialized medical and psychological followup care is required. Aesthetic or functional surgeries are only recommended in some cases. “Today, great care is taken not to take hasty action,” he adds.