Intersex states occur when there is ambiguity or uncertainty about physical sexual status. These conditions are extremely rare. Several factors determine the sex of an individual including the chromosomes, hormones and hormone receptors (color:blue">hormones). In humans, there are 23 pairs of chromosomes with the twenty-third pair being responsible for gender. Females have two
'X' chromosomes and males have one 'X' and one 'Y chromosome. During early embryonic development in females, the womb and Fallopian tubes develop from areas called
'the Mullerian ducts'. The male produces anti-Mullerian hormone and testosterone. The anti-Mullerian hormone suppresses development of the tissues developed from the Mullerian ducts, and testosterone encourages development of the male organs. The intersex states arise when there is a problem in early embryonic sexual development. In male pseudohermaphroditism
the genotype (chromosome pattern) is 'XY' but there is poor or absent male organ development. There are several causes of male pseudohermaphroditism the best known being testicular feminisation syndrome ( style="color:blue">Q6.14).
Please click on the required question.
- 1 Our baby has had a little vaginal bleeding. Is this worrying?
- 2 What are intersex states?
- 3 Our toddler does not seem to have a normal opening down below. What should be done?
- 4 My little girl has a vaginal discharge. What might be the cause?
- 5 What is puberty?
- 6 What is precocious puberty?
- 7 Our teenage daughter's periods have not started yet. When should we seek medical advice?
- 8 Our daughter's periods are occurring infrequently. Should we be concerned?
- 9 What is adolescence?
- 10 What is acne and how can acne be treated?
- 11 Our teenage daughter seems to have more body hair than we would expect. What should be done?
- 12 Our teenage daughter's periods are so heavy that she has to be absent from school. What can we do?
- 13 How does the doctor determine the treatment of heavy periods for an adolescent?
- 14 How long should treatment of heavy periods be continued with an adolescent?
- 15 Should a D and C (cervical dilatation and curettage Q 24.12) be performed for an adolescent with period problems?
- 16 Are there any particular worries about a teen pregnancy?
- 17 What should be the purpose of sex education?
- 18 My adolescent daughter is being difficult. Could she have an underlying hormone problem?
- 19 Are there any special contraceptive considerations for teenagers?
- 20 What contraceptive options are available to adolescents?
- 21 Are there any medical worries if a young teenager takes the oral contraceptive pill?
- 22 Can a teenager use emergency contraception?
- 23 Where can I obtain more information?
- 24 Could I have some child support groups and teen support groups?
- 25 Could I have some acne support groups?
Thank you for choosing to visit us.
This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
