What are intersex states?

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).

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