Clinical study of intersex states in Nigerian children

Early diagnosis of intersex is essential to avoid indecision and to establish the correct sex of rearing before mistakes have been made. Diagnosis of adrenogenital syndrome is singularly important for delay in diagnosis may lead to stunted growth or death from electrolyte imbalance. All others except the hormonally induced types are sterile, the gonad can be ignored and the sex of rearing is determined by the external genital configuration which can be most easily created by surgery plus hormones. Patients except those with maternal virilization may also need castration and hormone therapy corresponding with the chosen sex of rearing.