Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children
10:57

Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children

Published on: August 22, 2012

Profile of intersex children in south India

R Rajendran1, S Hariharan

  • 1Department of Pediatrics Surgery, S.A.T. Hospital, Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram.

Indian Pediatrics
|June 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

This study analyzed 35 children with ambiguous genitalia, finding most presented after infancy. Parental preference often leaned towards raising children as male due to social factors.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Genetics
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Ambiguous genitalia (disorders of sex development) present complex diagnostic and management challenges in children.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for long-term physical and psychosocial well-being.
  • Societal perceptions and stigma surrounding intersex conditions influence parental decisions regarding sex assignment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and management strategies for children with ambiguous genitalia.
  • To evaluate the outcomes and long-term follow-up of these patients.
  • To understand parental preferences and the rationale behind sex assignment decisions.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 35 children with ambiguous genitalia admitted between January 1986 and December 1991.
  • Review of clinical data, laboratory results, and surgical/medical management approaches.
  • Follow-up to assess patient outcomes and parental decision-making.

Main Results:

  • Most children (35 total) presented between 1 month and 2 years of age; only 2 presented neonatally.
  • Sixteen cases were identified as female pseudohermaphrodites.
  • Of 31 children with determined sex assignment, 18 were assigned female, and one genetic female with congenital adrenal hyperplasia was assigned male.
  • Multiple clitoroplasty techniques were employed.

Conclusions:

  • Parental preference for assigning male sex in intersex children may stem from reduced social stigma associated with impotent males versus sterile females.
  • Societal factors, including male social independence, appear to influence sex assignment decisions.
  • Management strategies require careful consideration of clinical, genetic, and psychosocial aspects.

More Related Videos

Who is Who? Non-invasive Methods to Individually Sex and Mark Altricial Chicks08:14

Who is Who? Non-invasive Methods to Individually Sex and Mark Altricial Chicks

Published on: May 24, 2014

Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools11:29

Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools

Published on: June 20, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Sex-linked Disorders01:43

Sex-linked Disorders

Like autosomes, sex chromosomes contain a variety of genes necessary for normal body function. When a mutation in one of these genes results in biological deficits, the disorder is considered sex-linked.
Sex Linked Disorders01:43

Sex Linked Disorders

Like autosomes, sex chromosomes contain a variety of genes necessary for normal body function. When a mutation in one of these genes results in biological deficits, the disorder is considered sex-linked.
Infertility in Males01:23

Infertility in Males

Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture01:27

Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture

Adolescents from ethnic minority backgrounds face a multifaceted journey in forming their identities, shaped by the intersections of cultural expectations and personal exploration. For these adolescents, identity formation involves not only typical developmental challenges but also navigating the perceptions and attitudes of the majority culture. As they grow, adolescents in ethnic minority groups often become increasingly aware of stereotypes, social biases, and discrimination, all of which...
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity01:23

Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity

Adolescence is a pivotal period of identity formation, during which individuals begin to answer questions central to their sense of self, such as "Who am I?" and "Who do I hope to become?" Both parents and peers play critical roles in guiding adolescents through this complex developmental phase.
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth. This guiding role...
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development01:30

Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development

Social-emotional experiences and cultural influences play significant roles in shaping gender development. During middle childhood, from ages 6 to 11, peer groups become dominant in reinforcing gender norms. Children in this age group often align with same-gender peer groups, which actively encourage behaviors that conform to traditional gender roles. For instance, boys may be discouraged from engaging in activities perceived as feminine, reinforcing culturally dictated norms about masculinity...