Do hermaphrodites really exist? Do they have both female and male organs? Doctors explain

Not long ago, I treated a patient named Ms. Li. She looked quiet and gentle, a typical southern beauty. But when she spoke, she sounded like a big and strong man. Do you know why?

This beautiful woman actually has a "man" and a "woman" living inside her body at the same time! That's right, she is a "hermaphrodite".

When Ms. Li came to my clinic, she looked worried. She told me that she had discovered since she was a child that she was different from other girls, and that her body seemed to have both male and female reproductive organs.

This made her feel confused and inferior. She dared not interact with others and her life became extremely depressing.

So, what exactly is a “hermaphrodite”?

In fact, from a medical point of view, "hermaphrodites" are not hermaphrodites in the true sense.

They are usually caused by abnormal hormone secretion during embryonic development or other genetic factors that lead to malformations of the reproductive organs.

This deformity may manifest as having both male and female reproductive organs, or it may manifest as only one of them being more prominent.

In modern medicine, this condition is called intersex, or intersex.

Intersex people can be divided into two categories: true intersex people and false intersex people.

True hermaphrodites have both male and female reproductive organs, while pseudohermaphrodites may only have one type of reproductive organ but may exhibit characteristics of the other sex due to an imbalance in hormone levels.

So, what are the causes of intersex people? Let's take a look.

There are many reasons for intersex, here are some of the main reasons:

Chromosomal abnormality: Intersex may be caused by chromosomal mutations. For example, normal male chromosomes are 46XY and normal female chromosomes are 46XX. However, if the chromosomes mutate, such as 47XX or 45XY, it may lead to gender deformity.

Gene mutation: During embryonic development, certain genes may mutate, leading to problems in the formation of sex characteristics.

Environmental factors: Certain drugs or chemicals that pregnant women are exposed to during pregnancy may affect the development of the fetus's sex characteristics.

Genetic factors: A history of similar cases in the family may increase an individual's risk of becoming intersex.

Imbalance in hormone levels: In some cases, intersex people may have only one type of reproductive organs but may exhibit characteristics of the other sex due to an imbalance in hormone levels.

It is important to note that the specific circumstances of intersex people may vary, so if you suspect that you or someone else may be intersex, you should seek professional medical advice and undergo appropriate examinations and assessments.

So, how are intersex people medically identified?

The medical treatment of intersex people requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors, including the patient's psychological state, social adaptability, and reproductive desire.

In some cases, intersex people may need hormone treatment or surgery to determine their gender identity.

However, not all intersex people require treatment, and some may live completely normal lives without any intervention.

So, what do intersex people need to pay attention to in their daily lives?

Mental Health

Intersex people may face social and personal pressures and therefore need special attention in maintaining their mental health.

Intersex people are advised to seek out support systems, such as friends, family, or professional counselors, to better cope with possible emotional distress and psychological stress.

In good health

Intersex people need to undergo regular physical examinations, especially examinations of the reproductive system, to ensure their health.

If you feel any discomfort, seek medical attention immediately.

In addition, intersex people also need to pay attention to personal hygiene, especially during sexual intercourse, to prevent infections and other health problems.

Social Interaction

Intersex people may encounter misunderstandings and prejudice in social interactions.

In order to safeguard their own rights and interests, intersex people should understand and be familiar with relevant laws and regulations, and learn to protect themselves from discrimination and unfair treatment.

Self-Acceptance

Intersex people need to learn to accept their identity, realize that they are unique and have the right to choose how to live their lives.

Through self-acceptance, intersex people can better handle challenges related to their gender identity and find a life path that fits them.

In general, the things that intersex people need to pay attention to in their daily lives cover many aspects such as mental health, physical health, social interaction and self-acceptance.

By focusing on these aspects, intersex people can better manage their lives and improve their quality of life.

So, we should understand and respect bisexual people

Intersex people are a special group and they may face many challenges in life.

Society should give them more understanding and support and respect their gender identity and choices.

At the same time, medical institutions should also provide them with appropriate medical services to help them live a better life.

Let’s get back to Ms. Li’s story.

After a detailed examination and evaluation, we decided to perform a complex surgery on her.

The operation went very smoothly and Ms. Li's body gradually returned to normal.

After the operation, she became more confident and cheerful, faced life positively and worked hard to pursue her own happiness.

So, you see, hermaphrodites do exist, but they are not monsters, but a special group that needs our understanding and care. If you or someone around you has similar problems, be sure to seek medical treatment in time and seek professional help and support. Remember, no matter what difficulties you encounter, you must face them bravely, believe in the power of science, and believe in the beauty of life!