What Is It Like To Be ‘Intersex’

What causes DSDs?

Disorders of Sex Development are caused be either hormonal or genetic problems that occur during development of the foetus.

When an egg is fertilized, the embryo receives genes from both the mother and the father in the form of chromosomes. These chromosomes carry all of the information for the development of the baby.

The mother provides the X chromosome and the father either an X or a Y.  If the father imparts an X then the baby will be female (XX) if he supplies a Y then the baby will be male (XY).  The Y chromosome contains genes for the development of male reproductive organs, like the testes and penis.

Occasionally one of the chromosomes is dodgy and the reproductive organs aren’t fully developed.

DSDs can also present as a result of hormonal problems. Hormones play a huge role in the development of the sexual organs in a foetus.  An imbalance in the baby’s own endocrine system can trigger a problem so can the ill health of the mother.  Medication can play a role in this imbalance as well.