Intersex or hermaphrodite. Which term is correct?

“Intersex or hermaphrodite. Which term is correct?” was written for BDSMforyou.nl by Mistress Moriah.

Hermaphrodite is an outdated (and, when applied to humans, offensive) term for intersex. A hermaphrodite, in biological terms, is an organism that possesses both male and female reproductive organs, enabling it to self-fertilize. This term is typically used for certain plants and animals, but not for humans. In the context of humans, the term hermaphrodite is often incorrectly used to refer to individuals with intersex conditions, but this term is medically and socially outdated and is considered inaccurate and potentially stigmatizing.

Intersekse of hermafrodiet. Welke term is juist?

Does this term apply specifically to BDSM? No, in and of itself, it’s completely unrelated. But considering the full list of terminology, it might still be worth giving it some attention. These days, it seems to be quite a hot topic.

Intersex

In humans, we talk about intersex conditions when a person is born with sex characteristics – such as chromosomes, gonads, or genitalia – that do not fit the typical definitions of male or female. Intersex is a broad term that encompasses a range of medical conditions.

How common is it?

The prevalence of intersex individuals can vary depending on the definitions used. Estimates suggest that intersex characteristics, in varying degrees, occur in approximately 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 5,000 live births. More inclusive definitions, which include less obvious variations, can lead to higher estimates of about 1.7% of the population. Each of these cases may differ in the person’s specific characteristics and medical needs.

What about fertility?

Intersex conditions arise before birth, due to a chromosomal abnormality or a hormonal abnormality. An intersex person’s ability to reproduce depends heavily on their specific biological characteristics and circumstances. Some intersex individuals have functional reproductive organs, meaning they may be able to reproduce. Others may have anatomical or chromosomal configurations that make reproduction more difficult or impossible. For example:

  • People with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS)
  • They typically have internal testes, and despite having a typically female appearance, they lack a uterus or functional ovaries, meaning they cannot reproduce.
  • People with Klinefelter syndrome (usually XXY)
  • Many are infertile due to reduced testicular function, although some can still have biological children with the help of fertility treatments.
  • People with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
  • Depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment, some may experience normal fertility.

More information

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Source

Text & images: AI & Mistress Moriah

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