Management of Intersexuality

Abstract

Following the publication of our article about a classic case of sex reassignment,¹ the media attention was rapid and widespread,^2-4 as was the reaction of many clinicians. Some wanted to comment or ask questions, but many contacted us directly or indirectly, asking for specific guidelines on how to manage cases of traumatized or ambiguous genitalia.⁵ Below we offer our suggestions. We first, however, add this caveat: these recommendations are based on our experiences, the input of some trusted colleagues, the comments of intersexed persons of various origins, and the best interpretation of our reading of the literature. Some of these suggestions are contrary to today's common management procedures. We believe, however, that many of those procedures should be modified. These guidelines are not offered lightly. We anticipate that time and experience will dictate that some aspects be changed and such revisions will improve the next set of