Disorders of sex development
[citation needed] Urologists were concerned that terms like intersex, hermaphrodite, and pseudohermaphrodite were confusing and pejorative with respect to humans.
This led to the Chicago Consensus, recommending a new terminology based on the umbrella term disorders of sex development.
DSDs are divided into the following categories, emphasizing the karyotype's role in diagnosis:[9][10] The penis (males) and clitoris (females) have a common origin, both arising from an embryonic structure called the primordial phallus.
[15] Appropriate and conservative medical intervention and age-appropriate child involvement in the treatment plan contribute greatly to successful outcomes for the entire range of DSDs.
[72] One study stated that it can affect individuals covered by the description in a negative way, and that the terminology might impact choice and utilization of health care providers.
[80] U.S. research by the Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, and the AIS-DSD Support Group (now InterConnect Support Group) published in 2017 found that "disorders of sex development" terminology may negatively affect care, give offense, and result in lower attendance at medical clinics.
[citation needed] Medical historian David Griffiths has identified continued controversy about the relationship between sex chromosome variations and intersex/DSD classifications.
[102] Human rights advocate Morgan Carpenter has remarked that this proposal appears motivated by support for contentious medical interventions.
[103] A member of the legal committee for the World Professional Association for Transgender Health and co-founder of the Australian and New Zealand Professional Association for Transgender Health has described "transsexualism" as "an intersex condition and a disorder of sexual development therapeutically medically treated by hormonal therapy and Genital Reassignment Surgery".
[105] There is particular contention around female-presenting athletes with DSDs (which can cause an elevated level of testosterone) competing in female-only sports events.
