Genital Alteration and Intersex: a Critical Analysis

Purpose of Review: The purpose of this review is to survey current discussions of genital alteration on intersex infants, and children. Intersex is a term used to describe an individual with a less common combination of genetic, hormonal, gonadal, and genital features that are used in assigning sex at birth. This language is frequently replaced by disorders of sexual development (DSD). Recent Findings: This article critically examines medical publications, legal and governmental documents, and statements by intersex activists regarding medically unnecessary genital surgery, seeking to place a wide variety of literature in conversation and attending to social and ethical issues related to DSD treatment. Summary: It is vital that there be a robust patient-centered research agenda on non-surgical and surgical outcomes for DSD treatment. We offer open-ended questions inspired by this literature review, with the hope and intention that future treatment of DSDs will continue to be informed by critical engagement.