Intersex: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Intersex?
A primary care doctor is often the first stop and can coordinate the rest of the team. That team may include an endocrinologist, a geneticist, a urologist, or a mental health counselor. Many intersex people simply need routine primary care with a doctor who respects their identity.
What is intersex?
Intersex is a general word for people who are born with bodies that do not fit the usual definitions of male or female. This can involve the sex organs, the genes, or the hormones. Intersex is not a disease, and it is more common than many people think.
Intersex means a person's body traits fall outside the typical ideas of male and female. Doctors sometimes use the phrase "differences of sex development," or DSD. Some people learn they are intersex at birth; others find out later in childhood, puberty, or adulthood. Being intersex is a natural part of human variation, not an illness that needs to be fixed.
Symptoms
There is no single set of symptoms. Some babies have genitals that look different from what parents expect at birth, and some children develop in unexpected ways during puberty. Others have no visible differences and only learn about their traits through genetic testing done for another reason.
Causes and who gets it
Intersex traits usually come from differences in genes or hormones before birth. A baby may have a gene pattern that is not the usual XX or XY, or the body may make or respond to hormones in an unusual way. These traits can appear in any family or population.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors may notice intersex traits during a newborn exam, or later when puberty does not follow the expected pattern. They can order hormone blood tests, genetic testing, or imaging scans such as ultrasound. Diagnosis can take time, and sometimes the exact cause is never found.
Treatment
Many intersex people need no treatment at all. When care is wanted, it may involve hormone medicines, surgery, or counseling. Major medical groups now advise that surgery on infants is usually best delayed until the child can take part in the decision.
When to see a doctor
Parents should talk to a doctor if a newborn's genitals look different than expected, or if a child's growth or puberty seems unusual. Adults may seek care if they learn about intersex traits through testing. Emotional support is a valid reason to seek care too.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can offer longer visits, manage routine care and hormone monitoring, and refer to specialists when needed. Longer appointments make it easier to discuss personal questions at a comfortable pace.
Common questions
How common is intersex?
Many experts say intersex traits occur in roughly 1 to 2 in 100 people, about as common as having red hair. Some rarer traits are closer to 1 in several thousand.
Should intersex babies have surgery right away?
Most major medical and human rights groups now advise waiting. Surgery is usually considered only when it is needed for physical health, and families can take time to learn and decide.
Can intersex people have children?
Some intersex people can have children, and some cannot, depending on the specific traits involved. A fertility specialist can help a person understand their own situation.
Sources
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center - 46,XX ovotesticular disorder of sex development
- MedlinePlus - Differences of sex development
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
