Subject: Intersexuality
Article: Caught Between: An Essay on Intersexuality Author: D. Cameron © 1997
Abstract:
This article is a first hand account of what it means to be intersexual. Beginning with misdiagnosis at a young age the author explains the feelings of being different from his other schoolmates. The author finally discovers he has Klinefelter’s Syndrome and talks of how through testosterone treatments, people in the medical field thought he would finally achieve a complete sexual identity. The author explains the positive side and the eventual drawbacks to such therapy. He explains his regret over his decisions and the failure to find support in support groups. He also explains how this journey has led him to begin to “treasure (his) “X”ception”. Klinefelter’s Syndrome- Also called: XXY male. A condition occurs in men who have an extra X chromosome in most of their cells. The syndrome can affect different stages of physical, language and social development. The most common symptom is infertility. Because they often don''t make as much of the male hormone testosterone as other boys, teenagers with Klinefelter''s syndrome may have less facial and body hair and may be less muscular than other boys. They may have trouble using language to express themselves. They may be shy and have trouble-fitting in. (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/klinefelterssyndrome.html) Initial treatment Treatment for Klinefelter syndrome usually starts when a boy is about 11 to 12 years old. It begins with measuring the amount of testosterone and other hormones in his blood. If his testosterone level is low, he is given a man-made form of testosterone (Depo-Testosterone) on a regular basis. Testosterone can be given as an injection or through a skin patch or gel. Testosterone increases body hair, mainly on the face (beard), under the arm (axillary), and in the genital area (pubic). Increases muscle development. Increases sex drive. Helps prevent osteoporosis. May prevent or shrink enlarged breasts. Provides better self-esteem by allowing the boy to "fit in" with his peers. This can result in more successful interpersonal relationships. Side effects of testosterone replacement therapy are uncommon, but include worsening acne, overly rapid sexual development, and behavior problems (such as being overly aggressive). Careful monitoring is important to prevent these side effects. (http://men.webmd.com/tc/Klinefelter-Syndrome-Treatment-Overview)