Are there any human hermaphrodites

Answer 1

I was just wondering the same thing and can't seem to find a straight answer. This site:

http://8e.devbio.com/article.php?id=266

--- says that there are about 98 documented cases of "true" human hermaphroditism, with "true" being in quotes and everything.

I once remember reading that a true hermaphrodite will have both working reproductive organs and that this happens naturally with certain species of animals (such as snails), but human hermaphrodites are usually sterile and, if not, only have one working organ. This is probably why the "true" is in quotes, even though the 98 cases involved people who had both testicular and ovarian tissues.

There aren't any human hermaphrodites (in the sense of "a creature with functioning male and female reproductive organs). What there are in humans is instances where for a male the scrotum doesn't close properly, or for a female, the clitoris grows beyond it's normal size. The cause is the hormones coming in the wrong blend, and I believe in most cases the affected are surgically altered in their first couple years of life to look normal.

Answer 2

yes its not very common. they can be half black half white, half female half male, somtimes its only certain organs and they will look like any normal male or female. example a female may hve femal reproductive organs that don't genically match that if the rest of her body, so if they do a DNA test they will say her kids are not hers when they really are. makes u wonder how many people got off chiled support because there DNA in there reproduction organs was diffent then the sample they took from hair or skin tests

Answer 3

The correct term is called Intersexed. During the first couple of months of pregnancy, something different happens than typical to the development of the fetus.

We all start out in mostly a female configuration, though we all have primitive male and female structures at that point. If we have a Y chromosome, then at about 5 weeks or so, 2-3 genes of the Y-chromosome would cause the adrenal glands to produce androgens. Then the rudimentary male structures ("Wolffian Ducts") would start to grow and in turn release a chemical to cause the primitive female parts ("Mullerian Ducts") to atrophy. Otherwise, by default, the female structures would continue to grow and release a chemical to cause the male structures to atrophy. Sometimes this process doesn't happen as expected.

There are many ways this can vary. For instance, if the fetus has XY chromosomes but lacks the code for androgen receptors, they will develop as female for the most part, despite the Y chromosome. There are what seem to be young women in parts of the world who at the time of puberty have spontaneous "sex changes." What happens is that when they were developing, they lacked a certain protein to cause the Wolffian ducts to develop into male primary organs. Then puberty finishes that process for them.

Of the people who are born with both sets of outward organs, most lack the internal organs for one of the sexes. The truest form of the intersex condition is very rare.

Answer 4

There is a myth in Greek mythology about Hermaphroditus, the son of Hermes and Aphrodite. He was the god of hermaphrodites and effeminate men.

Are hermaphrodites a myth? No. They are generally refered to as 'intersex' or persons with 'disorders of sex development (DSD)'. The truth is that the labels of 'man' and 'woman' are not natural and they are many other sexes in existance.

If you'd like to look into this a bit more, here are some names to Google:

Intersex Society of North America,

Anne Fausto-Sterling,

Dr. Tiger Devore,

Cheryl Chase

Answer 5

No, but is reasonably socially adapted ( uusally they favor one gender or the other) they may adopt children. at any rate there is no law specifically barring this practice. In a sense it is a form of sterility- ( Honey we can"t have any children) was a sort of tear-jerker line used in some ( family) films such as Follow Me Boys- the countersign was never ( Great- lets Take off for Vegas! no way, it was always viewed as a handicap or setback, if not actually a tragedy.

Answer 6

It depends. They usually have one set of parts that work. "True hermaphroditism" is extremely rare, so if they are able to reproduce, it usually requires another person.

By the way, intersexed is the preferred term.

Answer 7

Yes, they do. Most tend towards one gender or the other and thus effect apparel, customs,of that sex. they are very rare.