Reproductive System & Sexual Disorders: Current Research
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-038X
ISSN: 2161-038X
Amin Saleh Halum
Tanzania
Research Article
Pseudo-Hermaphroditism: A Multi-Faceted Pathosis
Author(s): Muhammad Tahir M Bhinder, Amin Saleh Halum and Sandy LeeMuhammad Tahir M Bhinder, Amin Saleh Halum and Sandy Lee
Pseudo-hermaphroditism is a rare condition which has much mystique to it. It is generally due to a deficiency of the enzyme 5α-reductase, responsible for the secretion and conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which, in turn, defines the external genitalia during embryonic development. As a result of this, individuals present with ambiguous external genitalia, and do not have a defined idea of what their true identity is. One such example is present in Las Salinas, in the south of the Dominican Republic, where there is a growing minority of pseudo-hermaphrodites (1 in every 50 births), known as "guevedoces" which literally translates into "penis at 12". These individuals undergo a spontaneous change from female to male at puberty, which means that they are often brought up as females, but then become males at puberty... View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2161-038X.1000162