Intersex healthcare

People with intersex variations, also called disorders of sex development, have hormonal, genetic, or anatomical differences unexpected of an endosex (non-intersex) male or female. These can include, but are not limited to, reproductive organs with a mix of male and female structures, underdeveloped reproductive organs, and rare sex chromosomes or chromosomes unexpected of one's sex.

The healthcare needs of intersex people differ depending on which variations they have. Some intersex variations can cause a lack of sex hormones, infertility, or an increased risk of cancer. Intersex people have a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues like depression and PTSD compared to the general population.

Healthcare for intersex people can include treatments for one's mental, cognitive, physical, and sexual health. This can include hormone replacement, peer support, medical assistance for conceiving children, and other treatments depending on the needs of the individual. Intersex conditions are diagnosed prenatally (before birth), at birth, or later in life via genetic and hormone testing as well as medical imaging.

Intersex healthcare often comes with additional challenges compared to healthcare for endosex people. This is due to stigma and medical abuse towards intersex people, lack of intersex inclusion in medical research, and lack access to supportive and specialized care. Intersex healthcare has historically focused on making intersex people fit into physical and social norms for one's sex. This includes concealing information from patients and medically unnecessary surgeries. Intersex organizations advocate to end these practices and make further changes to respect and include intersex people. The medicalization of intersex variations and the use of the term "disorders of sex development" are disputed as well.