History of intersex surgery
History of Intersex Surgery
The History of Intersex Surgery refers to the evolution and development of surgical procedures performed on individuals who are intersex, a term used to describe a variety of physical conditions in which an individual's reproductive or sexual anatomy doesn't fit typical definitions of male or female. Pronunciation: /ˈɪntərsɛks ˈsɜːrdʒəri/. The etymology of "intersex" comes from the Latin "inter-" meaning "between" and "sexus" meaning "sex". The term "surgery" originates from the Greek "cheirourgia", meaning "hand work".
Early History
The earliest known instances of intersex surgery can be traced back to the 19th century. During this time, the primary goal of these surgeries was to assign a definitive sex to the individual, often based on the appearance of external genitalia rather than chromosomal or hormonal factors. This practice was largely influenced by societal norms and expectations regarding gender and sexuality.
Mid-20th Century
In the mid-20th century, the John/Joan case significantly influenced the approach to intersex surgery. This case involved a male infant who, after a botched circumcision, was surgically reassigned as female. The case was initially reported as a success, reinforcing the belief in the efficacy of early surgical intervention. However, follow-up studies revealed that the individual identified as male in adulthood, leading to a reevaluation of early surgical intervention practices.
Late 20th Century to Present
In recent years, there has been a shift towards delaying elective surgery until the individual can participate in the decision-making process. This change has been driven by advocacy from intersex individuals and organizations, as well as growing recognition of the potential psychological and physical harms associated with early surgical intervention.
Related Terms
- Intersex: A term used to describe a variety of physical conditions in which an individual's reproductive or sexual anatomy doesn't fit typical definitions of male or female.
- John/Joan case: A significant case in the history of intersex surgery involving a male infant who was surgically reassigned as female after a botched circumcision.
- Gender assignment: The process of determining an individual's gender, often based on the appearance of external genitalia.
- Elective surgery: A type of surgery that is planned in advance, as opposed to emergency surgery.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on History of intersex surgery
- Wikipedia's article - History of intersex surgery
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