The question of whether a hermaphrodite possesses both male and female genitalia requires a distinction between the biological definition used for non-human species and the outdated application of the term to humans. In its strict biological sense, “hermaphrodite” refers to an organism that naturally produces both male and female gametes, such as sperm and eggs. When applied to humans, this term is no longer medically or socially appropriate, having been replaced by “Intersex” or “Differences of Sex Development” (DSD) to describe the wide spectrum of natural variations in sex characteristics. The physical reality of these human variations rarely involves the presence of two complete, functional sets of genitalia.
Hermaphroditism in the Animal Kingdom
In the broader animal kingdom, hermaphroditism is a common and functional reproductive strategy, particularly among invertebrates. These organisms possess both male and female reproductive organs, or gonads, that produce both types of gametes. Earthworms, for example, are simultaneous hermaphrodites, possessing both testes and ovaries at the same time throughout their adult lives.
A different form is sequential hermaphroditism, where an organism changes sex during its lifespan. Clownfish are protandrous, starting life as males and later changing into females if the dominant female dies. Conversely, some species, like the blue-headed wrasse, are protogynous, beginning as females and transitioning to males. In these species, the presence of both reproductive capacities is a normal part of their biology, optimized for mating success.
Understanding Intersex Conditions in Humans
The term “hermaphrodite” is misleading and scientifically inaccurate when referring to humans. The preferred terminology is “Intersex” or “Differences of Sex Development” (DSD). Intersex is an umbrella term for a range of variations in a person’s sex characteristics that do not fit typical binary definitions of male or female bodies.
These variations can occur in chromosomes, hormones, internal organs, or external anatomy. DSD is used medically to describe conditions where the reproductive organs and genitals do not develop along typical male or female lines. Intersex variations are natural biological differences, occurring in an estimated 1.7% of the population. The former term was discarded because it incorrectly implied the presence of two complete reproductive systems, which is not the case.
Variations in Genital and Reproductive Anatomy
A person with an Intersex condition does not typically have two complete sets of genitalia (a fully formed penis and a fully formed vagina existing simultaneously). Instead, Intersex anatomy exists on a spectrum of atypical development. A common presentation is ambiguous external genitalia, where the appearance is not clearly identifiable as male or female. This may manifest as an enlarged clitoris resembling a small penis, or a small penis with the urethra opening on the underside, a condition called hypospadias.
Internal anatomy can also be discordant with the external appearance. For example, a person may have external features that appear female but possess internal testes instead of ovaries. Conversely, a person with female chromosomes and ovaries may have external genitalia that appear more male, such as a large clitoris and fused labia, often seen in conditions like Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH).
A rare presentation is ovotesticular DSD, where the gonadal tissue contains both ovarian and testicular components, sometimes in a single organ called an ovotestis. Even in this variation, these gonads are not fully functional in both capacities. The external genitalia remain ambiguous rather than forming two complete, distinct sets. The anatomical reality of human Intersex variations is one of mosaicism, incompleteness, or ambiguity.
Underlying Causes of Sex Development Variations
Variations in sexual development arise from differences in the genetic and hormonal processes that guide fetal development. Sex development is influenced by sex chromosomes, sex glands (gonads), and sex hormones. A difference in any of these factors can lead to an Intersex condition.
Chromosomal variations are one source, such as having an atypical number of sex chromosomes like XXY or XO, rather than the typical XX or XY. Another common cause involves hormonal irregularities, such as the body’s inability to produce certain enzymes. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), for instance, causes an overproduction of androgens, or male hormones. This can lead to the masculinization of the external genitalia in a genetically female fetus.
Sensitivity to hormones is also a factor, as seen in Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS). In AIS, a person with XY chromosomes produces androgens, but their body’s receptors do not respond to the hormones properly. This results in external genitalia that are female or ambiguous. These genetic and hormonal differences dictate how the internal and external sex characteristics form, resulting in the wide array of anatomical variations under the Intersex umbrella.