Definition

Noun: A congenital condition in which an individual's external genitalia appear typical of one sex, while the internal reproductive organs (gonads) are typical of the opposite sex. This is a form of disorder of sex development (DSD).

Usage

The term is used in medical and biological contexts to describe a specific intersex condition. It is often subdivided into male pseudohermaphroditism (internal testes but female-typical or ambiguous external genitalia) and female pseudohermaphroditism (internal ovaries but male-typical or ambiguous external genitalia).

Examples

• The diagnosis was pseudohermaphroditism, with the child having ovaries but partially masculinized external genitalia.
• Advances in genetic testing have improved the understanding and classification of pseudohermaphroditism.
• Historically, cases of pseudohermaphroditism were often misclassified before modern endocrinology.

Advanced Usage

• The term is increasingly being replaced in clinical settings by more specific, descriptive terminology under the umbrella of Disorders of Sex Development (DSDs) or differences of sex development, as "hermaphroditism" is considered outdated and potentially stigmatizing.
• 46,XY DSD often corresponds to what was formerly called male pseudohermaphroditism.
• 46,XX DSD often corresponds to what was formerly called female pseudohermaphroditism.

Variants and Related Words

• Pseudohermaphrodite (noun, now often considered outdated): An individual with the condition of pseudohermaphroditism.
• Hermaphroditism (noun): A condition where an individual has both ovarian and testicular tissue. This is distinct from pseudohermaphroditism.
• Disorder of Sex Development (DSD) (noun): The modern, preferred umbrella term for congenital conditions involving atypical development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex.

Synonyms

• Intersex condition (broader, more general term)
• Disorder of sex development (DSD) (modern clinical term)
• Ambiguous genitalia (describes a common physical presentation, but is not synonymous with the specific internal condition)

Notes on Terminology

• Important Note: The terms "pseudohermaphroditism" and "hermaphrodite" are considered archaic and potentially offensive in many social and human rights contexts. While they may still be found in older medical literature, contemporary practice favors person-first, descriptive language such as "a person with a DSD" or specific diagnostic names (e.g., androgen insensitivity syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia).

Noun

1. congenital condition in which a person has external genitalia of one sex and internal sex organs of the other sex