Doctors are often unaware of how intersex people experience their bodies, genders, and identities, leading them to treat patients based on assumptions and stereotypes that can cause physical and emotional harm. Medical education needs to include more comprehensive information about intersex variations, including genetic mutations, hormonal disorders, and anatomy. This will help healthcare providers recognize and respect patient differences while providing care that aligns with each person's identity and preferences.
Intersex variations occur naturally in all human populations but have been hidden from public view for decades due to stigma. When doctors encounter cases of ambiguous gender development, they may be uncertain how to proceed without additional knowledge. They may make hasty decisions without considering long-term consequences.
Doctors might perform surgery or administer hormones based on outdated ideas about what constitutes male or female traits. These actions can lead to negative effects such as infertility, pain, scarring, and psychological distress.
To prevent these outcomes, medical schools should expand curricula with research-based instruction on intersex biology and sociocultural contexts. Educators could provide case studies, diagrams, and interactive exercises to teach students about genetics, endocrinology, reproductive systems, and sexual identities. Physicians must also learn how to communicate sensitively with patients and colleagues regarding sex characteristics. Doing so requires training in verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
In addition to teaching doctors, medical institutions need to create environments where intersex individuals are seen, heard, and empowered. Intersex people often face discrimination when seeking treatment because their bodies violate normative assumptions. Clinicians need to understand the social and legal implications of misgendering patients or pressuring them into binary choices. Institutional policies and procedures must protect against this bias.
Healthcare providers should recognize that some intersex people choose not to undergo any treatments. Patients have the right to decide which body modifications or surgeries are appropriate for their wellbeing. Clinicians should respect patient autonomy while providing evidence-based information to support informed decision making.
By integrating intersex realities into medical education, physicians will be able to deliver high-quality care to all patients regardless of gender identity or developmental variation.
How might medical education integrate intersex realities to prevent harm and bias?
Medical students can learn about intersex individuals through diverse educational programs that focus on both clinical and non-clinical issues related to their healthcare needs. Clinical learning activities may include case studies, simulations, and interactive discussions with intersex patients or caregivers. Non-clinical learning opportunities should cover topics such as human rights, gender equality, and sexuality.