Abstract

SANTOS, Moara de Medeiros Rocha  and  ARAUJO, Tereza Cristina Cavalcanti Ferreira de. The intersexuality and its challenges for health professionals. Psicol. cienc. prof. [online]. 2003, vol.23, n.3, pp. 26-33. ISSN 1414-9893.

Based on a critical literature review on intersexuality, clinical approaches adopted in cases of external and/or internal genitalia ambiguity are discussed. These cases may have been diagnosed as male pseudo-hermaphroditism, female pseudo-hermaphroditism or true hermaphroditism. Considering the need to get support from issues relating to psychological development, specifically dealing with the acquisition of gender identity and performance of gender role, the difficulties involved in the therapeutic decision-making and follow-up by professionals within the health team are emphasized. An overview of recent researches is traced, intended to give suggestions for future scientific and care providing endeavors.

Keywords : Intersexuality; Hermaphroditism; Clinic; Health professionals.

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