Support for intersex people: introduction

Support for a person with a Variation of Sex Characteristics (VSC)/Difference of Sex Development (DSD) should include not only identifying the underlying medical condition (wherever possible), but also exploring gender identity, in order to understand the best path for the well-being of the person. Current recommendations suggest an approach that views the person as a whole, guaranteed by multidisciplinary approach involving different professional figures working in close collaboration, as well as by the constant presence of support groups made up of intersex people.  Health specialties essential in a multidisciplinary setting include endocrinology, pediatric, urology, gynecology, andrology, genetics, psycology, nurse. 

Individualized care of people with VSCs/DSDs calls for the consideration of several parameters, such as genetic background (the person’s genes), hormonal profile, sexual identity, body image, age, psychological structure, and sociocultural influences. Legal and ethical implications should also be examined. For further details, it is possible to consult the page dedicated to the specific VSC/DSD of interest.