Today, clitoris reduction, childhood vaginoplasty that soon scleroses, selective deception of parents, cosmetic hypospadias repairs that cause more harm than help, and inadequate information about surgery are being questioned by adult intersexuals. They complain of violation of their rights to refuse surgery as infants 30 to 40 years ago. The workup is sophisticated and expensive. The intersex Web site is available but may be overwhelming for some. A decision to remain as is or to seek sex change will still require flexibility from all involved, amid doubts, anxieties, positives, and negatives.
Confidentiality is different from secrecy, and lying to a patient is never helpful.
A copy of the records can be given to parents to be kept in trust for their child until age 13 years so that they can know their history. Peers can be brutal in their curiosity and ridicule. All involved will seek the dream of happiness. To read this book is to become aware of the tremendous complexity of human sexuality and gender identity beyond genitals, hormones, enzymes, and even chromosomes and genes. Behavior, feelings, and values blend with intellect and how each individual is sexually drawn to another.