A national study on the physical and mental health of intersex adults in the U.S.

Abstract

Objectives To describe the health of intersex adults (people with differences of sex development) in the U.S. using community-based research methods. Methods In July-September 2018, we conducted a national health study of intersex adults aged 18 and older in the U.S., using a survey hosted on Qualtrics. The study describes the physical and mental health experiences of intersex adults, including differences by age (18 to 39 vs. 40 and older). Questions were derived from national (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System) and intersex-related health studies. Results A non-probability sample of 198 intersex adults completed the survey over three months. Over 43% of participants rated their physical health as fair/poor and 53% reported fair/poor mental health. Prevalent health diagnoses included depression, anxiety, arthritis, and hypertension, with significant differences by age. Nearly a third reported difficulty with everyday tasks and over half reported serious difficulties with cognitive tasks. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first national study of intersex adults in the U.S. Greater understanding of intersex health over the life course is essential. Findings highlight the need for longitudinal studies and further examination of potential health disparities experienced by intersex populations.

Human studies of mitochondrial biology demonstrate an overall lack of binary sex differences: A multivariate meta‐analysis

“…On the contrary, the influence of these factors on mitochondrial health could supersede that of sex assigned at birth, making the binary classification of limited use and possibly obscuring meaningful gender/sex‐related variation. Research findings guided solely by a binary sex construct also are of limited applicability to TGD individuals, who represent a non‐negligible and increasing fraction of the general population, 40 and to intersex individuals 80,81 . A complete discussion of the limitations of binary sex constructs is beyond the scope of this meta‐analysis but is explored elsewhere 32–34,82,83 …”

Lifespan healthcare transitions among individuals with intersex traits in Canada: a mixed-methods and qualitative study

“…Being born with intersex can impact physical,15 16 psychosocial16 17 and familial18 19 experiences at organisational,20 21 policy,22–24 cultural and community levels 25. Psychosocial studies have illuminated a range of concerns for individuals with intersex linked to quality of life, trauma, mistrust, mental health concerns and isolation 26–28. Despite shifts in legislation globally, emerging emancipatory studies,20 29 human rights champions and leaders,30 31 and heightened public awareness of diversity,32 33 healthcare across the lifespan for individuals with intersex can be compromised.…”

Human studies of mitochondrial biology demonstrate an overall lack of binary sex differences: A multivariate meta-analysis

“…On the other hand, the influence of these factors on mitochondrial health could supersede that of sex assigned at birth, making the binary classification of limited use, possibly obscuring meaningful gender/sex-related variation. Research findings guided solely by a binary sex construct also are of limited applicability to TGD individuals, who represent a non-negligible and increasing fraction of the general population (37), and to intersex individuals (77, 78). A complete discussion of the limitations of binary sex constructs are beyond the scope of this meta-analysis but are explored elsewhere (29-31, 79, 80).…”