Title section one "Physical Traits". There is no single physical trait that distinguishes hermaphroditism, but many traits and they may vary from person to person. Depending on the type of hermaphroditism, children may be born with both male and female external genitalia or they may be born with the underdeveloped genitalia of one sex. A child may also have external physical traits for only one sex but have the internal sex organs for both sexes.
Section two can be "Genetic Causes". The causes of hermaphroditism are genetic. A child born with two X chromosomes, which typically designates a female, may have been exposed to high levels of male hormones during pregnancy, which can result in male external genitalia. If the child has an X and Y chromosome, which typically designates a male, but has underdeveloped male genitalia, there may be an extremely low production of male hormones needed for development and the male may never be capable of reproduction. Other causes of hermaphroditism are too little or too much sex hormone production or extra chromosomes. Some causes are unknown.
Title section three "Symptoms". The symptoms of hermaphroditism are broad, especially because there are so many varying degrees of the disorder. Some of the symptoms include: smaller or larger than normal genitalia, electrolyte imbalance, lack of puberty and other physical and hormonal abnormalities.
Section four should include "Treatment". Treatment options for hermaphroditism are complex. Parents can choose surgery when the child is young, but the parents must then first decide what sex they want the child to be. If the child has female genitalia and will be able to reproduce as an adult, but only has internal male genitalia, such as testes that are normal or malformed, the parents may choose to have the male genitalia surgically removed. In some cases the parents will wait until the child enters puberty and then utilize hormone therapy or choose surgery.