Raising an Intersex Child

You can read more about what intersexuality is here, and about the causes of intersexuality here.

If your child is born intersex, here are some recommendations about what to do and how to approach their intersexuality:

Table of Contents

CommunicationAssigning a GenderPhysical and Mental HealthCommunity
Communication

Intersex children and adults should be treated in an …

Defining Intersex

The two intersex flags

“Intersex” is a general term used to describe people who are born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that does not fit the typical definitions of female or male. For example, a person might appear to be female on the outside at birth, but have mostly male-typical reproductive organs inside. In …

Menopause

Table of Contents

What is menopause?The Onset of MenopauseThe Biology behind MenopauseEffects on FertilityWhat to ExpectLong-Term Health EffectsTreatment
What is menopause?

Menopause is the cessation of a woman’s menstruation, a normal and natural transition all women go through as they age. When a woman reaches her early to mid-40s, she may …

Sperm

Sperm are the male reproductive cells found in semen. When mature and motile, they are referred to as spermatozoa (singular: spermatozoon). In humans, sperm cells ideally contain 23 chromosomes (half of a human’s genetic material) and may combine with the 23 chromosomes contained in a female’s ovum during fertilization to form a new …

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that affects the female reproductive system. It generally begins in one of the two ovaries on either sides of the uterus and can often remain undetected for most of the beginning stages. Ovarian cancer is usually identified once it has metastasized (spread) to other parts of the pelvic …

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful female reproductive condition associated with chronic menstrual pain and infertility. Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue begins to grow outside of the uterus.1 This tissue is similar to the lining of the uterus.1 Although there is currently no cure for endometriosis, there are different types of treatment available that can …

Menstrual Products

The most familiar stage of a female’s menstrual cycle is the period. A period is characterized by bleeding from the vagina that lasts approximately three to seven days. Menstrual products provide feminine hygiene by collecting or absorbing blood. There are countless different methods and products that provide this hygienic benefit. The most commonly used …

Hormonal Contraceptive Methods

Hormones are chemical messengers found in the body. In the reproductive systems of people with vulvas, they regulate everything from libido to the menstrual cycle. In addition, synthetic hormones can be administered to people with vulvas who have natural hormonal imbalances, though they are primarily used as a form of contraception, or birth control.1 …

My Friend is Pregnant

Disclaimer: We acknowledge that not all pregnant people will remain the parent of their child and that not all parents may have biologically given birth to their child. In this article, we use the term “parent” for the sake of inclusivity and consistency.

Finding out that your friend is pregnant can cause a variety of …