Q56: Indeterminate sex and pseudohermaphroditism

Q56.0: Hermaphroditism, not elsewhere classified

The testicles produce male sex hormones. An example of a male sex hormone is testosterone. The ovaries are part of the female genitals. The ovaries produce female sex hormones. These include, for example, estrogen.

While developing in the womb, many different types of tissue develop in the body. The organs and body parts develop out of the various types of tissue. Normally, during the time in the womb, either male or female genital organs develop. The development of external genital organs is controlled by the male or female sex hormones.

If testicular tissue and ovarian tissue develop simultaneously, the external genital organs may resemble male or female genital organs. However, the external genital organs may also have male and female parts. The external male genitals include the penis and the testicles. The external female genital organs include the labia, the clitoris and the skin around the vagina.