Third gender:
The third gender is described as a category of such individuals that cannot be defined by the customary definitions of male and female. In Pakistan, such individuals are commonly known as “Hijras”.
Usually, the term “third” means as another gender besides the two major ones in a society. Some anthropologists and sociologists have described “fourth” and “fifth” genders as other sex categories.
Biology determines the sex of a person. Third sex category is an uncommon variation in which the individual could be born with ambiguous (hermaphrodite) genitals, male genitals or female genitals by physiology.
Causes of Birth Defects of Third Sex Babies:
In scientific language, the major reason responsible for an intersex state is abnormal levels of sex hormones during the development of the fetus. The commonly known medical causes for such conditions involve:
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: A metabolic disorder.
- Abnormalities in the number of chromosomes: Occurs during meiosis resulting in an unequal division of chromosomes in the newly formed daughter cells.
Related: Everything You Need to Know about Gender Dysphoria
A child born with genitals that cannot be defined clearly as male or female mostly grows up to become a pseudo-hermaphrodite. A pseudo-hermaphrodite has ambiguous external genitals, however, they have either an ovary or testes and never both of them. Genetically, they are either male or female.
Abnormalities in Male Genitals:
High levels of testosterone ensure the development of a penis, scrotum, and the penile urethra. If the amount of testosterone is not high enough, it causes the formation of a small penis and testes that do not descend into the scrotum. This condition is treated with more testosterone to promote sexual differentiation and fertility. To get these conditions treated book an appointment with the best sexologist in Karachi, Lahore and all other main cities of Pakistan as well.
Abnormalities in Female Genitals:
Under the influence of high testosterone level, the female genitals are affected resulting in an enlarged clitoris resembling a small penis and a fused labia. The treatment involves reduction of the enlarged clitoris, vagina repairing, and rectification of urethra.
Though birth defects regarding third sex are scientifically proved, inter-sex people are looked down upon by non-intersex societies with a belief that the two distinct opposite genders are superior. Modern societies embrace other genders equally but there are still a significant number of nations where this ideology of equality needs to be implemented.