Sex is more complex than binary.

Some people straddle boundaries between chromosomal and anatomical sexes.

Disorders of Sex Development (DSDs) complicate decisions about raising children as boys or girls.

One in 100 may have some DSD or intersex condition.

Genes influence DSD, creating anatomical and physiological variations.

DNA sequencing reveals cellular diversity.

Each cell's sex might influence behavior.

Legal systems often ignore sex complexities.

Embryonic development allows potential for both sexes.

Gonads and ducts shape male or female anatomy.

Hormones influence development of external genitalia and secondary sexual characteristics.

Gene mutations and hormone signaling affect sex.

SRY gene on Y chromosome switches gonads.

WNT4 and RSPO1 genes influence ovarian and testicular development.

Sex determination is complex, involving gene networks.

Balancing gene activity determines gonad identity.

Sex perception is shifting from binary to systemic view.

Sexual identity is complex, mosaicism in cells, genes, and chromosomes contribute.

Gonad identity is dynamic, adult mice cells transform from male to female.

DSDs result from hormonal response machinery changes.

Some DSDs affect anatomy subtly, milder forms challenge definitions.

DNA sequencing uncovers gene variations, altering physiology slightly.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) leads to varied sex outcomes.

Turner's syndrome, microchimerism, and mosaicism complicate sex understanding.

Microchimerism: fetal cells can cross placenta, persist in bodies.

Microchimeric cells integrate, with potential effects on health.

XX and XY cells exhibit different behavior beyond hormone influence.

Sex differences extend to molecular and metabolic levels.

Uncovering mechanisms is a challenge for future research.

Society lags behind biology on sex understanding.

Pressure for binary conformity persists.

Surgery on babies with DSDs is contentious.

Intersex advocacy promotes waiting for self-identification.

Legal case challenges infant surgery necessity.

Medical outcomes data, not just legal rulings, needed.

Genetic techniques advance DSD diagnosis.

Doctors more cautious about genital surgery.

Raising children as male or female common, but complex.

Spectrum of sex challenges legal binary definitions.

Gender identity may be the best parameter.

Ultimately, asking individuals may be the solution.

---