Approximately 1 in 1500 to 1 in 2000 babies are born with variations in sex characteristics that are noticeable enough to warrant consultation with a specialist.
While pinpointing an exact annual number is difficult due to varying definitions and reporting practices, we can estimate based on birth rates. Given this 1 in 1500 to 1 in 2000 statistic, it's important to understand what this implies.
- Variations in Sex Characteristics: The term "intersex" encompasses a wide range of natural variations where a person's reproductive or sexual anatomy doesn't fit typical definitions of male or female.
- Spectrum of Intersex: Intersex traits can be identified at birth, during puberty, or even later in life. Many individuals may never realize they have an intersex variation.
- Need for Specialized Consultation: The 1 in 1500 to 1 in 2000 statistic refers specifically to cases where a doctor specializing in sex differentiation is consulted at or shortly after birth.
Therefore, we can only estimate how many are noticeably atypical enough to warrant specialist review. This estimate translates to roughly 0.05% to 0.07% of births. With approximately 4 million births per year in the United States, this would suggest between 2,000 and 2,800 babies are born in the US each year with intersex traits that are immediately apparent. Globally, the number would be significantly higher. However, this does not represent the total population of people with intersex variations, as many go undetected or are discovered later in life.
