Medicalization, relationship with the body and sexuality in Intersex people: a qualitative investigation

Journal title PSICOLOGIA DELLA SALUTE
Author/s Sofia Pavanello-Decaro, Elisabetta Vanzini, Annalisa Anzani, Antonio Prunas
Publishing Year 2026 Issue 2026/1
Language Italian Pages 22 P. 78-99 File size 208 KB
DOI 10.3280/PDS2026-001006
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Existing studies in the literature concerning the Intersex population, – those individuals whose chromosomal, gonadal, and external genital sexes do not coincide and who cannot be categorized within man-woman dualism ‒, have investigated medical aspects. The aim of the present study is to investigate Intersex people’s subjective experiences, specifically concerning medicalization, the relationship with health care personnel, body representation, and the sexual sphere, taking into consideration their perspectives and overall well-being. To achieve this goal, a thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo 12 software on semi-structured interviews of five Intersex participants. The results obtained are analyzed and discussed drawing comparisons with existing literature. The findings highlight the need for the refinement of the Patient Centered Care Model, which takes care of the Intersex patient on multiple levels, including psychological, emotional, physical, sexual and social weel-being. Moreover, the research conducted highlight the need for a process of cultural revision of the unsatisfactory binary gender model towards a more inclusive understanding which recognize diverse experiences on Intersex individuals.

Keywords: Intersexuality, gender identity, treatment of Intersexuality, human rights, medicalization, disclosure.

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Sofia Pavanello-Decaro, Elisabetta Vanzini, Annalisa Anzani, Antonio Prunas, Medicalizzazione, relazione con il corpo e sessualità nelle persone intersex: un’indagine qualitativa in "PSICOLOGIA DELLA SALUTE" 1/2026, pp 78-99, DOI: 10.3280/PDS2026-001006