The Talk Around Differences in Sex Development and Sports Fairness

The discussion about differences in sex development (DSD) is heating up, especially after some recent events in the boxing world. Last year, an Algerian boxer got disqualified just moments before her big match at the women’s World Championships in New Delhi. She couldn’t compete due to the rules set by the International Boxing Association (IBA) that keeps athletes with male XY chromosomes out of women’s events.

Similarly, a double world champion from Taiwan lost her bronze medal for the same reason, failing to meet the eligibility criteria. Despite this, the committee allowed both boxers to participate in other competitions and defended their actions, saying such decisions must follow proper procedures.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has waded into this issue too, expressing sympathy for these athletes who face their fair share of criticism. They emphasized that every person deserves the chance to engage in sports without facing discrimination.

This brings to light what exactly differences in sex development mean. Essentially, DSD covers a range of unique situations where a person’s genes, hormones, and reproductive organs differ from what’s generally considered typical. For instance, some might have XX chromosomes linked to females but XY chromosomes usually connected to males along with diverse reproductive organs.

The NHS notes that individuals could have a womb and also internal testicles, complicating traditional gender definitions. Professor Claus Højbjerg Gravholt, who studies genetic endocrinology, suggests that assuming someone with a Y chromosome is automatically male isn’t accurate.

He recounts that many of his patients might appear female yet genetically have XY chromosomes. This opens up a fascinating debate about what truly defines sex—be it chromosomes, hormones, or physical appearance.

Many people find out about their DSD when they’re born or during their teenage years. One case Professor Højbjerg Gravholt shared was about a woman in her thirties who struggled with infertility. Despite having a typical female appearance, she discovered she had no uterus and produced high levels of testosterone due to internal testicles.

It’s stories like hers that showcase the complexities surrounding differences in sex development. Professor Højbjerg Gravholt explained that about half of his patients lack a uterus and thus can’t carry a pregnancy, while the others have a uterus but don’t produce eggs. As he notes, he has yet to hear of an XY chromosome female who can have children.