Hi, I am just curious to know what are the exact tests that need to be done to determine if one is intersex and what doctors I would need to go to?  I am new to this subject actually but did read some general information regarding it. All I've done was a blood test that checked my total testosterone. 

Hi Makipu,

I believe it's as simple as a mouth swab now. This swab will test your chromosome count which is the principle indicator of Intersex. I'm not sure how common mouth swabbing is, as it's a relatively new method.

Huggs
Catherine

The first and most common tests a doctor will perform is a simple Karotype (cheek swab) because they aren't familiar with Intersex conditions and it is relatively cheap (though not at all definitive!). That test will determine if you are XX or XY. A thorough physical examination will then indicate to your doctor whether your chromosome test and your "body type" match. If they do, it is pretty hard to get a run-of-the-mill doctor to go any further because more definitive testing is expansive, time-consuming, and requires specialists in various fields of medicine. DNA testing is used to determine if there are any abnormalities in your genes, ultrasound and/or an MRI are used to diagnose any physical abnormalities in the reproductive tract, and of course hormone levels should be checked to determine if they are within the normal range for your sex.

If there aren't any physical abnormalities detected in a thorough physical examination it is unlikely you will find a GP who will request any additional testing (unless you have $10,000 to burn).