First 'test tube hermaphrodite' reported

Doctors: Rare condition shouldn't concern infertile couples

Two types of embryos, a male with x y chromosomes and a female with double x, become one fetus

January 18, 1998
Web posted at: 10:59 a.m. EDT (1059 GMT)

ATLANTA (CNN) -- The odds of a human being naturally having both male and female sexual characteristics are slim, both in the general population and for so-called "test tube babies" conceived through in vitro fertilization. In fact, in 20 years of in vitro fertilization, it has never happened -- until now.

In the latest issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, Scottish researchers reported the first known case of a hermaphrodite found in an in vitro fertilization.

The researchers say couples using the process should be warned of this possible outcome, though it is unlikely to happen to them.

More than 100,000 babies have been born through IVF since Louise Brown, the world's first test tube baby, was born in 1978.

The hermaphrodite case, the only one of those thousands to develop this irregularity during conception, arose due to an error in the fertilization. During the IVF process, a male embryo, with an x and y chromosome, and a female embryo, with two x chromosomes, fused.

Mitchell-Leef

"In combination, the genetics or chromosomes were mixed to become one fetus," explained Dr. Dorothy Mitchell-Leef, a reproductive biology associate, who says the true hermaphrodite condition is found in nature "maybe one in every 25,000 deliveries."

The condition is not life-threatening. It can be surgically corrected, but the individual will have fertility problems.

Researchers say the condition is so rare that couples considering IVF need not be concerned about the finding.

Dr. Mark Perloe, a reproductive specialist at the Atlanta Reproductive Health Center, said it is unlikely he will change the way he counsels couples considering the fertilization procedure.

FACTOID The term "hermaphrodite" is derived from the ancient Greek myth of Hermaphroditus, son of Hermes and Aphrodite. While bathing, he became united in a single body with a nymph.

"We make them aware of the risk of passing on certain male fertility factors," he said. "In some cases that may increase fertility problems in the offspring."

In 20 years of in vitro fertilization, there have been no reports that the technique increases the odds of birth defects or other abnormalities. However, the technology has made it possible for thousands of infertile couples to become parents.

From Correspondent Rhonda Rowland

Related stories:

• Report: In vitro procedure produces hermaphrodite - January 14, 1998

Related sites:

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• New England Journal of Medicine
• Reproductive Biology Associates
• Atlanta Reproductive Health Centre

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.

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