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Muhlenberg College

Publication Date

Spring 2014

Program Name

Netherlands: International Perspectives on Sexuality and Gender

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to assess current medical practices in the Netherlands for the treatment of disorders of sexual development (DSD) through interviews with both medical practitioners and individuals diagnosed with these conditions. Data was obtained qualitatively through personal interviews with a pediatric endocrinologist, pediatric urologist, ethicist, and four men who have been diagnosed with Klinefelter's Syndrome. This study examines how institutional protocol aligns with individual practitioner's perception of ideal treatment as well as their own conceptions of sex and gender. This data is juxtaposed with the personal experiences and perspectives of several men diagnosed with Klinefelter's Syndrome in an attempt to provide a more holistic understanding of medical best practices. It is concluded that, in regards to DSD treatment teams, there have been several strides to meet the guidelines of the Consensus Statement of 2006, however there could be more efforts to incorporate a patient-centered model. Treatment of Klinefelter's Syndrome, on the other hand, lags very far behind that of specialized DSD medical care in regards to being care-focused.

Disciplines

Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment | Medicine and Health Sciences

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