Intersex is a term that has achieved popularity relatively recently. It refers to persons who have other than the normal component of all-male or all-female gonads (sex organs). Hermaphrodites would be the extreme form of this, where a complete set of functioning (or non-functioning) male AND female gonads are present. Likewise the complete absence of either male or female gonads. There is a sliding continuum of mixed genitalia possible. In general, "intersex" is a title applied by the person themselves (not by a doctor), in an effort to self-identify and deal with the conflicts inherent in such conditions. It is a conscious decision: "For me, neither 'male' nor 'female' really fits. I am intersex." Additionally, the term intersex generally does not refer to the DNA/ genetics of the individual. Thus a person who is genetically male but with ambiguous genitalia may refer to himself as "intersex." Hope this helps.