Medical Marvels: Dr. Jacomides Tells the Fascinating Tale of Guevedoces and Intersexuality

Thanks for tuning in to the Armor Men’s Health Hour Podcast today, where we bring you the latest and greatest in urology care and the best urology humor out there.In this segment, Donna Lee is joined by NAU Urology Specialists' partner, Dr. Lucas Jacomides. Dr. Jacomides begins the segment with a discussion about why certain health conditions are both seasonal and indirectly caused by other medications. For example, did you know that the same medications that compress your sinuses (thereby helping to drain them) also compresses your prostate and makes urination difficult? Many medications have side effects, and this fascinating conversation inspires Dr. Jacomides to tell a story about the guevedoces of the Dominican Republic, a community of people affected by a rare condition that effectively transforms little girls into boys during puberty. This is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which causes the genitalia to appear female at birth. But with the second surge of hormones that accompanies puberty, a penis and testicles that were otherwise unseen at birth grow/descend. The condition is a specific type of intersexuality that is common only in the Dominican Republic. For more information about this medical diagnosis and the people who live with it, Dr. Jacomides recommends the 2002 book "Middlesex" by Jeffrey Eugenides about a child experiencing these changes brought on by puberty. Dr. Mistry is a board-certified urologist and has been treating patients in the Austin and Greater Williamson County area since he started his private practice in 2007.We enjoy hearing from you! Email us at [email protected] and we’ll answer your question in an upcoming episode!Phone: (512) 238-0762Email: [email protected]: Armormenshealth.comOur Locations:Round Rock Office970 Hester’s Crossing Road Suite 101 Round Rock, TX 78681South Austin Office6501 South Congress Suite 1-103 Austin, TX 78745Lakeline Office12505 Hymeadow Drive Suite 2C Austin, TX 78750Dripping Springs Office170 Benney Lane Suite 202 Dripping Springs, TX 78620