Raised as girl for 15 years:Asian Games medical test reveals male chromosomes; AIIMS doctors perform rare surgery

A girl born into a tribal family in a small village in Madhya Pradesh was raised as a daughter for 15 years. She excelled in both studies and sports and qualified for the 2023 Asian Games through her talent, but a blood test there changed her life. The report revealed that her body had significantly higher testosterone levels than women. Further tests showed that her chromosomes were XY, typically found in males. Doctors also discovered a testicle inside her body. This revelation shocked both the family and the child. After consulting several doctors without a solution, the family eventually reached AIIMS Bhopal. Following detailed examination and counselling, a team of doctors performed complex surgery. They removed the testicle and the underdeveloped male organ present in her body. She is now living a normal life as a woman. Many similar cases are being treated through the transgender clinic at AIIMS. Doctors had declared her a girl at birth Family members told AIIMS doctors that Rashmi (name changed) was born through a normal delivery and was declared a girl by doctors at birth. “We raised her just like any other girl,” they said. However, she was stopped from participating in the Asian Games after the medical report. Since then, Rashmi and her family remained distressed for a long time. They consulted many doctors but could not find a solution. Later, they learnt about the special transgender clinic at AIIMS Bhopal. During detailed examination there, doctors found that although her external body structure was completely feminine, her chromosomes were XY. An MRI scan also revealed two small testicles in the lower abdomen, where women normally have ovaries. These testicles were producing testosterone. Major decision taken with family’s consent After the diagnosis, doctors conducted detailed counselling with the girl and her family. They explained that she could choose to live as either male or female. After careful consideration, the girl and her family decided that she would continue living as a female. Doctors then prepared a detailed surgical plan. Complex surgery performed by team from four departments A joint team of specialists from the departments of gynaecology, psychiatry, burns and plastic surgery, and urology carried out the complex surgery. The procedure was performed in two phases. In the first phase, the small male organ that had developed in the body was removed using micro plastic surgery techniques. During the process, only its upper portion and connected nerves were preserved to maintain future sensitivity, which is normally experienced during physical relations. In the second phase, the underdeveloped testicles present in the abdomen were removed. No possibility of becoming a mother Doctors had already informed the family that in such cases there is no uterus in the body, meaning the patient will not be able to become a mother in the future. At present, after surgery, she is completely healthy and remains in regular follow-up with AIIMS Bhopal. Doctors say she can now live a normal life as a woman. More than 10 surgeries performed every month According to Dr Abhinav Singh, Assistant Professor in the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery at AIIMS Bhopal, a special transgender clinic is being run there for such cases. A large number of patients visit every month for consultation, but only around 10–12 can undergo surgery. Of these, about 60 percent are male-to-female transitions, while around 40 percent are female-to-male transitions. This ratio may change over time. According to Dr Singh, the number of such patients has steadily increased in recent years due to growing awareness and rising trust in AIIMS Bhopal. Counselling is essential along with surgery At AIIMS Bhopal, treatment does not involve surgery alone. Extensive counselling is also provided to patients and their families so they can understand and accept their condition. Along with this, hormone therapy is used to help develop the body internally according to the chosen identity. Experts say that with timely diagnosis, proper treatment and social support, such patients can live normal and dignified lives.