Genes and sexuality

simon — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 02:09:12 GMT

At what point in pregnancy is sexuality defined and could alcohol or any other teratogens affect the outcome of sexuality in fetal genes?

RE: Genes and sexuality

Caxie — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 06:48:24 GMT

I don't believe that there is a specific point during pregnancy that can be defined as the point where sexuality is defined. At least if there is, I don't think that it is possible to pinpoint it. As far as whether alcohol can affect the outcome, I really don't know. I think that this is a subject that is considered sticky, since everyone seems to have their own opinion about it, and it's not something that at this point is able to be medically tested. At least I do not think it is.

RE: Genes and sexuality

bill — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:48:01 GMT

Hello Simon,

First I'm not sure what you mean by sexuality. If you are talking abouty the sex of the infant/fetus. That is determined at conception, when the sperm fertilizes the ovum (egg).

If you mean what the sexual determination (wether the little boy or girl likes their own sex or the opposite sex)) of the child will be. That is unknown by medical science at this time. If someone could find a way to test for this, they would be a VERY wealthy person.

I can however offer my own observations as a single, straight, never married, man who just turned 52 Thursday. It seems that most children who are raised in a family with both ( male and female) parents. The children usually follow the "normal" sexual determination; boys like girls, and girls like boys. In "broken" families with only one parent. I have observed a different outcome. I have noticed that when a male child is raised by only the female parent. There is a definate tendancy for the boy to be sexually attracted to other boys. And the same is true when a male raises a female child. Now this is not a tried and true fact. Just my own observations in the U.S. I have seen many boys raised by a single Mother who folow the normal determination, and many girls raised by their Father who like boys. I suppose I should say that I have seen that there is a greater chance of a child being gay. When raised only by a parent of the opposite sex. I am a tool and die maker, not a reasearcher with a phd doing studies of child sexual determination.

I do know that alcohol (or any other drug) in any stage of pregnancy is too be avoided. A drink of wine, a cold beer, or mixed drink probably won't affect the fetus. But inbibing to excess of any substance ( even everyday over the counter drugs like asprin). Will increase the risk of birth defects and complications during childbirth.

I hope this answers your question.

RE: Genes and sexuality

Dr.Evil — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 02:26:28 GMT

Hormones may play a SMALL part in defining sexuality but genetics and upbringing certainly play large parts. So it would be "defined" either at contraception or some time during childhood.