Ambiguous Genitalia

A Basic Guide to Ambiguous Genitalia

About

A birth defect of the sex organs which make it unclear whether an affected newborn is a girl or a boy.

It is witnessed once in every 4,500 births. [1]

- Easily diagnosed
- Genetic Disorder; treatments available
- Undetectable by prenatal tests
- Ultrasound, endoscopy, abdominal x-ray important for drafting a treatment
plan

Ambiguous Genitalia is a genetic disorder caused due to erratic development of gonads. The genitals of the patient may be incompletely developed or might be showing the characteristics of both sexes.

Symptoms

Diagnosable: The disorder can be diagnosed at birth itself, by looking at the newborn's genitals.

Symptoms in a genetically female baby:
Huge clitoris resembling a penis
Closed Labia
Lumps resembling testes in the fused labia

Symptoms in a genetically male baby:
Absence of testicles
Abnormally small penis present closer to urethral opening
Hypospadias

Treatment

Self-care:
This condition entails a difficult time for both parents and the child. Enrolling the child to an experienced mental health professional is beneficial. Participation of the child in a support group also helps.

Medicines:
Hormonal medicines may work in curing the same.

Specialists:
Surgery can be utilised to either create new genitals, or to preserve sexual function. Vaginoplasty, clitoroplasty in females and gonadectomy in males are some examples.
At mfine, you will receive a suitable treatment plan for optimum health.