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What is Ambiguous Genitalia?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Although the cry of “It's a girl!” or “It's a boy!” is what most people expect in the birthing room, sometimes the sex is not immediately obvious, because the infant has ambiguous genitalia which may share characteristics of male and female genitalia, making it difficult to determine the sex of the child. In this case, it may take some time to determine the infant's genetic sex, and to decide what steps to take.

A number of different things can lead to ambiguous genitalia. One is a chromosomal abnormality, of which there are quite a number, which leads to unusual development of the sex organs during fetal development. People with chromosomal abnormalities might have, for example, XXY sex chromosomes. Several congenital conditions such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia can also lead to ambiguous genitalia.

Chromosomal abnormality can lead to ambiguous genitalia.
Chromosomal abnormality can lead to ambiguous genitalia.

Other things can include abnormalities in hormone levels during development, random variations which occur during fetal development, or exposure to medications taken by the mother. All of these factors can cause things such as an enlarged clitoris in girls, along with other variations in the female genitalia which may make the sex of the baby unclear, while boys may have penises which are smaller than average, or variations in the formation of their testes which could lead to confusion when attempting to determine the infant's gender.

With ambiguous genitalia, it may take some time to determine the infant's genetic sex, and to decide what steps to take.
With ambiguous genitalia, it may take some time to determine the infant's genetic sex, and to decide what steps to take.

In many cases, ambiguous genitalia are not dangerous, and they are primarily addressed due to concerns about socialization. In other instances, they are linked with dangerous genetic conditions, in which case they are a symptom of a larger problem. For this reason, doctors like to take their time when finding out why an infant has ambiguous genitalia, so that parents will know the complete story, which will allow them to make the most informed decision possible about what to do.

Surgery may be required to address variations in the formation of genitalia.
Surgery may be required to address variations in the formation of genitalia.

When ambiguous genitalia are caused by a dangerous condition, that condition needs to be treated or addressed before moving on to the issue of the genitalia, while in cases in which such causes have been ruled out, the genitals may be the primary concern. Treatments available for ambiguous genitalia include hormones to encourage the genitals to develop in one direction or another, or surgery to address variations in the formation of the genitalia. Surgery is also sometimes necessary because occasionally abnormalities in the formation of the genitals lead to problems such as a closed urethra.

There are quite a number of factors that can lead to unusual development of the sex organs during fetal development.
There are quite a number of factors that can lead to unusual development of the sex organs during fetal development.

There is some debate over the treatment of ambiguous genitalia. Organizations which advocate for people known as “intersex” because they are not specifically male or female have raised concerns about situations in which parents may be forced to pick a sex for their children. In cases where a child has a clear genetic sex and minimal treatment is needed to encourage the genitals to form in alignment with that sex, treatment is less controversial. But when extensive surgery or other measures are needed, some organizations have suggested that children should be allowed to grow up and make their own decision. Parents who opt for this choice are relatively few, in part because of the very serious concerns about the social problems a child or young adult with ambiguous genitalia can face. In some cases, intersex children who have been assigned a sex at birth later take on a different gender identity.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Chromosomal abnormality can lead to ambiguous genitalia.
      By: Giovanni Cancemi
      Chromosomal abnormality can lead to ambiguous genitalia.
    • With ambiguous genitalia, it may take some time to determine the infant's genetic sex, and to decide what steps to take.
      By: Francois du Plessis
      With ambiguous genitalia, it may take some time to determine the infant's genetic sex, and to decide what steps to take.
    • Surgery may be required to address variations in the formation of genitalia.
      By: vadim kozlovsky
      Surgery may be required to address variations in the formation of genitalia.
    • There are quite a number of factors that can lead to unusual development of the sex organs during fetal development.
      By: blueringmedia
      There are quite a number of factors that can lead to unusual development of the sex organs during fetal development.
    • Young people who are intersexed or struggle with gender identity often feel isolated from their peers.
      By: guas
      Young people who are intersexed or struggle with gender identity often feel isolated from their peers.