Disorders of sex development
Advice for parents of older children
Sometimes a DSD may be diagnosed if an older child doesn't develop normally in puberty. For example, your child may not start the normal puberty changes, or may start puberty but notget periods.
Speak to your GP if you have any concerns about your child's development at puberty. Theycan refer your child to a specialist, usually a consultant in paediatric endocrinology or an adolescent gynaecologist.
A team of different healthcare professionals will work with you to understand your child's condition, and offer you and your child support and advice.
As your child grows up, they may need hormone therapy and psychological support, and they may eventually decide they want surgery to change their appearance.
With the right care and support, many people with DSDs come to terms with their condition and live happily.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Find out about disorders of sex development (DSDs), a group of rare conditions where the reproductive organs and genitals don't develop as expected.
Types of DSDs
There are manydifferent types of DSD.Below are some examples. Female geneswith ambiguous or male-looking genitals Some people haveXX (female) chromosomes with normal ovaries and womb, but their geni
What happens after birth
Some DSDs are suspected soon after birth because of obvious signs such as undescended testicles or an atypical genital appearance. Anumber of tests may be carried out to help confirm the diagnosis a
Advice for parents of older children
Sometimes a DSD may be diagnosed if an older child doesn't develop normally in puberty. For example, your child may not start the normal puberty changes, or may start puberty but notget periods. Spea
Types of DSDs
There are manydifferent types of DSD.Below are some examples. Female geneswith ambiguous or male-looking genitals Some people haveXX (female) chromosomes with normal ovaries and womb, but their geni
If you think you have a DSD
If you think or know you have a DSD, help and support is available. Speak to your GP initially, as they'll be able to refer you to a team of specialist healthcare professionals whocan offer support a
What happens after birth
Some DSDs are suspected soon after birth because of obvious signs such as undescended testicles or an atypical genital appearance. Anumber of tests may be carried out to help confirm the diagnosis a
Support groups
If you have a DSD or you're the parent of a child with a DSD, you may find it useful to contact or join a support group. These groups can often offer more information and advice about living with a D
Advice for parents of older children
Sometimes a DSD may be diagnosed if an older child doesn't develop normally in puberty. For example, your child may not start the normal puberty changes, or may start puberty but notget periods. Spea
If you think you have a DSD
If you think or know you have a DSD, help and support is available. Speak to your GP initially, as they'll be able to refer you to a team of specialist healthcare professionals whocan offer support a
Support groups
If you have a DSD or you're the parent of a child with a DSD, you may find it useful to contact or join a support group. These groups can often offer more information and advice about living with a D
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