Disorders of sex development
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 and identify any medical problems that may require immediate treatment.
These tests may include a further physical examination of your baby carried out by a specialist, an ultrasound scan to examine their internal organs, and blood tests to check their genes and hormone levels.
Your care team may advise you to delay registering your child's birth for a few days while these tests are carried out.
Afterwards, the results will be explained to you and you'll have a discussion about whether you'd like to bring your baby up as a boy or a girl.
Emergencytreatment is rarely needed, but the team of specialistswill also talk to you about your options regarding immediate or delayed treatment with hormone therapy or surgery.
DSD Families has a leaflet with more information about what happens when your baby is born with genitals that look different (PDF, 1.7Mb) .
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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