Ambiguous genitalia

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Endoscopy , abdominal X-ray , abdominal or pelvic ultrasound, and similar tests may be needed to determine the presence or absence of internal genital structures (such as undescended testes).

Laboratory tests may help determine the functioning of reproductive structures, including tests for 17-ketosteroids.

In some cases, laparoscopy, exploratory laparotomy, or biopsy of the gonads may be necessary to confirm disorders associated with ambiguous genitalia.

TREATMENT

Depending on the cause, surgery, hormone replacement, or other treatments are used to treat conditions associated with ambiguous genitalia.

Sometimes, the ambiguity is such that a choice must be made whether to raise the child as male or female (regardless of the child's chromosomes). This choice can have tremendous social and psychological impact on the child, so counseling is usually recommended.

Note: It is often technically easier to treat (and therefore raise) the child as female (it is easier for a surgeon to make female genitalia than it is to make male genitalia), so in some cases this is recommended even if the child is genetically male. However, this is a difficult decision and should be discussed with your family, your doctor, and the surgeon involved.

Review Date: 06/17/2005
Reviewed By: John Goldenring, M.D., MPH, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.