Ambiguous genitalia

Ambiguous genitalia is a term used in medicine to describe a condition in which an individual's external genitals do not have the typical appearance of either a male or female. The condition is also known as atypical genitalia.

Pronunciation

The term is pronounced as /æmˈbɪɡjʊəs dʒɛnɪˈteɪliə/.

Etymology

The term "ambiguous genitalia" is derived from the Latin word "ambiguus", which means doubtful or uncertain, and the Latin word "genitalia", which refers to the reproductive organs.

Definition

Ambiguous genitalia is a birth defect where the outer genitals do not have the typical appearance of either a male or female. This condition is a part of a group of conditions known as intersex conditions or Disorders of Sex Development (DSD).

Causes

The condition is usually caused by an abnormality in the genetic or hormonal factors that influence fetal sex differentiation. This can occur due to several medical conditions such as Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome, 5-alpha reductase deficiency, among others.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of ambiguous genitalia is usually made at birth, when the external genitalia are visually atypical. Further diagnostic tests may include ultrasound, genetic testing, hormone testing, and in some cases, exploratory surgery.

Treatment

Treatment for ambiguous genitalia depends on the underlying cause, the child's age, and the preferences of the parents. Treatment options may include hormone therapy, surgery, or a combination of both. Psychological counseling is also often recommended for the child and family.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Ambiguous genitalia
Wikipedia's article - Ambiguous genitalia

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