Disorders of sexual differentiation are congenital problems that occur rarely. A child suffering from gender differentiation disorders may either have both male and female reproductive organs, a typical sex chromosomes, and improper appearances of genitals. It is impossible to tell or differentiate if the baby born is a girl or a boy who suffers from gender differentiation disorders.
When a child suffers from sex differentiation disorders, the sex chromosomes may be either male or female but the reproductive organs may be of the opposite sex. This gives an unclear picture of both a male and a female.
Gender differentiation disorders are of different types depending on the cause. The common sex differentiation disorders are given here:
The development of sexual organs takes place early in fetal life. Hormones, chromosomes, and environmental factors influence the development of sexual organs. In some cases, the cause of gender differentiation disorders is not known.
The symptoms vary from one disorder to another.
The main symptom of such disorders is that the genitals do not have a clear appearance.
Physical changes may not occur at puberty or there may be unexpected changes such as excessive growth of hair on the body.
Diagnosis of gender differentiation disorders
Gender differentiation disorders can be diagnosed at birth. The baby will have an undescended testis or abnormal genitals. If such signs and symptoms are present, the doctor may recommend other tests to confirm the diagnosis. The tests will also help to diagnose other medical problems that need immediate treatment. Different tests that may be ordered by the doctor are given below:
History of pregnancy and medical history of family
Physical examination of the child
Tests to determine sex chromosomes
Hormonal tests
Ultrasound
Urine test
In some cases, gender differentiation disorders may not be diagnosed early due to the absence of any signs and symptoms until parents notice any changes at puberty.
Parents should be assured by the doctor that the child can grow up and live as a prominent member of society. The diagnosis of the disorder should be done at an early age to inform the parents and to take the right steps for early treatment.
A team of doctors can manage gender differentiation disorders correctly. CARE Hospitals has a team of well-qualified and experienced doctors including a urologist, psychiatrist, and a pediatric endocrinologist that can work together to start Gender Differentiation Disorders Treatment in Hyderabad and help your child by suggesting the right medications, hormone therapy, or surgery. Medications include hormonal drugs that may be given to correct the hormonal imbalance. Surgery is recommended to correct the shape, appearance, and function of genitals.
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