Details of Ambiguous Genitalia Surgery

This rarely develops in infants when external genitals don't appear to be clearly either male or female. It is not clear which sex the infant belongs to rather has characteristics of both sexes. This also happens that the external sex organs may not match the internal sex organs or genetic sex. It is not a disease as such, it is a disorder of sex development.

For female:

• An enlarged clitoris.
• Closed labia, or labia.
• Lumps resembling testes.

For male:

• The narrow tube that carries urine and semen (urethra) doesn't fully extend to the tip of the penis.
• An abnormally small penis.
• The absence of one or both testicles.
• Undescended testicles and an empty scrotum.

• Hormone abnormalities during pregnancy.
• Disturbance in the fetus's developing sex organs.

• Blood tests to measure hormone levels.
• Blood tests to analyze chromosomes and determine the genetic sex (XX or XY) or tests for single gene disorders.
• Ultrasound of the pelvis and abdomen to check for undescended testes, uterus or vagina. 
• X-ray studies using a contrast dye to help clarify anatomy.

Two types of treatment:

Medications: Hormone medications may help correct or compensate for the hormonal imbalance.

Surgery: Surgery can be done:

To Preserve normal sexual function.

To Create genitals that appear more typical.

•  Infertility.
• Increased risk of certain cancers.