Disorders of sex development
Introduction
Disorders of sex development (DSDs) are a group of rare conditions where the reproductive organs and genitals don't develop as expected.
If you have a DSD, you'll have a mix of male and female sexual characteristics.
You may have sex Genetics (bundles of genes) normally associated with being female (XX chromosomes) or male (XY chromosomes), but your reproductive organs and genitals may be:
- of the opposite sex
- not clearly male or female (ambiguous or atypical)
- a mixture of male and female
This occurs because of a difference with your genes and/or how you respond to the sex hormones in your body. It can be inherited, but it often occurs randomly for no clear reason.
The most common times to find out that a child has a DSD is at birth or during adolescence.
This page covers:
Advice for parents of older children
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 4 Jan 2017
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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