---
title: "Ambiguous (Uncertain) Genitalia"
url: https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/a_/ambiguous-(uncertain)-genitalia/
description: "Every minute of every day, a baby is born. Most babies are easily seen to be a girl or a boy. Imagine how confusing it must be when we don't know the sex..."
---

# Ambiguous (Uncertain) Genitalia

Every minute of every day, a baby is born. Most babies are easily seen to be a girl or a boy. Imagine how confusing it must be when we don't know the sex of a newborn?

Archived from the 2022 edition

## Overview

This is rare, and it can be very upsetting for parents. What causes this to happen and what can be done? The information here can answer questions about ambiguous genitalia.

Sex organs develop with three basic steps. If something goes wrong with this process, a sexual development disorder (DSD) can happen. DSDs are caused by hormones. Genitals can develop in ways that aren't normal looking. They can be unclear or "ambiguous." A baby can have features from both genders. The medical term "intersex" is also used to describe ambiguous genitals.

## In this entry

The archived page carried these sections, in this order.

- What Does "Ambiguous Genitalia" Mean?
- How Do Genitalia Normally Form?
- Symptoms
- Causes
- 46XX DSD
- 46XY DSD
- Disorders of Gonadal Differentiation
- Ovotesticular DSD
- Diagnosis
- Treatment

## Other entries in Pediatric and Congenital Urology

- [Cloacal Abnormalities](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/cloacal-abnormalities/)
- [Cloacal Exstrophy](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/cloacal-exstrophy/)
- [Congenital Vaginal Obstruction](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/congenital-vaginal-obstruction/)
- [Cryptorchidism](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/cryptorchidism/)
- [Epispadias](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/e/epispadias/)
- [Hypospadias](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/h/hypospadias/)
- [Meatal Stenosis](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/m/meatal-stenosis/)
- [Urinary Tract Infections in Children](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/u/urinary-tract-infections-in-children/)

### Source of this entry

- Original address**/urology-a-z/a_/ambiguous-(uncertain)-genitalia/**
- Edition**2022 edition**
- Group**Pediatric and Congenital Urology**

### This is not medical advice

These pages are archived reference copies of material published on this domain. They are not medical advice, not a diagnosis and not a substitute for talking with a health professional.

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