Hermaphroditism

Alternative names:

hermaphrodite; intersexual; pseudohermaphroditism

Treatment:

Early assignment of the sex is important for the emotional well being of the person. In large part, the decision is based on the corrective potential of the ambiguous genitalia, rather than on chromosomal determinants. Once the decision is made regarding sex, from that point on there should be no question in the family's mind regarding the sex of the child.

Corrective surgery is used to reconstruct the external genitalia. In general, it is easier to reconstruct female genitalia than male genitalia, and the ease of reconstruction will play a role in the determination of sex.

Expectations (prognosis):

With corrective surgery, the appearance of external genitalia may appear normal, but other problems such as virilization may appear later.

Complications:

• emotional stress in the patient and the family

Calling your health care provider:

Hermaphroditism will typically be diagnosed while your child is in the hospital. If you notice that your child has unusual appearing or multiple genitalia, call your health care provider.