Ambiguous Genitalia: A Medical, Surgical, Psychiatric and Ethical Concern

Authors

Saachi M. Khanna, MBBS, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal-576104, Karnataka, IndiaFollow
Anoush Sardesai Sadat, MBBS, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal-576104, Karnataka, IndiaFollow
Ranjani Rammohan, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal-576104, Karnataka, IndiaFollow
Sundeep Payyanur Thotan, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal-576104, Karnataka, IndiaFollow

Abstract

Disorders of Sexual Differentiation or DSDs are congenital anomalies which lead to the abnormal development of the internal and external genitalia. Our main objective in this review was to bring to light the psychiatric side of healthcare for a patient with ambiguous genitalia and DSD and create more awareness of the ethical aspects of the condition. The most important step in the management of DSD is the avoidance of prematurely designating sex or using gendered pronouns, as well as reassuring the family. Treatment is not singular, but a multidisciplinary approach. It involves medical management and surgical correction of the genitalia. Disputes exist as to when the external genitalia ought to be corrected, namely either early or after the child is old enough to make the decision for themselves. A psychiatric evaluation and aid is necessitated in these children and aids in keeping a good mental health for the patient. Though these conditions are not commonly found and do not present typically, it is important to keep DSD in mind so as to diagnose a child early and manage promptly medically, surgically and psychologically.

Recommended Citation

Khanna, Saachi M.; Sadat, Anoush Sardesai; Rammohan, Ranjani; and Thotan, Sundeep Payyanur (2022) "Ambiguous Genitalia: A Medical, Surgical, Psychiatric and Ethical Concern," Manipal Journal of Medical Sciences: Vol. 7: Iss. 2, Article 4.
Available at: https://impressions.manipal.edu/mjms/vol7/iss2/4