Ambiguous genitalia


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Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

Family history may play a role in the development of ambiguous genitalia, because many disorders of sex development result from genetic abnormalities that can be inherited. Possible risk factors for ambiguous genitalia include a family history of:

  • Unexplained deaths in early infancy
  • Infertility, absent menstrual periods or excess facial hair in females
  • Genital abnormalities
  • Abnormal physical development during puberty
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

If your family has a history of these risk factors, consider seeking medical advice before trying to conceive. You may also benefit from genetic counseling.

Complications Causes
References
  1. Ambiguous genitalia. American Urological Association Foundation. http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=90. Accessed Feb. 14, 2012.
  2. Tanagho EA, et al. Smith's General Urology. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=21. Accessed Feb. 16, 2012.
  3. Murphy C, et al. Ambiguous genitalia in the newborn: An overview and teaching tool. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. 2011;24:236.
  4. Barbaro M, et al. Disorders of sex development. Seminars in Fetal and Neonatal Medicine. 2011;16:119.
DS00668 March 16, 2012

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