Pediatric Disorders of Sexual Development (DSD)

Multidisciplinary care addressing the whole child

The ovaries and testes develop early in a fetus, in a complex process that involves many steps. It begins when the sperm fertilizes the egg, and a fetus’s 23rd pair of chromosomes includes either two X chromosomes (female) or an X and Y chromosome (male). Resulting hormonal signals then trigger the internal and external genitalia to develop into male or female in the fetus. A disorder of sexual development happens when this complex process is disrupted or altered due to chromosomal abnormalities or a problem with the production of sex hormones. 

Because this disorder can be related to several of the body’s systems, your child will need comprehensive treatment and a care team that can address the complexity of their diagnosis. The multidisciplinary team of experts at Children’s Health includes urologists, endocrinologists, psychologists and geneticists, all specializing in pediatric care. Our goal is to help you understand your child’s specific condition and work with you to develop a treatment plan that takes into consideration your child’s mental and physical well-being.

A pediatric disorder of sexual development (DSD) happens when a child is born with sex organs that did not develop properly due to a chromosomal abnormality or the production of hormones. The disorder can range from mild to serious, affecting the development of genitalia and reproductive organs at different ages. It may be hard to tell if the child is male or female at birth, or the disorder can become apparent during puberty when sex hormones trigger growth and secondary sex changes. 

If your child is born with a disorder of sexual development, you may have many concerns about their physical and emotional health, as well as their reproductive future. The UT Southwestern physicians practicing at Children’s Health℠ will answer your questions and work with you to design a care plan that fits your child’s specific needs.