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Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility
Published on: May 30, 2025
[Psychosexual aspects of intersex syndromes]
1Sexualmedizinische Forschungs- und Beratungsstelle, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 12, 24105, Kiel. hagbosi@sexmed.uni-kiel.de
Insights
Ambiguous genitalia, or disorders of somatosexual development, affect 1 in 3,000-5,000 newborns. This review covers etiology, treatment, and outcomes for congenital adrenal hyperplasia and androgen insensitivity syndromes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Context:
- Disorders of somatosexual development, leading to ambiguous genitalia, affect 1 in 3,000-5,000 newborns.
- These conditions present complex challenges for parents and healthcare professionals regarding sex assignment, hormonal and surgical interventions, and long-term outcomes.
- Key syndromes discussed include congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), complete and partial androgen insensitivity (cAIS, pAIS), and pure and mixed gonadal dysgenesis (pGD, mGD).
Purpose:
- To review the etiology, treatment options, and outcomes related to gender identity and sexual health for specific disorders of sex development.
- To highlight current discussions on the optimal timing and extent of genital surgery.
- To introduce a comprehensive procedure addressing the sexual-medical needs of patients, parents, and healthcare providers.
Summary:
- This paper examines the causes, management strategies, and consequences for gender identity and sexual health in newborns with ambiguous genitalia.
- It focuses on congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), androgen insensitivity syndromes (AIS), and gonadal dysgenesis (GD).
- The review emphasizes the ongoing debate surrounding genital surgery and presents a holistic approach to patient care.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of disorders of sex development for clinicians and researchers.
- Informs clinical decision-making regarding sex assignment, surgical, and hormonal interventions.
- Aims to improve the psychosexual well-being and fertility outcomes for affected individuals.
Abstract:
Disorders of somatosexual development that lead to ambiguous genitalia occur in one from 3,000-5,000 newborns. Parents and health care professionals are confronted with a number of crucial questions: to what sex should the child be assigned, what is the appropriate treatment in terms of hormonal and surgical interventions, when and how should these take place, and what impact do they have on the development of gender identity (GI), psychosexual well-being and fertility? This paper reviews the etiology, treatment and outcome in terms of GI and sexual health for the following syndromes: congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), complete and partial androgen insensitivity (cAIS, pAIS), and pure and mixed gonadal dysgenesis (pGD, mGD). Emphasis is focussed on the current discussion involving the timing and extent of genital surgery. Finally, a procedure is introduced that covers the sexual-medical needs of patients, parents and health care professionals.
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