Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 17, 2025

Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies
Published on: January 10, 2025
A guide to differences/disorders of sex development/intersex in children and adolescents
Komal A Vora1, Shubha Srinivasan2
1MBBS, FRACP, Paediatric Endocrinologist, John Hunter Children@s Hospital, NSW; Cojoint Lecturer, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, NSW.
Background:
Differences/disorders of sex development (DSD) or 'intersex' encompass a broad range of congenital variations in the complex pathways involved in the development of sex characteristics. Components of these pathways include sex chromosomes, genes involved in gonadal development, hormone production and action, and the development of internal and external genital structures. Many variations are rare, and some (eg congenital adrenal hyperplasia) are associated with urgent medical needs. People born with variations in sex characteristics may present in the neonatal period with atypical genitalia, during childhood and adolescence with atypical pubertal development or in adulthood with hormone imbalance, fertility issues and/or sexual health concerns.
Objective:
An overview of DSD is presented in relation to presenting features and management challenges in the paediatric population.
Discussion:
An experienced multidisciplinary team that uses a shared decision-making approach with a medical, surgical, ethical, psychological and human rights framework is required to maximise long-term positive outcomes for people born with variations in sex characteristics.
Related Concept Videos
Sex-linked Disorders
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
Conduct Disorder
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the...

