Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 29, 2025

Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility
Published on: May 30, 2025
Fertility Discussions: Perspectives of Adolescents and Young Adults With Differences of Sex Development
Jaclyn L Papadakis1, Jonathan L Poquiz2, Cindy L Buchanan3
1Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
Objective:
Fertility-related health care and decision-making needs for youth with differences of sex development (DSD) are complex and vary by condition and the values and preferences of each individual and their partner and/or family. Discussing fertility implications can be a challenging aspect of clinician and family communication about a DSD diagnosis. This qualitative study assesses fertility-related communication experiences of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with DSD.
Method:
Participants included 97 AYA with DSD ages 12-26 years (M = 18.5, SD = 3.9) who completed questionnaires on demographic and medical information and patient-clinician communication. A subsample of 33 AYA also completed semistructured interviews about experiences with fertility discussions.
Results:
Two major themes, each with subthemes, were identified: (1) understanding of fertility related to (1a) one's own fertility status, (1b) reproductive and parenting options, and (1c) emotional reactions to one's own fertility status and (2) conversations about fertility related to (2a) reflections on conversations, (2b) barriers, and (2c) advice.
Conclusions:
AYA perspectives in this study provide important information about how youth with DSD learn about their fertility status, the impact their fertility status has on them, and the fertility-related conversations they have with their providers and families. Specific recommendations for providers and parents or caregivers include the following: inform youth of their fertility status as early as possible; be direct but patient in delivering information; begin by giving basic information and provide more detail as the conversation unfolds; revisit the conversation over time to allow for further discussion or information-seeking; offer additional information or resources, including behavioral health resources.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Infertility in Males
Infertility in Females
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of...
The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female...
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...
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Revisionist Views of Adolescent and Adult Cognition

