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Review
. 2024 Nov 29;16(11):e74730.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.74730. eCollection 2024 Nov.

Sex Assignment in Cases of Ambiguous Genitalia

Hajira Mohammed  1 , Nesa Ansari  1 , Ahmed Zafar Baig  1 , Joud J Alshowaikhat  1 , Madiha M Uz Zama  1 , Jumana Hussain Timraz  1 , Ruqayyah A Ahmed  1 , Mohommad Samy  2
Affiliations
Review

Sex Assignment in Cases of Ambiguous Genitalia

Hajira Mohammed et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Ambiguous genitalia is a rare disorder where it is unclear whether an infant's external genitals are male or female. This can be attributed to various internal and external etiologies, such as androgen receptor abnormalities, gonadal abnormalities (such as gonadal dysgenesis or Klinefelter syndrome where a male has an extra X chromosome), enzymatic defects, etc. Correction of such atypical genitalia requires a multidisciplinary approach, including but not limited to surgeons and therapists. It is important to keep in mind that the treatment plan is tailored according to the specific etiology that is causative of the patient's condition, along with the anticipated perioperative and postoperative complications. Islamically speaking, this topic has been addressed in various Islamic literature and disciplines, including guidelines for dealing with this medical condition. Moreover, follow-up of the patient must be done to allow smooth integration into society.

Keywords: ambiguous genitalia; androgen receptor; external genitals; gonadal dysgenesis; sex assignment.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

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