Overview By Mayo Clinic Staff Print Ambiguous genitalia is a rare condition in which an infant's external genitals don't appear to be clearly either male or female. In a baby with ambiguous genitalia, the genitals may be incompletely developed or the baby may have characteristics of both sexes. The external sex organs may not match the internal sex organs or genetic sex. Ambiguous genitalia isn't a disease, it's a disorder of sex development. Usually, ambiguous genitalia is obvious at or shortly after birth, and it can be very distressing for families. Your medical team will look for the cause of ambiguous genitalia and provide information and counseling that can help guide decisions about your baby's gender and any necessary treatment. Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment April 18, 2018 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references What is ambiguous (uncertain) genitalia? Urology Care Foundation. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/ambiguous-(uncertain)-genitalia. Accessed Dec. 15, 2017. Houk CP, et al. Evaluation of the infant with atypical genitalia (disorder of sex development). https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Dec. 15, 2017. Houk CP, et al. Management of the infant with atypical genitalia (disorder of sex development). https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Dec. 15, 2017. Davies K. Disorders of sex development—Ambiguous genitalia. Journal of Pediatric Nursing. 2016;31:463. Indyk JA. Disorders/differences of sex development (DSDs) for primary care: The approach to the infant with ambiguous genitalia. Translational Pediatrics. 2017;6:323. Lanpher BC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 5, 2018. Related Associated Procedures Abdominal ultrasound Genetic testing Ultrasound X-ray Show more associated procedures Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Ambiguous genitaliaSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatment Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20369257 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Ambiguous genitalia