Risk factors

Family history may play a role in the development of ambiguous genitalia, because many disorders of sex development result from genetic abnormalities that can be inherited. Possible risk factors for ambiguous genitalia include a family history of:

• Unexplained deaths in early infancy
• Infertility, absent menstrual periods or excess facial hair in females
• Genital abnormalities
• Abnormal physical development during puberty
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a group of inherited genetic disorders that affect the adrenal glands

If your family has a history of these risk factors, consider seeking medical advice before trying to conceive. You may also benefit from genetic counseling.