Not everyone is born with the same set of gear, which can present a unique set of challenges for the owner of the ‘other’. Here we delve into some of the most common – and rare – congenital anatomical abnormalities and differences in sexual development found in babies, and discovered later in teenagers and adults.
We don’t talk much about those differences that do not, in some way, include a vagina or parts of a vagina or female phenotypes.
Generally differences in sexual development and anatomical abnormalities are treated purely in the medical system with surgeries, hormones and drugs, with psychological support a large part of successful outcomes. Natural medical treatments can play a supportive role.
There is a lot that can be done to maximise the results of the body you or someone you love ends up with.
Vaginal adenosis
Vaginal adenosis is a condition characterized by the presence of cervical or endometrial tissue inside
In utero exposure to DES
In the mid-20th century, diethylstilbestrol (DES) was widely used to prevent pregnancy complications. However, research
Precocious puberty
Precocious puberty is the early onset of puberty signs in children, marked by breast and
46,XX testicular difference of sexual development (DSD)
46,XX testicular difference of sexual development (DSD) is a condition where individuals have two X
46,XX ovotesticular difference of sexual development (DSD)
46,XX ovotesticular DSD, also known as true hermaphroditism, occurs in 1 in every 20,000 live
Turner syndrome
Turner syndrome, also known as 45, X or XO syndrome, is a chromosomal condition exclusive
Obstructed uterine horn
An obstructed uterine horn, a rare anatomical abnormality, disrupts the connection between the fallopian tubes
Jul
Kallmann syndrome
Kallmann syndrome is a unique genetic disorder characterized by delayed or absent puberty and a
Persistent mullerian duct syndrome (PMDS)
Persistent Mullerian Duct Syndrome (PMDS) is a unique disorder of sexual development affecting males, characterized
Understanding adrenal PCOS
Adrenal PCOS is a unique form of polycystic ovarian syndrome characterized by elevated levels of
May
Cervical hypoplasia
Cervical hypoplasia is a condition where the cervix is underdeveloped, leading to symptoms like absent
Uterine hypoplasia
Uterine hypoplasia is a congenital disorder where a child is born with a small or
Cockscomb cervix anatomical abnormality
A cockscomb cervix, resembling a rooster's comb, often results from diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure in utero.
Uterus didelphys
Uterus didelphys represents a unique uterine malformation characterized by the presence of a double uterus,
Unicornuate uterus (hemi uterus) – müllerian duct anomalies
The unicornuate uterus, a type of müllerian duct anomaly, affects uterus size, shape, and fertility
Reifenstein syndrome
Reifenstein syndrome is a genetic condition that leads to improper development of male sex organs
Vaginal agenesis – absent vagina
Vaginal agenesis is a rare condition where the vagina doesn't develop properly, affecting 1 in
Cervical agenesis
Cervical agenesis is a rare congenital condition where the cervix fails to develop, leading to
Apr
Cervical stenosis
Cervical stenosis involves the narrowing or closure of the cervix, leading to potential complications such
Swyer syndrome (XY gonadal dysgenesis, XY female)
Swyer Syndrome, also known as XY gonadal dysgenesis, is a rare condition where a chromosomally
Apr
MRKH syndrome
MRKH syndrome, or Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome, is a congenital condition characterised by the absence or underdevelopment
Differences of Sexual Development (DSD)
Differences of sexual development (DSD) encompass a spectrum of conditions that diverge from typical male
5-alpha-reductase deficiency (5 ARD)
5-alpha reductase type 2 deficiency (5 ARD) is a genetic condition affecting the conversion of
Complete, mild, or partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS, MAIS, PAIS)
Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) encompasses conditions like CAIS, MAIS, and PAIS, where individuals genetically male
Variations in genitalia
Variations in genitalia, now often referred to as Differences of Sexual Development (DSD), occur in