The birth of a baby with ambiguous genitalia is a confusing time for parents and professionals alike. The initial contact with the parents of the affected newborn is critical because parents' first impressions of these encounters often persist.1 However, many professionals have limited experience with intersex disorders and are uncertain how to proceed.

For the first time, a Consensus Statement on Management of Intersex Disorders has been developed for use by all who might be faced with the birth of an infant affected with a disorder of sexual development.1 The statement was written by an international panel of more than 50 experts of the Lawson Wilson Pediatric Endocrine Society and the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology.

A key change recommended by this group is the adoption of a modern lexicon both to integrate progress in molecular genetics of sexual developmental disorders and to destigmatize the conditions that result from atypical sexual development. Terms such as "intersex," "hermaphrodite," and "sex-reversal" are to be abandoned. The umbrella term disorders of sexual development is proposed in place of intersex disorders.

The guidelines also cover helpful topics such as the initial clinical and diagnostic evaluation of the infant with ambiguous genitalia, assembling a multidisciplinary team, gender assignment in the newborn, surgical management, and psychosocial management.

Reference