Differences of Sex Development (DSD) is a broad term that describes a large variety of physical conditions with disturbed development of internal and/or external sex organs. Genital anomalies may affect as many as 4-6 in 1000 births, but individual conditions are much rarer. DSD patients may present with symptoms at different point in life, prenatally, at birth, during childhood and puberty or even in adulthood.
Some DSD patients may also have other medical problems such as heart and kidney diseases as well as challenges in psychomotor development. In many patients, follow-up and treatment is therefore a life-long venture and involves a team of many disciplines: i.e. pediatricians, endocrinologists, gynecologists, surgeons, urologists, psychologists and psychiatrists, sexologists and patient support groups.
At the Department of Growth and Reproduction, ongoing research focus on reasons for and consequences of DSD, including genetic and hormonal diagnosis, growth, puberty and fertility. The department is partner in an international research consortium.