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It helps to find the problem while the child is still a newborn. Getting all of these as soon as possible can provide the child with the best outcome:
In the past, most hermaphrodites were raised as males because their outside (external) genitals looked more masculine. However, they can grow breasts, and many get their periods (menstruate). After removing the testicles with surgery, some hermaphrodites can become pregnant and deliver normal children.
Complications can occur if the diagnosis is made late or is not correct.
It is possible for a child who has the outside (external) genitals of one gender to have internal sexual organs of the opposite sex. Sometimes, these internal sexual organs are at risk for cancer and must be surgically removed around the time of puberty.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you notice:
Sanfilippo JS. Vulvovaginal and müllerian anomalies. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 554.
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