Early recognition of developmental disorders is important, particularly for those that involve sexual ambiguity. In some instances reconstruction may be deferred until after puberty. Surgical reconstruction is done to most closely associate physical characteristics with the gender role assigned to the individual child. This is best done with the expert advice of a geneticist or other specialist after chromosomal studies are completed. Hormonal supplementation may also be necessary depending on the condition present.
Potential complications arise if a diagnosis is made late or in error.
Children with apparent gender-specific external characteristics may be found, at puberty, to have internal sexual organ functions specific to the sex opposite from which they were raised. This is an illustration of the female reproductive system. Both internal and external views are shown here.