This is an automatically translated article.
The sex of the fetus is determined as soon as the egg is fertilized, and the sex organs are the external manifestation of the sex. So in the mother's womb, how are the baby's genitals formed, why is there an unclear gender status (sex organ abnormalities), let's find the answer.1. How are the reproductive organs of the fetus formed?
The sex of the fetus was determined immediately after fertilization took place. The sex of the fetus is determined by the sex chromosomes. The mother's egg contains an X chromosome. The father's sperm contains an X chromosome or a Y chromosome. Genetically, if the fetus inherits the X chromosome from the father, it will have a female sex ( The sex chromosome set is XX), whereas if the fetus inherits the Y chromosome from the father, it will be male (the set of sex chromosomes is XY).Genital organs whether male or female, the fetal period develops from the same tissue. Under the regulation of sex chromosome traits and the presence or absence of male sex hormones, this tissue develops into male or female sex organs:
In male fetuses, On the Y sex chromosome there is a region that initiates testicular development, where male sex hormones are produced. The male sex organs develop in response to male sex hormones secreted by the testes of the fetus. In a female fetus, without a Y sex chromosome, without the presence of male sex hormones, the sex organs will develop into female sex organs. Often, an abnormal chromosome complicates genetic sex determination.
2. Why does gender ambiguity (genital abnormalities) happen?
Nếu có bất kỳ một sự bất thường nào trong quá trình xác định giới tính có thể dẫn tới hậu quả giới tính không rõ ràng
If male sex hormones are deficient or inactive in a fetus with a male sex chromosome (XY) will cause genital abnormalities, similar to a fetus with a female sex chromosome (XX) but exposed to male sex hormones. Mutations in certain genes affect fetal development and may result in ambiguous sex status. Chromosomal abnormalities also cause gender ambiguity. In some cases, the cause of genital abnormalities cannot be determined. It is not a disease, it is a disorder of fetal sex development, and may also be part of a rare complex syndrome that affects many organs of the body.
3. What are the possible causes of genital abnormalities in male and female fetuses?
In fetuses that are genetically female, the possible causes are:Congenital adrenal hyperplasia : in this case, the adrenal glands have overproduced male sex hormones (androgens) . Exposure to male sex hormones: Pregnant women when using certain drugs containing male sex hormones or stimulating the production of male sex hormones can cause the fetus to be virilized. Another case is that the pregnant woman has a hormonal imbalance, too much male sex hormone also causes virilization of the fetus. Tumors: Although rare, a tumor in a pregnant woman can also produce male sex hormones. In fetuses whose genetic sex is male, the possible causes are:
Underdeveloped testicles: may be due to genetic abnormalities or for unknown reasons. Androgen insensitivity syndrome: in this case, the tissue that develops into the sex organs responds less than usual to male sex hormones. Testicles or testosterone abnormalities: There are many abnormalities that affect the functioning of the testicles. It could be due to an abnormal testicular structure, an abnormality in the production of the male sex hormone testosterone, or an abnormality at the receptors for testosterone. 5a - inactive reductase: a defect in this enzyme causes the production of male sex hormones to be abnormal.
4. Risk factors for genital abnormalities
Family history is associated with genital anomaly, as it is a disorder caused by many different genetic abnormalities. Risk factors that are related to family history include:Child's premature death of unknown cause. Infertility, amenorrhea or facial hirsutism in women. Genital abnormalities. Abnormalities of physical development during puberty. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
5. Consequences of genital abnormalities
Bất thường cơ quan sinh dục có thể gây vô sinh
Infertility : genital abnormalities can cause infertility, but not all cases are like that. Increased risk of certain cancers.
6. What to do when having abnormal genitalia?
Genital abnormalities can be detected early through prenatal screening or can be detected as soon as the baby is born. If you see the following signs, you need to see a doctor and consult a specialist as soon as possible so that depending on the specific clinical case, there are appropriate solutions:For children whose genetic sex is female ( sex chromosome is XX):
An enlarged clitoris that is confusingly a penis. Large lips are sticky, or large lips have wrinkles that look like a scrotum. See lumps that feel like testicles inside the large sticky lip. For children genetically male (sex chromosome is XY):
The urethra does not develop to the opening of the penis. An abnormally small penis with a urethral opening close to the scrotum. Testicles are not seen in the scrotum-like part (1 or both testicles). The testicles do not descend into the scrotum, the scrotum is hollow and shaped like a large lip with/without a very small penis. Specialist I Truong Nghia Binh has over 13 years of experience in the field of obstetrics and gynecology, has high expertise and long experience in diagnosing and treating obstetrics and gynecological diseases such as:
Clinical examination screening for diseases for mother and baby before birth chorionic villus biopsies, amniocentesis.. Ultrasound to screen for fetal malformations (3D, 4D ultrasound) Follow-up, birth control in cases of normal birth, difficult birth Medical examination treatment of pre-eclampsia, placenta previa, pregnancy with complicated medical conditions... Cesarean section for 1st, 2nd, 3rd time caesarean section... Examination, treatment gynecological diseases. Examination and consultation of infertile couples
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
Article referenced source: Mayoclinic.org
