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Gynecological challenges in the diagnosis and care of patients with DSD: The role of the obstetrician gynecologist in the multidisciplinary approach to the patient
Author(s) -
GomezLobo Veronica,
Oelschlager AnneMarie Amies
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
american journal of medical genetics part c: seminars in medical genetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.419
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1552-4876
pISSN - 1552-4868
DOI - 10.1002/ajmg.c.31557
Subject(s) - obstetrics and gynaecology , multidisciplinary approach , reproductive endocrinology and infertility , medicine , sex organ , fertility , gynecology , multidisciplinary team , health care , family medicine , medical education , nursing , pregnancy , population , social science , genetics , environmental health , sociology , biology , economics , economic growth
Disorders (differences) of sex development (DSD) are identified when there is atypical chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomic sex. Given the complexity of DSD conditions, the consensus guidelines recommend that affected individuals be evaluated and cared for by teams with expertise in DSD conditions. Obstetrician gynecologists are experts in genital and reproductive anatomy, hormonal function, fertility, sexuality, and obstetrics, allowing them to provide a unique and essential function within the DSD team. Furthermore, obstetrician gynecologists with expertise in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology may follow individuals from birth into adulthood and provide reproductive health care for all ages, allowing these patients to “grow up” with them. Thus it is essential that gynecologists be part of a multidisciplinary team from birth through the reproductive lifespan. The purpose of this paper is to describe the role that the obstetrician gynecologist plays in the care of individuals with DSD conditions.