Differences in sex development

Differences in sex development (DSD) refer to a collection of uncommon conditions that affect genes, hormones, and reproductive organs, including the genitals. Essentially, this means that an individual's sexual development differs from that of the majority of people. The term Disorders of Sex Development may also be used, alongside Variations in Sex Characteristics (VSC) or Diverse Sex Development. Some individuals prefer the term intersex. You or your child may have sex chromosomes typically linked to being female (XX) or male (XY), but with reproductive organs and genitals that appear atypical. This variation arises due to differences in your genes or how your body reacts to sex hormones, or sometimes a combination of both. While it can be inherited, the exact reasons for its occurrence are often unclear.