Intersex disorders in adolescents and adults.

Inasmuch as disorders of sexual development and differentiation are not all diagnosed during the neonatal period, physicians and surgeons do encounter such problems in adolescent and adult patients. Because phenotype and gender identity are usually already firmly established, complaints are likely to be functional. Current cytogenetic and hormonal techniques may clarify the cause of the abnormalities but will rarely lead to sex reversal. The therapeutic goal is, when feasible, to maintain and enhance existing sexual identity.