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COVID-19 Updates: Visitor Guidelines, Vaccines & More

Safety Measures at Riley Children’s Health

We are taking thoughtful steps to ensure our spaces remain safe for patients, parents and caregivers. View safety measures, mask policy and visiting guidelines.


COVID-19 Vaccines

The COVID-19 vaccine is available to anyone 5 and older. People younger than 18 must receive the Pfizer vaccine. To schedule an appointment, call 211 or visit ourshot.in.gov. Several COVID-19 vaccine locations also offer walk-in appointments. View full details.

Actualizaciones de COVID-19: Políticas para visitantes, vacunas y más

Medidas de seguridad en Riley Children's Health

Estamos adoptando medidas reflexivas para garantizar que nuestros espacios sigan siendo seguros para los pacientes, los padres y los cuidadores. Vea las medidas de seguridad, la política de uso de mascarillas y las directrices de visitas.

Vacunas contra la COVID-19

La vacuna contra la COVID-19 está disponible para cualquier persona mayor de 5 años. Las personas menores de 18 años deben recibir la vacuna de Pfizer. Para programar una cita, llame al 211 o visite la página ourshot.in.gov. Varios centros de vacunación contra la COVID-19 atienden sin cita previa. Vea todos los detalles.

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Disorders of Sex Development

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When a child’s gender is not clear, this condition is known as a disorder of sex development (DSD). Children born with one of these conditions have unique medical, developmental, emotional and psychological needs that require a multidisciplinary approach to treatment.

Riley at IU Health is the only hospital in Indiana that provides treatment for children with DSD. Our expert team includes:

  • Pediatric urologists who can perform reconstructive surgery
  • Pediatric endocrinologists who provide medications that promote normal hormonal function
  • Psychologists (or psychiatrists) who focus on children’s emotional health

DSD may be corrected with relatively straightforward treatment, or they may require the child and/or family to make challenging decisions. Riley at IU Health offers a supportive environment where families can make informed decisions based on their unique situations.

Treatment for Disorders of Sex Development

Riley at IU Health specialists have the expertise to care for a variety of DSD. Among the conditions we treat are:

  • Mixed Gonadal Dysgenesis. This is a chromosomal abnormality that results in two different gonads (internal sex organs) being formed. These patients do not produce normal sex hormones. This leads to abnormal development of sex organs. It is often difficult to know which gender these children will identify with best, which can be challenging for many families. In these complicated cases, specialists at Riley at IU Health work with each child and family to focus on emotional and developmental needs. When urologists and other care team members address gender assignment surgery, we consider the desires of both the child and family. The goal of surgery is to match external physical characteristics to the child’s gender identity.
  • Impaired Testicular Development. This condition occurs when the body does not produce testosterone normally and the testicles do not develop. The cause of this condition may be genetic or remain unknown. Each case is unique. Treatment may include surgery or hormone therapy to help normal development.
  • Androgen Insensitivity Disorder. Children with androgen insensitivity disorder have a genetic disorder in which a child has XY chromosomes and testicles (often undescended testicles) linked to the male gender, but the cells in the body cannot respond to testosterone or other male hormones. If a child has incomplete or partial androgen insensitivity, the condition may be noticed early through genitalia that are abnormal or ambiguous at birth. A child with complete androgen insensitivity has external female characteristics, but has undescended testicles/gonads located in the pelvis or abdomen. These children are usually regarded as female. The condition may not be apparent until teenage years, when a diagnosis is made due to lack of menstruation. Children with this condition almost always identify as girls/women, but they do not have a uterus or ovaries and they cannot menstruate. This is a complex condition, and treatment depends upon the patient’s gender identity and unique needs.

Families can be assured that we will care for each child with sensitivity and respect.

Doctors and Locations

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    Related Programs & Departments

    We provide multispecialty care for a number of conditions. Below are links to our related programs & departments.

    • Diabetes Program
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    For Health Professionals

    Refer A Patient

    Refer A Patient

    Parents and referring physicians may contact Urology at Riley at IU Health by phone at 317.944.8896.

    If you are a parent who suspects a problem, we encourage you to see your child’s pediatrician or family physician first. Primary care physicians are the source of most referrals.

    Healthcare professionals and their staff can receive prompt access to Indiana University faculty physicians for clinical consultations, patient referrals, patient information or the latest research protocols by calling the Indiana Medical Access and Communications System (IMACS) at 317.916.3500 or 800.622.4989.

    IMACS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergency consultations and referrals. Routine consultations and referrals are available Monday through Friday, 8 am – 5:30 pm.

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    Research

    Visit the Department of Urology at Indiana University School of Medicine for information about the latest research in the field of urology and DSD.

    Education

    We welcome third- and fourth-year medical students who want to gain further exposure to our medical subspecialty. We also offer research opportunities to medical students, residents and health professionals who have an interest in pediatric urology. Explore our educational programs at the Indiana University School of Medicine.

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    Designated as Best Children's Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Ranked in 10 Specialties in 2020-21

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