I can’t really put an actual time frame on when she learned about her physical appearance at birth.  We have always been very open and matter of fact about her condition and have answered questions as they have come up.  It wasn’t like there was one day that we just sat down and told her everything.  It’s been little bits and pieces at a time.  For example when she had a UTI, we talked about the physiology of why that could happen and how to treat it and in turn, about the surgery.  When we talked about puberty and menstruation, and pads and tampons and swimming, that opened another door to discuss the urogenital sinus and genital development in utero and the effects of the excess androgens.  I guess I would have to say we gave her lots of pieces of the puzzle over time and then, after she got her first period and we went back to the urologist for the appointment, and she had all her questions lined up, he put the puzzle together for her during the office visit.  Of course, I was there.  Let me also say the the office visit was just a consult/conversation.  Lots of questions and answers and pictures.  There was no physical exam.  He explained to her that as long as her flow was good and her periods were regular and there were no infections of problems, there was nothing special to do.  He told us she should follow up with an adolesecnet gynecologist somewhere between 16 and 18, as any female should!  I did talk to him on the phone before the appointment so he and I would be on the same page as to how the visit would go.  Hope that helps.  Good luck

M