During which developmental phase are external genitalia identifiable?

The fetal phase is the period of prenatal development that follows the embryonic phase, generally starting from the ninth week of gestation until birth. During this phase, the external genitalia begin to differentiate and become identifiable. This differentiation is influenced by hormonal changes and genetic factors. By the end of this phase, most key physical characteristics, including the genitalia, can be visually assessed via imaging or during a physical examination.

In contrast, the embryonic phase occurs from conception to about the eighth week of gestation, where the foundations for all major organs and structures are developed, but the external genitalia are not yet distinctly recognizable. The conception phase refers to the moment fertilization occurs, while the organogenesis phase is a part of the embryonic phase focused specifically on the formation of organs, which does not yet include the identifiable features of the external genitalia.