Table of Contents
What Is Enlarged Clitoris Condition
Enlarged clitorious conditions can occur due to decreased sexual arousal, hormonal imbalance, and other medical conditions.
There is no usual size of the clitoris because it grows with sexual arousal.
The clitoris is a visible female sexual organ. Its location is just above the urethra (where the urine is released).
The medical term for the enlarged clitoris is clitoromegaly and macroclitoris.
When a clitoris is longer than 10mm in an adult female or 9mm in a newborn female, it refers to an enlarged clitoris.
Enlarged clitorious condition is not dangerous. People can lead a normal life with it. However, the doctor can evaluate this condition in newborns to diagnose possible other conditions.
Causes of Enlarged Clitoris Condition in Adult
Sexual Arousal
Sexual arousal causes temporary enlargement or swelling of the clitoris. During sexual excitement, more blood flows into the clitoris and appears more prominent.
Because of the increased blood flow, the penis also becomes larger during sexual arousal.
After the orgasm, the clitoris goes back to its usual size, as the blood flow decreases.
But if no orgasm occurred during the sexual intercourse, then it may take 1-3 hours to go back to its usual size.
It causes no harm, but it can feel against the clothes and causes irritation and itching.
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Vulva Inflammation
Vulva inflammation is medically termed vulvitis. In addition, the enlarged clitoris can be caused by general genital (vulva) inflammation.
Causes of Vulva Inflammation
- Allergic reaction because of using soap, moisturizer, detergent, or lotion.
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Friction against certain clothes during sexual intercourse and masturbation.
Both male and female genitals contain so many nerve endings. So, they are such a sensitive area and react with pain and swelling because of overstimulation.
The female genital should care gently. With gentle care, the pain, inflammation, and swelling go away on their own.
If you are experiencing inflammation because of certain products, stop using them.
The doctor should treat both STI and yeast infections. Consult with your doctor if the inflammation persists.
Hormonal Imbalance
Estrogen is known as the female hormone. On the other hand, androgens are known as male hormones.
Testosterone is one of the androgens.
Hormonal imbalance can lead to an enlarged clitoris. In addition, some medical conditions can cause hormonal imbalance and further consequences.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
If many small cysts form in your ovary, then it’s called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS increases the androgen(male hormone) level in the female body.
Some Signs and Symptoms of PCOS
- Extra hair in face and body
- Weight gain
- Acne
- Irregular menstruation
- Infertility
Use of Anabolic Steroid
Anabolic steroids are used in the female body to boost their athletic performance. Anabolic steroids can increase the male hormones and therefore causes;
- Enlarged clitoris
- Voice change (male voice)
- Extra facial and body hair
- Acne
- Other systemic complications such as liver, heart, renal system complications.
Steroids should not be used for boosting athletic performance. It should only be used if the doctor prescribes it for particular disease treatment.
Adrenal Gland Malfunctioning
The adrenal gland secretes cortisol, aldosterone, and some other hormones. If there is any tumor or other condition in the adrenal gland that may affect the hormonal balance and cause enlarged clitoris.
Some signs and symptoms of adrenal malfunction may include;
- Excess facial and body hair
- Irregular menstruation
- Weight gain
When the adrenal tumor or other condition is treated, the enlarged clitoris will automatically return to its natural size.
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Causes of Enlarged Clitoris in Children
Causes of the enlarged clitoris in children are many. Some of them are congenital, and others can be due to hormonal, environmental, lifestyle, hygiene, and other factors.
The common causes of the enlarged clitoris in children are;
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
As we already know, the adrenal gland secretes androgens. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia can cause excess secretion of androgens.
Therefore these excess amounts of androgens lead to enlarged clitorious conditions.
Developmental Complications
There can be some developmental anomaly in a child and born with an enlarged clitoris.
Some other disorders may cause the unusual shape of the clitoris and enlarged clitoris.
Other disorders may include;
- Lympho-angiofibroma
- Epidermoid cyst
- Fibroma
Some developmental anomalies are untreatable without surgeries. But, on the other hand, some are treatable by hormone balancing and other medications.
Consult with your doctor if you notice anything unusual in your child.
When To See A Doctor
Enlarged clitorious condition gets back in normal shape on its own. Visit a doctor to get checked if you notice any of the following symptoms;
- Enlarged clitoris not recovering within few days
- Pain, redness, increased temperature
- Any sign of infection
- Itching
- The appearance of blisters on the genitals
- Bleeding
- Rash
- Pain during urination
Treatment Procedure
Treating the underlying condition or factor is the key here.
Treatment of Allergic Reaction
In case of an allergic reaction, you should stop using the product or drug causing it.
You may also use OTC cortisone cream to reduce itching and irritation. Make sure you have consulted with a doctor before using any of them.
Your doctor may also recommend you a sitz bath or topical estrogen cream.
Treatment of Infection
If fungal or other bacterial infections cause the enlarged clitoris, your doctor may recommend oral antibiotics.
Topical antibacterial cream is also recommended by doctors sometimes.
Treatment of Endocrine Disorder
If the enlarged clitoris is caused by hormonal imbalance, then the doctor may recommend specific hormonal therapy.
Hormonal therapy helps you to maintain the normal hormone level and therefore reduce the clitoris size.
Surgical Treatment
The doctor may recommend you a surgical reduction of the enlarged clitoris (known as reduction clitoroplasty).
It is usually recommended if the condition is congenital and medication fails to reduce the enlarged clitorious condition.
Treatment of Ovarian Tumors
Chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, radiation therapy is usually used to treat ovarian tumors.
Surgical treatment is also used to treat some conditions.
Complications of Enlarged Clitoris
There are not many complications of an enlarged clitoris. Usually, it gets back to its usual size without any treatment and does not cause any trouble.
However, an enlarged clitoris can be felt against clothes and causes discomfort and itchiness.
Talk to your doctor if you feel any changes in your body with an enlarged clitoris.
Enlarged Clitorious Condition Picture
Takeaway
Enlarged clitorious condition is not dangerous. It usually goes away automatically.
The causes of enlarged clitoris or clitoromegaly are both physical and pathological.
Sexual arousal causes clitoromegaly, but it’s totally normal.
On the other hand, if the clitoromegaly is caused by infection, allergy, or congenital, it needs to be treated.
Last Updated on February 23, 2022 by Learn From Doctor Team
