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What Is Clitoromegaly?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

Clitoromegaly is a medical term that is used to describe a clitoris that is larger than what is typically considered normal. The clitoris is a female sexual organ that is similar in nature to the male penis. In fact, when this condition is present, the clitoris may strongly resemble a small penis. A medical condition known as congenital adrenal hyperplasia is the most common cause of this condition, especially if clitoromegaly is present at birth. Other potential causes include Fraser syndrome, endocrine disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, or steroid usage.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is the most typical cause of clitoromegaly. This is a medical condition that occurs when the affected person is born without a specific enzyme that is responsible for some of the hormone production in the body. This often leads to an enlarged clitoris in girls, although the labia may also resemble the scrotum of a male in some cases. Treatment typically involves the use of hormone therapy as well as steroids, although the potential risks of steroid therapy should be discussed with a doctor.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome may lead to the development of clitoromegaly.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome may lead to the development of clitoromegaly.

Fraser syndrome is another medical condition that may cause clitoromegaly. This is a very rare condition that may lead to a variety of deformities, primarily affecting the eyes. Fraser syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder, meaning that both parents must carry a copy of the defective gene in order to have a child who is born with this condition. Unfortunately, the exact gene that leads to the condition has not yet been isolated as of 2011.

Anabolic steroids, which can cause clitoromegaly.
Anabolic steroids, which can cause clitoromegaly.

Endocrine or hormonal abnormalities such as polycystic ovarian syndrome may occasionally lead to the development of clitoromegaly. Polycystic ovarian syndrome, also referred to as PCOS, is a relatively common disorder in which the affected woman's hormone levels become out of balance. In addition to the possibility of clitoral enlargement, symptoms may include weight gain, abdominal pain, and menstrual irregularities. Treatment for PCOS can range from dietary changes to the use of prescription medications such as hormone replacement therapy. In some cases, surgical intervention may become necessary, especially if symptoms become severe.

Some women have clitoral enlargement naturally because of a genetic abnormality.
Some women have clitoral enlargement naturally because of a genetic abnormality.

The use of anabolic steroids is known to sometimes cause clitoromegaly. This primarily occurs in transsexuals who are transitioning from female to male. Unlike other causes of this condition, enlargement of the clitoris is typically a desired result of hormone therapy as part of the transgender process. As is the case with any medical condition, any questions or concerns should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.

Clitoromegaly Causes

Clitoromegaly can occur in both adults and children. The causes of it vary depending on the situation and age.

Causes of Clitoromegaly in Adults

Symptoms of PCOS may include weight gain.
Symptoms of PCOS may include weight gain.

The most common cause of an enlarged clitoris in adults is sexual arousal. When a person becomes sexually excited, the clitoris undergoes a similar process as the penis. Blood flows to the area and makes the clitoris appear larger. After orgasm, blood flow returns to normal and the clitoris shrinks again. However, if orgasm does not happen, the clitoris may appear larger for hours or even days, which may cause some irritation and discomfort.

Surgical intervention may be required to treat PCOS.
Surgical intervention may be required to treat PCOS.

Sometimes, the clitoris becomes enlarged due to inflammation in the vulva. Vulvitis may occur due to excessive friction during sex, due to an STI or yeast infection, or because of an allergic reaction to a soap, laundry detergent, or similar product. Overstimulation of the clitoral area, even if that stimulation is not pleasant, can cause swelling of the clitoris. If you suspect that you are allergic to a product you're using, discontinue use to see if the problem subsides. If you think that you may have an infection, talk to your doctor about treatment.

Hormone disorders are another common reason for clitoromegaly in adults. Adults have both estrogens and androgens in their bodies, but when the androgen is in excess, someone with a clitoris may notice enlargement. There are several ways this happens.

  • Anabolic Steroids – Anabolic steroids are used to boost athletic performance and build muscle, but they can also lead to too many androgens in the body. In addition to an enlarged clitoris, steroids may also cause a deeper voice or serious health issues that affect the internal organs.
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – When many small cysts are on the ovaries, it may cause more androgens in the body and lead to an enlarged clitoris. Other symptoms of PCOS include excess body hair, acne, irregular menstruation, weight gain, and trouble getting pregnant.
  • Tumors or GrowthsTumors on the adrenal glands are a common cause of clitoromegaly. Other hormone-related symptoms of a tumor include weight gain, excessive hair, and changes in menstruation.

Clitoromegaly in Children

There are several causes of clitoromegaly in children as well, all of which must be diagnosed by a medical professional.

  • Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia – A disorder of the adrenal glands, congenital adrenal hyperplasia can cause a child to produce too much androgen, causing the clitoris to swell. This is a type of intersexuality and it may be difficult to tell whether a young child has male or female genitals.
  • Growths – Sometimes, children have growths that cause the clitoris to look larger than is typical. Some possible growths include lympho-angiofibromas, epidermoid cysts, or fibroma. All of these are noncancerous and may be treated by a doctor.
  • Sexual Development Disorders – Other sexual development disorders are also common causes of clitoromegaly. These symptoms may present themselves as early as birth and must be diagnosed by a doctor.

Clitoromegaly Treatment

First, it's important to understand when to see a doctor about an enlarged clitoris. Some situations, such as prolonged sexual arousal, do not require medical intervention unless it becomes painful or lasts longer than 48 hours. In other cases, additional symptoms mean you should seek medical care. If the clitoris feels hot, it may be a symptom of infection. Other situations that require medical intervention include unusual vaginal discharge, pain during urination, bleeding, itching, or blisters on the genitals.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Depending on the cause of your clitoromegaly, you may not need any surgical treatment. If you're having an allergic reaction, stop using the products or clothing that you think might be causing the reaction. Over-the-counter cortisone cream can relieve itching and irritation symptoms until you feel better.

Infections can be more serious and may require the help of a medical professional. Depending on the type of infection, you may need to take a course of antibiotics to start feeling better. Your doctor may also provide a topical estrogen cream or another medication to help relieve symptoms.

If you have an endocrine disorder such as PCOS, your doctor will likely prescribe medication for you. Hormone therapy medications may ease the other symptoms of hormone disorders as well as reduce the size of the clitoris.

Is your enlarged clitoris the symptom of an ovarian tumor or another growth? Depending on the seriousness of the situation, your doctor may recommend chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or surgery such as a clitoroplasty. A clitoroplasty can reduce the size of the clitoris and ease symptoms related to clitoromegaly.

Discussion Comments

anon961353

I have and have always had a big clitoris, however I thought it was standard size until a lover brought it to my attention that it was not. He was great about it and fell in love with it, which was great as I too had always loved the sensitivity of it. From what I've read, clitoromegaly can be a symptom or just a natural occurrence (which mine is). I encourage anyone who has a lovely clitoris naturally to capitalize on its benefits!

anon356366

Informative. I also have PCOS, and I would like to learn more about it. I had a feeling clitoromegaly was a symptom because I think I have it. I'm nt sure, though. Infertility is more of a concern on my end, in regards to my PCOS, even though I have no plans on building a family. I'm looking into this more so I won't regret it later.

croydon

In most cases I don't think clitoromegaly is that big a deal. All women have unique aspects to their bodies after all, and unless it is causing you pain, it's better to just accept it. If you have partners who won't accept it, then they aren't worth keeping around anyway!

If it happens suddenly, of course, you should find out what's happening as it could be a symptom of another condition.

But, this definition of clitoromegaly, that it is a clitoris that is bigger than usual, implies that there is a usual and there really isn't.

People should just embrace what they've got. They'll be a lot happier for it.

KoiwiGal

I had no idea that PCOS could cause clitoromegaly. It makes sense though, as PCOS usually involves a woman producing too much male hormones, like testosterone and so on. That's why a lot of the symptoms are so annoying, like hair growth in male patterns, and acne like a teenager.

I have PCOS but don't have clitoromegaly. However, it is a good thing to know, if it does happen, so I won't panic about it.

I'm on hormone therapy though, so it probably won't ever be an issue. I guess there's probably no way to reverse it except for surgery, so I'm grateful for that.

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    • Polycystic ovarian syndrome may lead to the development of clitoromegaly.
      By: Alila
      Polycystic ovarian syndrome may lead to the development of clitoromegaly.
    • Anabolic steroids, which can cause clitoromegaly.
      By: Attila Németh
      Anabolic steroids, which can cause clitoromegaly.
    • Some women have clitoral enlargement naturally because of a genetic abnormality.
      By: isyste
      Some women have clitoral enlargement naturally because of a genetic abnormality.
    • Symptoms of PCOS may include weight gain.
      By: cunaplus
      Symptoms of PCOS may include weight gain.
    • Surgical intervention may be required to treat PCOS.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Surgical intervention may be required to treat PCOS.