Understanding Clitoral Hypertrophy: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Hey there! An enlarged clitoris, medically known as clitoral hypertrophy, can leave you with a ton of questions. Is it normal? Should you be worried? And how do you even tell if it’s truly enlarged or just swollen? Well, there are often straightforward explanations. Sometimes, it’s all about hormonal changes, while other times, it’s simply a harmless difference in anatomy. But yes, there can also be medical factors that need to be looked into. Let’s dig deeper and find out more!

Clitoral hypertrophy refers to a situation where the clitoris is significantly larger than what’s considered normal. It can become so prominent that it’s visibly longer and thicker. Hormonal changes are a common cause, but it’s also possible to be born with a larger clitoris. Whether it becomes an issue varies from woman to woman. Some may barely notice it, while for others, it can be bothersome, either because of how it looks or feels, or both.

An enlarged clitoris can either be present from birth or develop over time. That’s why we distinguish between the primary form, which shows up in infants, and the secondary form, which only appears during adulthood.

If you’ve had a large clitoris since birth, it’s likely that a mix of hormones influenced the development of your genitals while you were still in the womb. Higher levels of androgens (hormones that are also important in men) can cause the clitoris to grow larger, especially in extremely premature babies (born before 28 weeks of pregnancy), even without an underlying health problem.

When the enlargement happens later in life, it might signal a hormonal imbalance due to certain diseases. These conditions can lead to an overproduction of male hormones, which in turn can cause the clitoris to grow. Conditions like adrenogenital syndrome (AGS) or hormone - producing tumors in the adrenal glands or ovaries can be the culprits. To rule out serious issues or catch them early, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.

• Adrenogenital Syndrome (AGS) : An enzyme deficiency in your body means it can’t produce enough cortisol. To make up for it, the body starts overproducing male hormones (androgens), which can result in an enlarged clitoris.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) : This is a common cause of hormonal imbalances. In PCOS, male hormones become more dominant, which can lead to irregular periods and clitoral hypertrophy.

A swollen clitoris isn’t always due to hormones. Sometimes, a little friction from wearing tight clothes or from activities like cycling is enough to make it feel enlarged. In these cases, the clitoris isn’t actually getting bigger, but it sure feels that way. A swollen clitoris can be painful and, in more severe situations, lead to inflammation.

If you suspect your clitoris is larger than it should be, there’s a clear process to figure out what’s going on. Is it really enlarged, or is it just an optical illusion? Here’s how doctors check:

1. Visual Inspection : First, they take a close look at your external genitals. They carefully examine the clitoris, foreskin, and labia to spot any obvious abnormalities. Often, this initial look can provide important clues.
2. Closer Look : To get a better view of the clitoral glans, they gently spread the labia, stretch the tissue a bit, and carefully pull back the clitoral hood. This helps determine if the clitoris is truly enlarged or just seems that way.
3. Measurement : If there’s still suspicion, they get more precise. They measure the glans, looking at both its length and width. In young children, anything over 15 mm² is considered abnormal, and in adolescents and adults, it’s over 21 mm².
4. Finding the Root Cause : If the measurements suggest something’s wrong, they start looking for the cause. This might involve consulting an endocrinologist (a hormone specialist) or, if needed, performing a vaginoscopy (using a camera to examine the vagina).

The treatment for clitoral hypertrophy depends on what’s causing it. There’s no one - size - fits - all solution; instead, different approaches are used based on each person’s situation.

When a hormonal imbalance is to blame, hormone therapy is often the first step. The goal is to lower the levels of male hormones that are causing the clitoris to enlarge. This treatment can slow down the production of male hormones in the ovaries and adrenal glands, which may stop the enlargement or even reduce the size of the clitoris a bit.

Clitoris reduction surgery involves removing the excess tissue. But the most crucial part—sensation—remains intact. The nerves are carefully preserved so that everything still functions properly. The surgery is usually done under general anesthesia. Afterward, it’s a matter of taking some time to rest and heal, and then it’s done. The result is both a clitoris that functions well and looks more normal.

If a tumor is behind the clitoral hypertrophy, it has to be removed. Depending on the type of tumor, chemotherapy or radiation might also be necessary. The aim is to get rid of the abnormal tissue growth completely and stop any hormonal effects it’s having.

If your clitoris seems larger than normal, there are many possible reasons, from hormonal changes to harmless anatomical variations. Sometimes, it might just be an enlarged clitoral hood. The best thing to do is talk to your doctor and figure out the cause. Whether you need hormone therapy, surgery, or no treatment at all, don’t be embarrassed—there are solutions out there!