Enlarged Clitoris also known as Clitoromegaly, is an abnormal enlargement of the clitoris. There is no standard size for a clitoris, but it usually grows with sexual arousal. When a person is not aroused, a hormonal imbalance or another medical condition can cause enlargement of the clitoris.
Clitoromegaly is relatively rare and can be caused by a variety of factors. The exact prevalence of clitoromegaly is unknown, but it is estimated to occur in approximately 1 in 5,000 females. It is more commonly seen in individuals with certain medical conditions, such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic disorder that affects the adrenal glands, and androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), a condition where the body cannot respond to male sex hormones.
The 3 Major causes of the enlarged clitoris are:
Congenital Factor Induced
Enlarged clitoris can be due to congenital anomalies also known as birth defects, congenital disorders, or congenital malformations. Congenital anomalies are structural or functional anomalies that occur during intrauterine life and can be identified prenatally, at birth, or later in life. Congenital anomalies can be caused by single-gene defects, chromosomal disorders, multifactorial inheritance, environmental teratogens, and micronutrient deficiencies. This is the most common cause of enlarged clitoris in women. The most common condition to cause enlargement of the clitoris is congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). A number of enzymatic defects in the production of cortisol can cause shunting of cortisol precursors to an alternate metabolic pathway, which results in excess production of adrenal androgens. The overall worldwide incidence of classic CAH is one in 15,000 live births.
Enlarged clitoris from testosterone
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and an anabolic steroid. In male humans, testosterone plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as testes and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, and the growth of body hair. Although testosterone is considered a male sex hormone, women produce small amounts of testosterone in their ovaries and adrenal glands. Together with the female sex hormone estrogen, testosterone plays a role in the growth and maintenance of female reproductive tissue and bone mass. Enlarged clitoris from testosterone is mostly linked to testosterone therapy and topical agents. Using Testosterone of whichever origin has been associated with side effects, such as clitoral enlargement.
Enlarged clitoris from bodybuilding
Bodybuilding is the use of progressive resistance exercise to control and develop one’s musculature for aesthetic purposes. An individual who engages in this activity is referred to as a bodybuilder. Bodybuilders may use anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs to build muscles. There are women, typically professional bodybuilders, who look masculine. It takes many, many years of dedication and a particular lifestyle to achieve this sort of muscularity. However, it sometimes comes at a cost to the clitoris especially when androgens are involved. Many women involved in bodybuilding use high doses of androgens for muscular growth and muscle strength. Misuse and unnecessary administration of androgens is the biggest cause of Enlarged clitoris in female bodybuilders and athletes.
Enlarged Clitoris from Masturbation or Excessive friction during intimacy
Masturbation is also a main leading cause of clitoris enlargement, especially in young girls. Masturbation is the sexual stimulation of one’s own genitals for sexual pleasure, usually to the point of an….O. The stimulation may involve hands, fingers, everyday objects, sex toys such as vibrators, or combinations of these. Excessive masturbation, any slight scratch or one wrong touch can cause a swollen clitoris. Even a scratch of your fingernail while you are masturbating or rough sexual intercourse can and is enough to create trauma in your clitoris leading to enlargement. If you’re having sex or masturbating around the clock and not having an O during each encounter, it may just be that your body doesn’t have enough time to settle down before you get ramped up again, causing your clitoris to be perpetually enlarged. READ: How to Stop Masturbation Addiction Permanently
Enlarged clitoris from Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. PCOS is associated with abnormal production and metabolism of hormones, such as androgens and estrogen, in the body. There are typically high levels of androgenic hormones such as testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), although there is often considerable variation among patients.
Some research has suggested that the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary gland increases the stimulatory effect on the ovarian theca cells and may lead to raised levels of androgenic hormones and irregular or absent ovulation. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs in women with elevated androgen levels, which can cause their clitoris to become enlarged.
How to Reduce Enlarged Clitoris
Here are some steps that may help reduce an enlarged clitoris:
- Consult a healthcare provider: If you are experiencing an enlarged clitoris, it is important to speak to a healthcare provider who can help diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.
- Address hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances can cause an enlarged clitoris. Treatment may involve medication to regulate hormone levels or surgery to remove excess tissue.
- Change medications: Certain medications such as steroids, hormones, and some antidepressants can cause clitoral enlargement. Speak to a healthcare provider to discuss alternative medications or dosages.
- Manage underlying medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause clitoromegaly. Managing the underlying condition may help reduce the size of the clitoris.
- Avoid irritants: Irritants such as harsh soaps, douches, and scented products may cause irritation and inflammation, leading to clitoral enlargement. Avoiding these products may help reduce inflammation.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove excess tissue and reduce the size of the clitoris. This should only be considered after consulting with a healthcare provider and exhausting other treatment options.
It is important to note that the treatment for an enlarged clitoris will depend on the underlying cause. If you are experiencing an enlarged clitoris, it is important to speak to a healthcare provider who can help diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.
SEE: What Are The Side Effects Of Masturbation In Males AND Side Effects of Masturbation in Females
