I will be glad if you will use your widely read column in Daily Trust to educate us about a new health problem that is troubling some of our women in silence. It is about continues growth of clitoris. We need to be educated on the abnormality and its remedy.
W.S
Thanks for your question. We will attempt to provide simple explanation to the issue at stake. Clitoris is a female sexual organ and located in outer part of Vagina called the Vulva and just above the urethra, where urine is released from the body. From all available literature, there is no standard size for a clitoris, but it usually grows with arousal or due to hormonal imbalance or another medical condition can cause enlargement of the clitoris.
An enlarged clitoris is called Clitoromegaly or macroclitoris. This refers to a clitoris longer than 10millimeters in an adult. A swollen clitoris in an adult is not usually a cause for concern. However, a child or newborn with a large or swollen clitoris should be evaluated by a pediatrician to rule out certain conditions.
Potential Causes are;
1. An adult’s clitoris usually swells because of sexual excitement or arousal. During arousal, more blood flows to the genitals, and the clitoris can fill up and appear larger.
2. An enlarged or swollen clitoris may be caused by inflammation of the genitals. This is known as vulvitis.
3. Some causes of vulvitis include; an allergic reaction to a product such as a laundry detergent, soap, moisturizer, or lubricant OR an infection, such as a yeast infection or a sexually transmitted infection.
4. Excessive friction during intercourse.
Female hormones (estrogens) and male hormones (androgens) are normally present in the body. Testosterone is one example of an androgen. An excess of any androgen can cause the clitoris to swell.
The following may be responsible for this hormonal imbalance:
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this condition, many small cysts form on the ovaries, which cause an excess of androgens in the body. The following factors may also indicate PCOS: extra face and body hair AND weight gain AND irregular periods AND fertility problems
• Anabolic steroids. These steroids are used to build muscle and boost athletic endurance. Anabolic steroid use can also lead to an excess of male hormones. This can result in: an enlarged clitoris and extra facial hair and a deeper voice.
• Adrenal gland tumors or growths. The adrenal glands secrete hormones. If a tumor or another type of growth form on these glands they cannot function properly. In this event, a person may develop a hormonal imbalance and an enlarged clitoris. A person may also experience other hormone-related symptoms, such as weight gain, menstrual changes, or excessive hair growth.
Causes of enlargement among Children;
Several conditions can cause an enlarged clitoris in a child. Only a doctor can make a proper evaluation and diagnosis.
An enlarged clitoris in a child is usually caused by one of the following conditions:
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Is a disorder of the adrenal glands leads the body to produce too much androgen, which can result in swelling of the clitoris. It may be difficult to determine whether the genitals are male or female.
• Disorders of sex development. Congenital disabilities that affect the sex organs can cause an enlarged clitoris at birth.
Please see a doctor, if ;
Changes in the appearance of the clitoris or other genital organs should be checked by a doctor if a person has:
1. Clitoral swelling that does not go away within a couple of days
2. Pain, redness, or a feeling of heat, which may be a sign of infection
3. Unusual vaginal discharge
4. Blisters on the genitals and itching
5. Pain during urination and bleeding in the area
6. If swelling of the clitoris goes away in a few days, it usually does not indicate a serious condition.
