Clitoromegaly (Enlarged Clitoris): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options | HealthLinear

Clitoromegaly, medically defined as an abnormally enlarged clitoris, is a condition that affects individuals assigned female at birth and can occur at any life stage. While temporary clitoral swelling during sexual arousal is completely normal, persistent enlargement lasting a week or longer may indicate an underlying medical condition requiring evaluation.

The clitoris is a highly sensitive organ filled with erectile tissue and thousands of nerve endings. In its typical state, the visible portion (glans) measures approximately 3-5 millimeters in length and 3-4 millimeters in width. When clitoral measurements exceed these ranges significantly—specifically when the clitoral index (length multiplied by width) surpasses 35 square millimeters—healthcare providers may diagnose clitoromegaly.

This condition most commonly results from excess exposure to androgens, a category of hormones that includes testosterone. Various medical conditions, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and hormone replacement therapy can trigger hormonal imbalances leading to clitoral enlargement. However, non-hormonal causes such as cysts, inflammation, or rare conditions like neurofibromatosis also contribute to clitoromegaly cases.

Understanding clitoromegaly is essential because while the condition itself rarely poses serious health risks, it may signal underlying hormonal disorders requiring treatment. Additionally, persistent enlargement can cause physical discomfort, affect intimate relationships, and impact emotional well-being. This comprehensive guide examines the causes, symptoms, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options available for clitoromegaly, empowering you with evidence-based medical information to make informed healthcare decisions.

What Is Clitoromegaly? [Medical Definition]

Clitoromegaly, also referred to as macroclitoris, describes a medical condition characterized by abnormal enlargement of the clitoral tissue. This enlargement involves the clitoral glans (the visible external portion) and may extend to the underlying clitoral shaft and corpora cavernosa (erectile tissue structures).

Normal Clitoral Size and Anatomy

To understand clitoromegaly, it’s helpful to first recognize normal clitoral anatomy and dimensions. The clitoris is a complex organ with both external and internal components:

External Structure:

• Clitoral Glans: The visible, button-like structure located at the top of the vulva where the labia minora meet
• Clitoral Hood: A fold of skin that covers and protects the glans
• Typical Measurements: 3-5 mm in length, 3-4 mm in width when not aroused

Internal Structure:

• Clitoral Shaft: Extends internally from the glans
• Crura (Legs): Two structures that extend downward along either side of the vaginal opening
• Corpora Cavernosa: Erectile tissue that fills with blood during arousal

The entire clitoral structure contains approximately 8,000 nerve endings—more than any other part of the human body—making it exceptionally sensitive to touch and stimulation.

When Is a Clitoris Considered Enlarged?

Medical professionals diagnose clitoromegaly using specific measurement criteria. A clitoris is generally considered enlarged when:

• Clitoral length exceeds 9-10 millimeters in its non-aroused state
• Clitoral width exceeds 6 millimeters at the glans
• Clitoral index (length × width) exceeds 35 square millimeters

These measurements are taken during physical examination with the clitoral hood gently retracted to ensure accurate assessment. It’s important to note that clitoral size naturally varies among individuals, and variations don’t necessarily indicate a medical problem unless accompanied by other symptoms or underlying conditions.

Clitoral Index and Measurement Standards

The clitoral index represents the most widely accepted diagnostic measurement in gynecological practice. Calculated by multiplying clitoral length by width, this standardized metric helps healthcare providers objectively assess clitoral size.

Historical medical literature, including Robert Latou Dickinson’s 1949 “Atlas of Human Sex Anatomy,” established baseline measurements that continue informing modern diagnostic standards. Contemporary medical practice considers a clitoral index greater than 35 mm² as meeting diagnostic criteria for clitoromegaly, though individual clinical judgment accounts for factors like body habitus, age, and hormonal status.

Important Distinction: Normal clitoral engorgement during sexual arousal can temporarily increase clitoral size by 50-300%. This physiological response is completely normal and doesn’t constitute clitoromegaly. True clitoromegaly refers to persistent enlargement that doesn’t resolve after arousal subsides.

Common Causes of Clitoromegaly [Comprehensive List]

Clitoromegaly develops through various mechanisms, broadly categorized as hormonal or non-hormonal causes. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for determining appropriate treatment approaches.

Hormonal Causes (Most Common)

Hormonal causes represent approximately 80-85% of clitoromegaly cases. These conditions involve elevated androgen levels—particularly testosterone—which stimulates clitoral tissue growth.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is one of the most frequent causes of acquired clitoromegaly in adult women. This endocrine disorder affects 6-10% of women of reproductive age and causes:

• Elevated androgen production by the ovaries
• Irregular menstrual cycles or absent periods
• Multiple ovarian cysts visible on ultrasound
• Additional symptoms: excessive body/facial hair (hirsutism), acne, weight gain, insulin resistance

In PCOS-related clitoromegaly, the enlargement typically develops gradually over months or years as androgen levels remain chronically elevated. Most cases present with mild to moderate enlargement, though some individuals experience more significant changes.

Treatment Approach: Managing PCOS through hormonal birth control, anti-androgen medications (spironolactone), and lifestyle modifications often stabilizes or reduces clitoral size over time.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

CAH represents a group of inherited genetic disorders affecting the adrenal glands’ hormone production. The most common form, 21-hydroxylase deficiency, prevents proper cortisol synthesis, causing:

• Excessive androgen production to compensate for cortisol deficiency
• Ambiguous genitalia in newborn females (when severe)
• Progressive virilization if untreated
• Salt-wasting crisis in severe cases (life-threatening)

Congenital CAH: When present at birth, severe forms cause significant clitoromegaly detectable immediately after delivery. The condition requires prompt diagnosis through newborn screening and lifelong hormone replacement therapy.

Late-Onset CAH: Milder forms may not become apparent until adolescence or adulthood, presenting with irregular periods, acne, hirsutism, and gradual clitoral enlargement.

Treatment Approach: Glucocorticoid replacement therapy (typically hydrocortisone or prednisone) suppresses excessive androgen production. Early initiation of treatment in childhood can prevent further virilization, though existing clitoral enlargement may require surgical intervention.

Testosterone Therapy and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Testosterone therapy has become increasingly common for various medical indications:

• Low libido treatment in postmenopausal women
• Gender-affirming care for transgender men and non-binary individuals
• Management of certain menopausal symptoms
• Treatment for conditions like hypopituitarism or bilateral oophorectomy

Because the clitoris contains androgen receptors and responds directly to testosterone stimulation (similar to penile tissue in males), therapeutic testosterone administration frequently causes clitoral enlargement. This effect is:

• Dose-dependent: Higher testosterone doses produce more significant enlargement
• Time-dependent: Changes typically become noticeable within 3-6 months of therapy initiation
• Variable: Individual response varies considerably based on receptor sensitivity
• Partially reversible: Reducing or discontinuing testosterone may decrease clitoral size somewhat, though changes are often permanent

For transgender individuals: Testosterone-induced clitoral enlargement is often a desired outcome of hormone therapy, producing what’s commonly termed “bottom growth.” This physiological change can enhance comfort with one’s body and improve sexual function for many transmasculine individuals.

For cisgender women: When testosterone therapy causes unwanted clitoral enlargement, adjusting dosage or switching to alternative treatments may help. Clitoroplasty surgery remains an option if enlargement causes significant distress.

Androgen-Secreting Tumors

Rare tumors of the ovaries or adrenal glands can produce excessive androgens, causing rapid virilization including clitoromegaly:

Ovarian Tumors:

• Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors (arrhenoblastoma)
• Steroid cell tumors
• Granulosa cell tumors (less common)

Adrenal Tumors:

• Adrenocortical carcinoma
• Androgen-secreting adenomas

These tumors typically produce additional symptoms beyond clitoromegaly:

• Rapid onset of symptoms (weeks to months)
• Significant hirsutism (male-pattern hair growth)
• Voice deepening
• Increased muscle mass
• Temporal hair recession (male-pattern baldness)
• Cessation of menstruation

Diagnosis: Hormonal blood tests showing extremely elevated testosterone or DHEA-S levels, combined with imaging studies (ultrasound, CT, or MRI), identify these tumors.

Treatment: Surgical removal of the tumor typically represents the primary treatment, often resulting in gradual normalization of hormone levels and partial reversal of virilization changes.

Non-Hormonal Causes

Approximately 15-20% of clitoromegaly cases stem from non-hormonal mechanisms:

Clitoral Cysts

Benign fluid-filled cysts can develop within or adjacent to clitoral tissue, creating the appearance of enlargement. These cysts may result from:

• Blocked sebaceous glands
• Epidermoid inclusion cysts
• Bartholin’s gland cysts extending to the clitoral area

Most clitoral cysts are painless and may go unnoticed unless they become large or inflamed. Treatment options include observation, drainage, or surgical excision depending on size and symptoms.

Neurofibromatosis

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetic condition causing benign nerve tissue tumors throughout the body, occasionally affects genital nerves. Neurofibromas involving the clitoral region produce localized enlargement that may be:

• Soft or rubbery in texture
• Associated with other NF1 features (café-au-lait spots, multiple skin neurofibromas)
• Progressive over time

Surgical excision of clitoral neurofibromas represents the primary treatment when the tumors cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns.

Inflammatory Conditions (Vulvitis)

Acute or chronic inflammation of the vulvar tissues, including the clitoris, can cause temporary enlargement. Common inflammatory causes include:

• Allergic reactions to soaps, detergents, or personal care products
• Contact dermatitis from irritating substances
• Infections (bacterial, fungal, or viral)
• Lichen sclerosus (chronic inflammatory skin condition)
• Lichen planus (autoimmune inflammatory condition)

Inflammatory clitoromegaly typically presents with additional symptoms including:

• Itching or burning sensations
• Redness and swelling of surrounding tissues
• Pain or tenderness
• Discharge (if infection-related)

Treatment: Identifying and removing irritants, using topical corticosteroids for inflammation, or treating underlying infections typically resolves inflammatory clitoromegaly.

Clitoral Priapism (Rare)

Analogous to penile priapism in males, clitoral priapism involves prolonged, painful engorgement of clitoral erectile tissue unrelated to sexual arousal. This rare condition can result from:

• Medications: Particularly antidepressants with alpha-adrenergic blocking effects (trazodone, bupropion)
• Pelvic inflammation: Such as appendicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease
• Blood disorders: Including sickle cell disease or leukemia
• Neurological conditions: Affecting pelvic nerve function

Clitoral priapism requires prompt medical attention to prevent permanent tissue damage. Treatment approaches include discontinuing causative medications, using alpha-adrenergic agonists (like pseudoephedrine), or in severe cases, aspiration of trapped blood.

Congenital vs. Acquired Clitoromegaly

Understanding whether clitoromegaly is congenital (present at birth) or acquired (develops later) helps narrow diagnostic possibilities:

Congenital Clitoromegaly:

• Detected during newborn examination
• Common causes: CAH, maternal androgen exposure, genetic syndromes (Fraser, Apert, Donohue)
• May indicate disorders of sex development (DSD) requiring comprehensive evaluation
• Association with prematurity (mechanism unclear)

Acquired Clitoromegaly:

• Develops during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood
• Common causes: PCOS, testosterone therapy, tumors
• Usually indicates ongoing hormonal process requiring investigation
• More likely associated with other virilization signs

Idiopathic Clitoromegaly (Unknown Cause)

In approximately 5-10% of cases, comprehensive medical evaluation fails to identify a clear cause for clitoral enlargement. This situation, termed idiopathic clitoromegaly, occurs when:

• Hormonal testing reveals normal androgen levels
• Imaging studies show no tumors or structural abnormalities
• No history of androgen exposure or medication use exists
• Genetic testing excludes known syndromes

Idiopathic cases may reflect:

• Subtle hormonal variations not detected by standard testing
• Increased local tissue sensitivity to normal androgen levels
• Genetic variations affecting clitoral development
• Unknown factors not yet understood medically

Individuals with idiopathic clitoromegaly can be reassured that absent other symptoms or concerning features, the condition typically doesn’t indicate serious underlying pathology. Treatment focuses on addressing any physical discomfort or psychological concerns rather than attempting to identify an elusive cause.

Treatment Options for Clitoromegaly [Complete Guide]

Treatment approaches for clitoromegaly depend on several factors including the underlying cause, severity of enlargement, presence of symptoms, and individual preferences. Many cases require no intervention beyond addressing the root cause, while others benefit from medical or surgical management.

Non-Surgical Treatment Approaches

Non-surgical interventions represent the first-line treatment for most clitoromegaly cases, particularly those caused by hormonal imbalances.

Hormone Therapy for Androgen Reduction

When excess androgen production drives clitoral enlargement, medications that reduce androgen levels or block their effects often stabilize or partially reverse the condition:

For PCOS-Related Clitoromegaly:

• Combined oral contraceptives suppress ovarian androgen production
• Spironolactone (anti-androgen medication) blocks androgen receptors
• Metformin improves insulin sensitivity, indirectly reducing androgen levels
• Finasteride blocks conversion of testosterone to more potent DHT

Treatment Timeline: Hormonal interventions typically require 3-6 months to show effects, with maximum benefits appearing after 12-18 months of consistent therapy.

Expected Outcomes: Hormone therapy usually halts further enlargement and may produce modest size reduction (10-20%). Complete reversal rarely occurs once significant tissue development has occurred.

For CAH:

• Glucocorticoid replacement (hydrocortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone) suppresses excessive adrenal androgen production
• Dosage adjustments based on regular hormonal monitoring
• Lifelong therapy required to maintain hormonal balance

For Testosterone Therapy-Related Enlargement:

• Dose reduction if enlargement exceeds desired levels
• Treatment discontinuation (though changes may be permanent)
• Alternative therapies for underlying condition being treated

Topical Treatments for Inflammation

When vulvitis or inflammatory conditions cause clitoral swelling:

• Topical corticosteroids (hydrocortisone, betamethasone) reduce inflammation
• Estrogen creams for atrophic vulvovaginitis-related swelling
• Antifungal or antibiotic creams if infection is present
• Emollients and barrier creams to protect irritated tissue

Inflammatory clitoromegaly typically responds within 1-2 weeks of appropriate topical therapy.

Managing Underlying Conditions

Treating the root cause often resolves or improves clitoromegaly:

• PCOS management: Weight loss, exercise, insulin-sensitizing medications
• Tumor removal: Surgical excision of androgen-secreting tumors
• Medication adjustment: Discontinuing drugs causing priapism
• Allergy management: Avoiding irritating substances

Discontinuing Causative Medications

If medication-induced clitoromegaly occurs:

1. Consult with prescribing physician before discontinuation
2. Consider alternative medications for the underlying condition
3. Monitor for gradual size reduction over 3-6 months
4. Document partial or complete resolution

Surgical Treatment Options

Surgical intervention becomes appropriate when:

• Non-surgical approaches fail to provide relief
• Clitoral size causes significant physical discomfort
• Psychological distress substantially impacts quality of life
• Functional impairment occurs (pain during exercise, sexual activity, or clothing contact)

Clitoroplasty: Procedure Overview

Clitoroplasty (also called reduction clitoroplasty) involves surgical reduction of clitoral tissue while preserving nerve function and sensitivity. Modern techniques prioritize maintaining sexual function—a significant improvement over historical approaches that often resulted in complete loss of sensation.

Surgical Techniques:

Nerve-Sparing Reduction:

• Preserves neurovascular bundle supplying the clitoral glans
• Removes excess corpora cavernosa tissue
• Reduces both length and diameter
• Maintains blood supply and nerve innervation

Advantages: Preserves or maintains near-normal sexual sensation in most cases

Limitations: Still carries risk of reduced sensitivity; outcome depends on surgical technique and individual healing

Clitoropexy: Repositioning Surgery

Clitoropexy differs from clitoroplasty in that it repositions rather than removes clitoral tissue:

Technique:

• Clitoral shaft is recessed beneath the clitoral hood
• Glans repositioned at lower, less prominent position
• No tissue removal, thus theoretically preserving full sensation
• Suspensory ligament may be divided to allow repositioning

Advantages:

• Minimal tissue removal
• Lower risk of sensory loss
• Reduced complication rates

Limitations: May be insufficient for severe enlargement; revision surgery occasionally needed

Surgical Risks and Considerations

As with any surgical procedure, clitoral surgery carries potential risks:

Immediate Risks:

• Bleeding or hematoma formation
• Infection
• Anesthesia complications
• Wound healing problems

Long-Term Risks:

• Reduced or altered sensation (most significant concern): 10-30% of patients report decreased clitoral sensitivity
• Complete loss of sensation (rare with modern techniques): <5% of cases
• Scarring affecting cosmetic appearance
• Chronic pain or hypersensitivity
• Asymmetry requiring revision
• Dissatisfaction with cosmetic outcome

Important Consideration: The decision to pursue surgical intervention requires careful weighing of potential benefits against the risk of permanently altered or diminished sexual sensation. Patients should have realistic expectations and understand that surgical outcomes vary.

Recovery and Post-Operative Care

Immediate Post-Operative Period (1-2 weeks):

• Pain managed with prescribed medications
• Activity restrictions (avoid exercise, sexual activity, tight clothing)
• Wound care instructions (keeping area clean and dry)
• Swelling and bruising expected

Short-Term Recovery (2-6 weeks):

• Gradual return to normal activities
• Continued swelling reduction
• Sutures dissolve or are removed
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing

Long-Term Healing (3-6 months):

• Final cosmetic result becomes apparent
• Sensation assessment
• Return to full sexual activity (typically 6-8 weeks post-surgery)
• Evaluation for any concerns or complications

Conservative Management and Monitoring

Not all cases of clitoromegaly require active intervention. Conservative management may be appropriate when:

• Enlargement is mild and causes no symptoms
• Underlying cause has been addressed (hormones stabilized, medications adjusted)
• Individual chooses to defer treatment
• Surgical risks outweigh potential benefits

Monitoring Approach:

• Regular follow-up examinations (every 6-12 months)
• Periodic hormonal testing if indicated
• Assessment for new symptoms
• Psychological support if body image concerns arise
• Reassurance that clitoromegaly itself doesn’t pose health risks

Many individuals with mild to moderate clitoromegaly find that once underlying hormonal issues are addressed, they adjust psychologically and experience no functional limitations, making extensive intervention unnecessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clitoromegaly

1. Is clitoromegaly dangerous or life-threatening?

No, clitoromegaly itself is not dangerous or life-threatening. The enlarged clitoral tissue does not pose direct health risks and will not lead to cancer or other serious medical conditions. However, clitoromegaly may signal underlying hormonal disorders (such as PCOS, CAH, or androgen-secreting tumors) that do require medical treatment. The condition can also cause physical discomfort, affect sexual function, or create emotional distress, making medical evaluation and appropriate management important for overall wellbeing even though the enlargement itself isn’t dangerous.

2. How do I know if my clitoris is abnormally large?

Determining whether clitoral size is within normal range versus abnormally enlarged requires understanding that clitoral dimensions vary naturally among individuals. Medical professionals diagnose clitoromegaly when the clitoral length exceeds 9-10 millimeters and width exceeds 6 millimeters in a non-aroused state, or when the clitoral index (length multiplied by width) exceeds 35 square millimeters. However, you don’t need to measure yourself—if you notice your clitoris has become noticeably larger over time, causes discomfort, or you have concerns about its size, consulting a gynecologist or healthcare provider is the appropriate step. They can perform a proper examination and determine whether the size falls outside typical ranges.

3. Can clitoromegaly go away on its own without treatment?

Whether clitoromegaly resolves without treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause. Temporary clitoral swelling from inflammation, allergic reactions, or vulvitis typically resolves within days to weeks once the irritant is removed or infection is treated. However, clitoromegaly caused by hormonal conditions (PCOS, CAH, testosterone therapy) generally persists or progresses without treatment. In cases where testosterone therapy or anabolic steroid use caused the enlargement, discontinuing these substances may result in slight size reduction, though significant tissue development is usually permanent. Congenital clitoromegaly present at birth will not spontaneously resolve and may require medical intervention depending on severity and underlying cause.

4. Will treating the underlying condition shrink my clitoris back to normal size?

Treating underlying hormonal conditions typically halts further clitoral enlargement and may produce modest size reduction, but complete reversal to pre-existing dimensions is uncommon. For example, managing PCOS with anti-androgen medications and hormonal contraceptives usually stabilizes clitoral size and may achieve 10-20% reduction over 12-18 months. Similarly, treating CAH with appropriate hormone replacement prevents progression but rarely completely reverses existing tissue development. Discontinuing testosterone therapy may result in slight shrinkage due to reduced tissue engorgement, but the structural tissue changes tend to persist. If significant size reduction is desired beyond what medical management achieves, surgical intervention (clitoroplasty or clitoropexy) represents the only option for substantial reduction.

5. At what point should I see a doctor about an enlarged clitoris?

You should consult a healthcare provider if your clitoris remains enlarged for more than a few days without an obvious temporary cause like sexual arousal. Specifically, seek medical evaluation if you experience: persistent enlargement lasting a week or longer, noticeable growth or size changes over time, pain, bleeding, or unusual discharge from the clitoral area, difficulty with urination or wearing tight clothing, enlargement accompanied by other symptoms like excessive body hair growth, acne, irregular periods, or voice deepening, concerns about appearance or impact on sexual function, or if you notice these changes in a child. Early evaluation allows for proper diagnosis of any underlying conditions and discussion of treatment options if needed.

6. Does clitoromegaly affect sexual pleasure or function?

The impact of clitoromegaly on sexual pleasure varies considerably among individuals. Some people experience no change or even increased pleasure due to greater surface area of sensitive tissue. However, others may find that extreme enlargement causes discomfort during sexual activity, interferes with direct stimulation techniques, or creates self-consciousness that affects sexual enjoyment. Additionally, if clitoromegaly results from hormonal conditions like PCOS, associated symptoms (irregular cycles, mood changes) might indirectly affect sexual function and libido. One significant concern involves treatment: while clitoromegaly itself typically doesn’t diminish sensation, surgical procedures to reduce clitoral size carry the risk of decreased sensitivity or altered sensation. It’s important to discuss these concerns with your healthcare provider when considering treatment options.

7. Can clitoromegaly be prevented?

Prevention of clitoromegaly depends on the underlying cause. Congenital clitoromegaly resulting from genetic conditions like CAH or exposure to androgens during fetal development cannot be prevented, though newborn screening programs allow early CAH detection and treatment before excessive virilization occurs. Acquired clitoromegaly related to conditions like PCOS may be partially preventable through maintaining healthy weight, regular exercise, and early management of hormonal imbalances. If using testosterone therapy for any reason, regular monitoring by a healthcare provider can help adjust dosages to minimize unwanted clitoral enlargement while achieving therapeutic goals. Avoiding unnecessary use of anabolic steroids or androgens for non-medical purposes (such as athletic performance enhancement) prevents iatrogenic (treatment-caused) clitoromegaly.

8. Is clitoromegaly the same as having an intersex condition?

Not necessarily. While clitoromegaly can be one feature of certain intersex conditions (also called differences of sex development or DSD), the presence of an enlarged clitoris alone does not mean someone has an intersex condition. Many cases of clitoromegaly occur in individuals with typical female anatomy and chromosome patterns (46,XX) who simply have hormonal imbalances causing clitoral tissue growth. Intersex conditions involve atypical development of chromosomes, gonads, or internal reproductive anatomy—not just external genital appearance. For example, severe CAH can cause ambiguous genitalia at birth that may be classified as an intersex condition, but mild CAH causing clitoromegaly in an otherwise typically-developed female would not necessarily be categorized this way. Proper medical evaluation can determine whether clitoromegaly is an isolated finding or part of a broader DSD.

9. What is the recovery time for clitoroplasty surgery?

Recovery from clitoroplasty or clitoropexy surgery occurs in stages. During the immediate post-operative period (1-2 weeks), patients typically experience swelling, bruising, and mild to moderate pain managed with prescribed medications. Most people require 3-7 days off work or regular activities. Short-term recovery (2-6 weeks) involves gradually returning to normal activities while avoiding strenuous exercise, sexual activity, and tight clothing that might irritate the surgical site. Sutures either dissolve on their own or are removed around 2-3 weeks post-surgery. Complete healing and final cosmetic results become apparent over 3-6 months as all swelling resolves and tissues settle into their final position. Most surgeons recommend waiting 6-8 weeks before resuming sexual activity to ensure adequate healing. Individual recovery timelines vary based on surgical technique, extent of tissue removed, and personal healing factors.

10. Will insurance cover treatment for clitoromegaly?

Insurance coverage for clitoromegaly treatment varies significantly depending on your insurance plan, the underlying medical cause, and whether treatment is considered medically necessary versus cosmetic. Medical management of underlying conditions (hormone therapy for PCOS or CAH, treatment of tumors) is typically covered as these are recognized medical conditions requiring treatment. Diagnostic workup including physical examination, hormonal testing, and imaging studies is usually covered. Surgical intervention (clitoroplasty/clitoropexy) coverage depends on medical necessity documentation. When clitoromegaly causes physical symptoms like pain, difficulty with urination, or inability to wear clothing comfortably, insurance is more likely to cover surgery. However, if surgery is primarily for cosmetic concerns or psychological distress without physical symptoms, it may be classified as cosmetic and not covered. Contact your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage and obtain pre-authorization before proceeding with surgical treatment.

11. Can clitoromegaly come back after surgical treatment?

Recurrence of clitoromegaly after surgical treatment depends primarily on whether the underlying cause has been adequately addressed. If the original cause was an androgen-secreting tumor that was successfully removed, recurrence is unlikely unless a new tumor develops. However, if ongoing hormonal conditions like poorly-controlled PCOS or CAH persist after surgery, continued androgen exposure could theoretically cause regrowth of remaining clitoral tissue, though this is uncommon with proper medical management. For testosterone therapy-related clitoromegaly, continuing testosterone treatment after surgery will likely cause the tissue to enlarge again. Surgical technique also matters—procedures that remove significant corpora cavernosa tissue leave less erectile tissue capable of enlarging compared to repositioning procedures. Most patients who undergo clitoroplasty or clitoropexy with appropriate follow-up hormonal management do not experience significant recurrence.

12. How does clitoromegaly affect fertility and pregnancy?

Clitoromegaly itself does not directly affect fertility or pregnancy outcomes. The enlarged clitoral tissue does not interfere with ovulation, conception, or the ability to carry a pregnancy to term. However, the underlying conditions causing clitoromegaly frequently do impact fertility. PCOS is a leading cause of female infertility due to irregular ovulation, and women with PCOS-related clitoromegaly may face difficulty conceiving without fertility treatment. CAH can affect fertility depending on severity, though many women with well-managed CAH conceive successfully. Untreated androgen-secreting tumors can suppress ovulation and menstruation, affecting fertility, but fertility typically returns after tumor removal. During pregnancy, hormonal changes might temporarily affect clitoral size, though this varies among individuals. Women with clitoromegaly can have healthy pregnancies and vaginal deliveries—the clitoral enlargement does not obstruct the birth canal or create complications during delivery.

References

1. Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Clitoromegaly: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. Retrieved from [URL]
2. Oberfield, S. E., et al. (2010). “Clitoral size in full-term infants.” American Journal of Perinatology, 27(3), 177-181.
3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2022). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). ACOG Practice Bulletin.
4. Speiser, P. W., et al. (2018). “Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Due to Steroid 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency.” The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 103(11), 4043-4088.

Medical Disclaimer:

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for proper diagnosis, treatment, and medical guidance regarding clitoromegaly or any health concern. Do not delay seeking professional medical advice based on information read on this website.

HealthLinear does not endorse specific treatments, procedures, products, or medical opinions mentioned in this article. Individual medical circumstances vary, and treatment approaches should be personalized by qualified healthcare professionals.

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