Clitoromegaly (Clitoris Enlargement)

Clitoris Enlargement

The clitoris, the organ of sexual pleasure and orgasm in women, may grow, enlarge, and thicken later, either congenitally or for an unknown reason. In this section, the abnormal growth, and “enlargement of the clitoris”, also known as “clitoromegaly”, is discussed.

What is clitoromegaly?

The condition of clitoris enlargement is known as 'clitoromegaly' or 'macroclitoris'. In this article, you will be able to find answers to questions such as “What causes the enlargement of the clitoris, what are the causes of clitoromegaly, how to diagnose it, and how to perform clitoroplasty operations”.

Clitoris anatomy. The clitoris organ consists of the head (glans),body (corpus),and two legs (crura) separated to the sides.

How is clitoromegaly diagnosed?

In clitoromegaly, the 'clitoral index' obtained by multiplying the width and length of the clitoris head anatomically is greater than 35 mm². In other words, the diagnosis of clitoromegaly is made by gynecologic examination easily. Some women notice it themselves, and sometimes it happens during a routine gynecologist check-up. Ultrasound and MR imaging also help in the diagnosis of clitoromegaly.

In which situations does clitoris enlargement, clitoromegaly occur?

Clitoromegaly can occur by different situations. These are:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
• Use of norethisteronehormone medication during pregnancy
• Fraser syndrome
• Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors
• Neurofibromatosis
• Lymphangioma
• Constant scratching of that area due to a fungal infection
• Frequent masturbation
• Chronic irritations of the external genitalia
• Some clitoris cysts

In some cases, clitoris enlargement may occur alone and for no reason without any additional pathology. This condition is called “isolated idiopathic clitoromegaly”.

Clitoromegaly may occur in the womb, during childhood, or adulthood due to exposure to androgen hormone. In these patients, there is also the complaint of hair growth all over the body.

It can also occur due to anabolic, androgenic drugs used for bodybuilding, performance enhancement while doing sports, increasing libido, or treatment of sexual reluctance.

What is pseudoclitoromegaly?

“Pseudoclitoromegaly” is a condition in which clitoromegaly is not present, which may develop due to the enlargement of the inner lips and clitoral hood, especially in young girls, as a result of the mechanical effect of frequent masturbation.

What is a clitoroplasty operation? How is clitoris reduction surgery performed?

Clitoromegaly, that is, in cases where the clitoris is larger than normal, the operations performed to reduce the clitoris are called "clitoroplasty operation". Because the clitoris, especially during arousal and sexual intercourse, gets bigger by filling with blood, almost becoming a child's penis.

Clitoroplasty is an operation to reduce the clitoris and give it a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Clitoroplasty surgery. It is performed to reduce the clitoris, which is larger than normal in size and protruding outside.

Clitoris abnormalities

Complete absence of the clitoris is a rare condition. “Congenital bifid (two-headed) or duplicated (double) clitoris abnormalities can also be seen in girls with "Exstrophy-Epispadias Complex".

Clitoroplasty surgeries for clitoromegaly

The problem of clitoromegaly has more psychological effects in women. Being ashamed of the partner during sexual intercourse is the most common complaint. The erogenous clitoris organ fills with blood and enlarges with stimulation. In women with clitoromegaly, the clitoris, which fills with blood with arousal, can take the appearance of a small penis. Clitoroplasty operations can eliminate this negative situation. Clitoroplasty operations are among the special operations and should only be performed by experienced surgeons.