There is no standard size for a clitoris, but it usually increases in size as blood runs to the genitals during sexual arousal. However, a hormonal imbalance, inflammation, and other health conditions can also lead to a swollen clitoris.
The clitoris is a female sexual organ. It is located just above the urethra, where urine is released from the body.
The medical community refers to an enlarged clitoris as clitoromegaly or macroclitoris. This refers to a clitoris longer than 10 millimeters (mm) in an adult or 9 mm in a newborn.
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.
In this article, we look at causes of clitoral enlargement at several stages of life. We also explore symptoms and treatments.
Sexual excitement
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. A similar process occurs in the penis.
Blood flow quickly returns to normal after orgasm, and the clitoris returns to its usual size. If no orgasm follows arousal, it can take hours or day for the clitoris to shrink. This will not harm a person, but if the clitoris remains swollen and rubs against clothing, it can cause irritation or discomfort.
Inflammation of the vulva
An enlarged or swollen clitoris may be caused by general inflammation of the genitals. This is known as vulvitis, which describes inflammation of the vulva.
Causes of vulvitis include:
- An allergic reaction to a product such as a laundry detergent, soap, moisturizer, or lubricant
- An infection, such as a yeast infection or a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- Excessive friction during sex or masturbation
The genitals have abundant nerve endings, and overstimulation of this sensitive area can cause pain or swelling. If a person handles the genitals more gently, discomfort should subside within a day or two.
Symptoms of a yeast infection are similar to those of many STIs. See a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.
If a person suspects that an allergic reaction is causing vulvitis, they should avoid contact with any products that might be responsible. See a doctor if symptoms do not improve within a week.
Hormone disorders
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. A small study from 2015 found that a larger clitoris was strongly linked to a diagnosis of PCOS.
The following factors may also indicate PCOS:
- extra face and body hair
- acne
- weight gain
- Irregular periods
- fertility problems
Hormone medication and lifestyle changes are usually sufficient to manage this condition.
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
- extra facial hair
- a deeper voice
- acne
- serious health issues that can affect the heart, liver, and kidneys
Steroids should only be used to treat designated medical conditions under a doctor’s careful supervision.
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.
Treatment for adrenal gland tumors depends on many factors, such as the size of the tumor and whether it is cancerous.
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
This 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. Many additional types of developmental complication fall under this category.
Other disorders
Growths may cause the clitoris to appear unusual in size or shape. According to a 2013 report, the following factors can cause clitoral enlargement in children:
- a lympho-angiofibroma, which is an abnormal, noncancerous growth that contains lymphatic other connective tissues
- an epidermoid cyst, a noncancerous growth filled with fluid
- a fibroma, a noncancerous tumor
The report stated that surgery was successful in removing the growths from these children.
A report from
Changes in the appearance of the clitoris or other genital organs should be checked by a doctor if a person has:
- clitoral swelling that does not go away within a couple of days
- pain, redness, or a feeling of heat, which may be a sign of infection
- unusual vaginal discharge
- blisters on the genitals
- itching
- pain during urination
- bleeding in the area
If swelling of the clitoris goes away in a few days, it usually does not indicate a serious condition.
However, a child who has enlarged or swollen genitals should be evaluated by a pediatrician, to rule out certain conditions.