How Large Can A Clitoris Get?

Clitoromegaly refers to the enlargement of the clitoral tissue. Some cases of clitoromegaly are congenital but women can also develop clitoromegaly later in life due to hormonal imbalances or testosterone replacement therapy. You might be wondering: what’s a “normal” size clitoris? How would you know if you have clitoromegaly?

In order to differentiate between what is and isn’t normal, it helps to know what the clitoral glans is and where it’s located. Most people think of the clitoral glans when they think of the “clit” because it’s what’s most visible. It’s a small bulb above the urethral opening. A “normal” size clitoral glans is between ¾ inch to 1 inch in diameter. If your clitoral glans is larger than this, then you have an enlarged clitoris. The clitoral glans is biologically similar to penile tissue, so patients with an enlarged clitoris sometimes find that it looks like a penis. While it’s normal for the clitoris to swell when you’re sexually aroused, this is only temporary and the clitoris shouldn’t remain enlarged for longer than a week.

Women typically experience clitoromegaly as a result of too much testosterone. You can be born with clitoromegaly if you were exposed to excess androgens in utero, and medical conditions like PCOS can also cause clitoromegaly. Clitoromegaly can be a rare side effect of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), but the risk is small. For many patients the benefits of hormone replacement therapy – increased libido, mood, and energy – often outweigh the risk of clitoromegaly.

Though clitoromegaly isn’t harmful, swelling and enlargement can be uncomfortable and interfere with your quality of life. If you’re experiencing clitoromegaly following testosterone replacement therapy, then adjusting your dosage might be enough to resolve the issue. If clitoromegaly isn’t responsive to medicine, however, there are surgical options available through Austin Urogynecology and our sister clinic Austin Labiaplasty and Vaginal Rejuvenation. Clitoral glans reduction involves reducing excess non-erectile tissue and is usually performed alongside clitoropexy. During a clitoropexy, the clitoral body is lifted in order to minimize drooping effect caused by the enlargement. The two procedures work together to leave you with a more “natural” clitoris.

If you’re experiencing clitoromegaly, our team can help: We’re ready to answer any questions or concerns you have, contact us or call (512) 973-8276.