The clitoris is a nub of spongy tissue at the front of the vagina. Recent research reveals that much of the clitoris is internal, having 4-inch roots that reach into the vagina.
When sexually aroused it fills with blood, and the bundle of nerves in the tissue becomes sensitive to touch.
Below are 10 things women should know about clitoral atrophy or disappeared clitoris:
1. Clitoral atrophy occurs when the clitoris stops responding to sexual arousal and no longer functions as it should. The clitoris can even disappear. This may be the result of a change in hormones or inadequate blood flow to the vagina and clitoris.
2. The loss of blood flow may be the result of infrequent use. Those who aren’t sexually active are more likely to experience clitoral atrophy.
3. A major shift in hormones, such as menopause or starting hormonal birth control, may be another cause.
4. Clitoral atrophy involves the clitoris losing sensation and shrinking. It can cause sexual activity to be less pleasurable and even painful. This can cause frustration and a loss of sexual desire.
5. There are several possible causes of clitoral atrophy, such as a lack of sexual stimulation, changes in hormone levels, and lack of blood flow to the clitoris.
6. You’re more likely to experience the symptoms of clitoral atrophy when you’re sexually aroused. These symptoms include:
- “disappeared” clitoris (you no longer can feel it, even when sexually aroused)
- loss of sensation around the clitoris
- decreased response to clitoral stimulation
- decreased sexual drive
7. Clitoral atrophy can result from a lack of sexual use. If you stop having regular intercourse or frequent arousals, the clitoris may become dry and thin. It can even shrink and disappear behind the clitoral hood.
8. Because the clitoris relies on adequate blood flow, your doctor may recommend regular sexual activity, including masturbation. This can help restore blood flow, which may boost sensation again.
9. Clitoral atrophy may also occur when your testosterone level drops. Testosterone is responsible for your libido. The spongelike tissue in a clitoris also needs the hormone for proper arousal.
10. If you think you may have this medical condition, please see a doctor, who can diagnose the issue, its cause and recommend treatments.
These may include regular cardiovascular exercise, regular clitoral stimulation, hormone therapy, or a combination.
Treatment For Clitoral Atrophy
Fortunately, there are several available treatments to reverse clitoral atrophy:
HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY with estrogen, testosterone, DHEA, and oxytocin can be very effective at rejuvenating vaginal tissue, restoring lubrication, and igniting a healthy libido.
VAGINAL ESTROGEN therapies improve vascularization and lubrication of the vulvar and vaginal areas, but may prove to be inadequate in restoring a healthy libido.
LOW DOSE TESTOSTERONE AND/OR DHEA have proven to be very effective at increasing libido and overall energy. These hormones can be used sublingually, topically or vaginally.
OXYTOCIN is a hormone that is referred to as the “cuddle hormone”. It can be used by men and women to increase sexual and emotional responses, and can have vasodilatory effects that will increase blood flow.