Does a Non-Surgical Treatment Option for Clitoral Adhesions Improve Satisfaction?

Does a Non-Surgical Treatment Option for Clitoral Adhesions Improve Satisfaction?

The clitoris, which is the part of the vulva that plays a key role in sexual stimulation and pleasure, is covered by a retractable fold of skin and mucous membrane called the clitoral hood or prepuce. Sometimes, the skin of the clitoral hood physically adheres to the glans clitoris, resulting in a clitoral adhesion, also called clitoral phimosis.

Clitoral adhesions can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how much of the glans clitoris is visible beneath the hood. While some women may be unbothered by mild clitoral adhesions, in other cases, these adhesions can cause symptoms such as discomfort, pain, difficulty with arousal, weakened or absent orgasm, and clitoral hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity. Furthermore, clitoral adhesions have been associated with a history of painful intercourse, yeast infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), lichen sclerosus, genital trauma, and other sexual dysfunctions.

Surgical interventions have been used to treat clitoral adhesions from as early as 1975, but these surgeries can be invasive and have the potential to lead to complications. However, a technique known as non-surgical lysis of clitoral adhesions has since been introduced as a possible treatment option.

For this procedure, a health care provider begins by applying anesthetic to the top nerve of the clitoris. Then, they use a Jacobsen mosquito forceps to separate the glans from the clitoral hood, and clear out any smegma (dead skin cells, oil, and other fluids) that has built up in this area. After the procedure, patients may be asked to pull back the prepuce and clean the area daily, sometimes applying a topical treatment as well to prevent the adhesion from coming back.

This procedure is minimally invasive, but is it effective? In a recent study, 41 women reported on their experience with non-surgical lysis of clitoral adhesions, as well as any improvements in their sexual functioning or pain.

Of the 41 women who participated, 83% reported being satisfied with the procedure and 93% said that they would recommend the procedure to a friend with clitoral adhesions. Additionally, a majority of the women (76%) stated that they experienced an improvement in pain after receiving this treatment.

In regard to their sexual functioning, 63% noted an improvement in their sexual arousal and 64% saw an improvement in their ability to reach orgasm. Not all of the women reported having difficulties with orgasm through clitoral stimulation before the lysis of the clitoral adhesions. However, of the 16 who reported the inability to orgasm through clitoral stimulation before the procedure, 6 were able to do so afterwards. Importantly, 71% shared that their sexual satisfaction improved after treating the condition in this way.

Nevertheless, 46% of the respondents reported recurrence in clitoral adhesions, 44% reported no recurrence, and 10% were unsure. The possibility of recurrence may be a consideration for patients who are considering this procedure.

Still, the results of this study are encouraging and suggest that this non-surgical treatment option may be both safe and effective for women with clitoral adhesions. If you believe you may have a clitoral adhesion that is negatively impacting your sexual function or quality of life, consider scheduling an exam with a gynecologist or urologist who can properly diagnose you and advise you on next steps.


References:

Myers, M.C., Romanello, J.P., Nico, E., Marantidis, J., Rowen, T.S., Sussman, R.D., & Rubin, R.S. (2022). A Retrospective Case Series on Patient Satisfaction and Efficacy of Non-Surgical Lysis of Clitoral Adhesions. The Journal of Sexual Medicine19(9), 1412-1420. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.06.011

Other Popular Articles

What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?

The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.

What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?

Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.

What Is the Average Penis Size?

If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.

What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?

Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.

The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive

You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.

Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?

The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.

Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.

Find a Provider

Find a provider who specializes in sexual medicine in your area.

FIND NOW
Image