“Ask Anna” is a sex column. Because of the nature of the topic, some columns contain language some readers may find graphic.
Dear Anna,
I was wondering what your opinion was on clit enlargement? There’s a subreddit for it. — Curious
Dear Curious,
Well, I suppose that’s not surprising, given that there’s a subreddit for truly an astonishing number of unusual topics, including Trees Sucking on Things (102K members, oddly captivating), Birds with Arms
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(256K members, I didn’t know I needed this) and Unstirred Paint (113K members, one of the most beautiful threads I’ve ever seen).But, fine, if you insist, we will not talk anymore about the miraculousness of paint, and instead discuss genital modification. I’m generally of the mind that if your genitals give you pleasure, then you should probably not f**k with them. Of course, there are always exceptions to any rule — tattoos/piercings are perhaps the most obvious that come to mind, as well as kink-related impact and sensation play, or hell, even a very strong vibrator can alter/numb your genitals for a brief period of time. Then there are the instances when one’s gender identity does not align with the genitals that one was born with, for instance, or if genital modification is deemed necessary to help a medical condition.
But, as with anything, it doesn’t matter what I think. It matters what you think. And I hear you implicitly asking: What if clitoral enlargement gives me more pleasure than my current clit does? So, let’s dive under the hood.
What is clitoral enlargement? It’s a form (or several forms) of body modification that — yes — aims to enlarge the clitoris. Why do people want to make their clits bigger? Several reasons, though enhancement of sexual pleasure, to appear “more attractive” to sex partners/those with a big-clit fetish, and/or shame or dissatisfaction with the current clit are commonly cited.
How does such a thing even work? Does it work? One can indeed enlarge one’s clit temporarily with a vacuum pump, a saline injection (don’t Google it, Dad), and longer/more permanently with the use of testosterone. All have side effects and are not without risks, particularly testosterone, which involves masculinizing effects. Though it bears mentioning that even clit pumps can cause damage to delicate tissues or leave one swollen for days with improper or overzealous use.
What about surgery? Interestingly, most people who get their clits operated on are looking to reduce the size, not enlarge it. How did it go? Well, in one study, six women who decided to get a clitoral-reduction surgery reported diminished sexual pleasure, a marked feeling of “difference” and sometimes lifelong genital pain.
As with any modification, if you’re considering it, study up on the risks vs. the rewards (not on Reddit, but with a trusted health care professional or verified sources, aka not Wikipedia or WebMD.)
Thus concludes our lesson. Have a cliterrific day.