Q52: Other congenital malformations of female genitalia

Q52.6: Congenital malformation of clitoris

While developing in the womb, many different types of tissue develop in the body. The organs and body parts develop out of the various types of tissue. If tissue fails to develop properly, defects can occur. A defect originates during development in the womb.

The external female genital organs include the labia, the clitoris and the skin around the vagina.

The visible part of the clitoris is the glans. It is located above the opening of the urethra, at the front end of the labia. The clitoris has many sensitive nerve endings and a lot of erectile tissue. The erectile tissue is located beneath the skin of the labia and surrounds the urethra and the vagina. The clitoris is involved in producing the sexual climax.

Because of a defect, the clitoris may be of an unusual size or it might be absent. A defect of the clitoris can impair a woman's sex life.