Baby Girl Starts Growing 'Micropenis' Because Of Dad's Medical Condition: Can It Happen To You?

In a confusing series of events, a baby girl developed a 'micropenis' as a result of her father's medical condition. In Sweden, A 10-month-old girl developed masculinised genital features after lying on her father's bare chest, where he had been applying testosterone gel. But how did this happen exactly?

In July 2025, her parents discovered that the baby girl's clitoris had become enlarged and elongated, and her labia had begun to fuse. They immediately rushed her to the hospital, where blood tests confirmed elevated testosterone levels, traced back to her father's use of medication.

Her father had been using testosterone gel on his chest, where she would come into contact with it. Once the father stopped using the gel, her body gradually reverted to typical female anatomy. The incident involved no charges or long-term damage, but it did reveal some of the risks associated with hormone treatments.

The case was not an isolated one. Professor Jovanna Dahlgren, a paediatric endocrinologist at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, explained that she has seen at least six similar cases involving children exposed to hormone medications through skin contact. In one instance, a 10-year-old boy developed breasts after contact with his mother's estrogen cream. These reports highlight the potential for unintentional hormone absorption in household environments.

Understanding Hormone Therapy and Its Risks

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has gained popularity, especially in recent years. According to CBS News, prescriptions in the United Kingdom have increased significantly, reaching over 11 million in 2024, up from 7.3 million in 2019. TRT is often used to combat symptoms linked to low testosterone, such as fatigue, low libido, mood swings, and muscle loss.

However, the medications, particularly topical gels, carry risks if not handled with care. The Mayo Clinic advises that users wash their hands after applying the gel and rinse the application area before touching others. Failure to do so can lead to unintended hormone transfer, especially in households with children. In the Swedish case, the father was unaware that his skin contact with the gel was passing hormones to his daughter during their bonding time.

What Is a 'Micropenis'? Clarifying the Term

The term 'micropenis' can be misleading. In medical terms, it describes a penis that is significantly shorter than average, usually below standard deviations for age and size. It is a rare condition, affecting approximately 1.5 in 10,000 males in North America, often linked to hormonal or genetic issues during fetal development.

In the context of the Swedish case, the girl's genital changes were not a true micropenis but rather virilisation caused by external hormone exposure. Her enlarged clitoris and fused labia resembled male genitalia but were reversible once hormone contact ceased. This distinction is crucial because it clarifies that the condition was temporary, induced by external factors rather than a developmental abnormality.

Could This Happen To You? Precautions and Awareness

The Swedish incident demonstrates how easily hormone transfer can occur without intention, and how understanding medication risks and adopting safety measures within households are essential. Parents using hormone therapies should be aware of the importance of hygiene, including washing hands and clothing after application.

Children are particularly vulnerable because they are still developing and cannot communicate their discomfort or potential exposure. While such cases remain rare, they serve as important reminders for those on hormone treatments to handle medication responsibly.