As strange as it may seem, a 10-month-old baby girl in Sweden began to develop a ‘micro-penis’ due to her frequent skin-to-skin contact with her father, who had been using testosterone gel on his bare chest.
This is not an isolated incident.
A doctor in Sweden has reported observing numerous similar cases where young children exhibited unexpected physical changes after being exposed to hormone creams applied by adults in their vicinity.
Here’s an account of the situation and essential information to ensure your child’s safety.
How a baby girl developed a ‘micropenis’
What began as a nurturing bonding activity, where a 10-month-old baby girl in Sweden would often lie on her father’s bare chest—a common practice known to enhance early development and strengthen the parent-child bond—took an unexpected turn.
Unbeknownst to her parents, her father had been consistently applying testosterone gel to his chest, a treatment generally prescribed for men with low testosterone levels.
This repeated skin contact inadvertently exposed the infant to elevated levels of the hormone, resulting in surprising and concerning alterations in her genitalia.
Over time, her parents observed that her clitoris had started to elongate, adopting a penis-like appearance, while her labia began to fuse, resembling a small scrotum. These alterations were characterized as akin to a ‘micropenis’, a term typically used for underdeveloped male genitalia.
In a state of panic, the family sought medical assistance. Blood tests swiftly identified the underlying cause.
“I don’t believe people fully grasp how powerful these treatments can be,” remarked Professor Jovanna Dahlgren, a pediatric endocrinologist at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, in an interview with the local media outlet Göteborgs-Posten.
“The parents become utterly desperate upon realizing what has transpired,” she further noted.
This specific incident occurred eight years ago, yet it is not an isolated event. Professor Dahlgren mentioned that she has treated at least six similar cases, all involving hormone creams or gels that were unintentionally transferred to children through skin contact with a parent.
In another case, she noted, a 10-year-old boy developed breast tissue after unknowingly coming into contact with his mother’s estrogen cream.
Fortunately, in the case of the Swedish girl, her symptoms began to improve once her father ceased using the gel and avoided skin-to-skin contact.
How hormone creams can negatively impact children
Medical professionals have expressed concerns after observing numerous cases of children affected by accidental exposure to hormone creams, a risk that many parents are often unaware of.
These creams and gels are frequently prescribed to men suffering from hypogonadism, a condition characterized by insufficient production of sex hormones by the body.
Although hypogonadism can affect men at any age, studies indicate that it becomes increasingly prevalent with age, affecting approximately 40 percent of men over 45 and nearly half of those in their 80s.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is commonly utilized to alleviate symptoms such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, mood fluctuations, and muscle loss.
However, complications can arise when the gel is not handled correctly.
If adults fail to wash their hands, do not allow the gel to dry completely, or neglect to cover the application site, and then engage in close contact with children, the hormone can be absorbed through the child’s skin. Even minimal amounts can lead to physical changes, including indications of early puberty or virilization.
Experts strongly recommend that users apply the gel solely to designated areas such as the shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen, allow it to air-dry thoroughly before dressing, wash their hands meticulously afterward, and keep the area covered.
Most importantly, health officials emphasize that skin-to-skin contact with children, particularly infants, should be strictly avoided for several hours following the application of the medication.
