Swedish Baby Girl Develops Male Genitalia After Testosterone Gel Exposure

A 10-month-old baby girl in Sweden developed masculinized genital changes, described as a 'micropenis,' after frequent skin-to-skin contact with her father, who used testosterone gel for hypogonadism on his chest. This common bonding practice inadvertently exposed the infant to high levels of testosterone, resulting in elongation of the clitoris and fusion of the labia, altering her genital appearance. Medical tests confirmed the hormone exposure as the cause, and the girl's condition began improving once the father stopped using the gel. Swedish doctors report multiple similar cases, highlighting the risks of hormone creams transferring to children through close skin contact. Testosterone replacement therapy is commonly prescribed for men with low testosterone, especially those over 40, but the potency of such treatments is often underestimated in terms of secondary exposure risks. Parents are advised to be cautious with topical hormone treatments when engaging in skin-to-skin contact with infants.