A shocking case in Sweden has sparked global concern after a baby girl developed male-like genital features from repeated skin contact with her father’s chest.
The incident occurred when the newborn regularly lay on her dad’s bare skin—unaware he was using testosterone gel, a treatment for men with low hormone levels. While the gel is meant to be absorbed and covered, improper use led to the hormone transferring to the child. Over time, her clitoris enlarged to resemble a small penis, and her labia fused, mimicking a scrotum.
Doctors found dangerously high testosterone levels in her blood. Once the exposure stopped, her genitalia returned to normal. However, experts emphasize that the term “micropenis” is misleading in this case—it’s a medical term strictly for males.
Paediatric endocrinologist Professor Jovanna Dahlgren warns this is not an isolated event—similar hormone transfer cases have surfaced.
Parents using hormone-based treatments must follow strict guidelines: let gels dry completely and always cover treated areas to avoid unintended exposure.
This rare but serious situation highlights the critical need for hormone safety around children. Proper precautions could prevent irreversible health complications.
