What are the risks of laser treatment to clitoral tissue?
Risks of laser to clitoral tissue include burns, scarring, numbness, loss of sensitivity, pain, or delayed healing. The area is highly sensitive and even minor injury can have lasting effects.
Detailed Medical Explanation
The clitoris contains thousands of nerve endings and a rich blood supply, making it uniquely vulnerable to laser injury. Potential complications include burns, ulceration, scar tissue, reduced sensation, persistent pain, or, rarely, permanent nerve damage. Such risks are greater with unapproved devices or insufficiently trained operators. Professional guidelines advise extreme caution and thorough counselling. For further reading, see FDA Safety Communication and NICE guidance.
Clinical Context
Clitoral laser procedures should only be considered by experts with specialist training in female sexual health and clear documentation of consent and risks.
Evidence-Based Approaches
Due to the lack of robust clinical trials, leading bodies (NICE, RCOG, FDA) recommend extreme caution. More research is needed before routine use.