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Testosterone Gel Exposure: Swedish Baby's Condition Raises Safety Concerns

Skin-to-skin contact with a father using testosterone gel led to a baby girl's genital changes. Doctors warn of potential risks and advise careful handling of TRT medications.

In this image there is a man holding a baby in his hands, in front of him there is women and the...
In this image there is a man holding a baby in his hands, in front of him there is women and the background is blurry.

Testosterone Gel Exposure: Swedish Baby's Condition Raises Safety Concerns

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is increasingly popular, with over 11 million prescriptions in the US in 2021. However, a recent case in Sweden has raised concerns about accidental exposure to testosterone gel, particularly for young children.

A baby girl in Sweden developed 'micropenis'-like features after lying on her father's bare chest, which had testosterone gel applied. The father's TRT, used to treat hypogonadism, caused the baby's genitalia to change due to skin-to-skin contact. The Mayo Clinic advises washing hands and rinsing the treated area after applying testosterone gel to avoid such accidental exposure. A Swedish doctor has seen at least six similar cases involving young children exposed to hormone medication through close contact with a parent. TRT can have side effects such as acne, fluid retention, testicular shrinkage, and reduced fertility. In this case, the baby's condition was reversed once the father stopped using the testosterone gel.

While TRT provides vital benefits for many, it is crucial to handle and apply these medications with care, especially around young children. Accidental exposure can lead to serious, though potentially reversible, effects.

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