Cliteral Hood

Cliteral Hood
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A photograph of a human vulva with a labeled clitoral hood

^ Jump up to: a b Sloane, Ethel (2002). Biology of Women . Cengage Learning . p. 32. ISBN 0766811425 . Retrieved August 25, 2012 .

^ Crooks, Robert; Baur, Karla (2010). Our Sexuality . Cengage Learning . p. 54. ISBN 978-0495812944 . Retrieved August 30, 2012 .

^ Mulhall, John P. (2011). John P. Mulhall; Luca Incrocci; Irwin Goldstein; Ray Rosen (eds.). Cancer and Sexual Health . Springer . pp. 13–22. ISBN 978-1-60761-915-4 . Retrieved 23 June 2012 .

^ Jump up to: a b c Cold, C.J.; Taylor, T.R. (1999). "The Prepuce" . British Journal of Urology . 83 (1): 34–44. doi : 10.1046/j.1464-410x.1999.0830s1034.x . PMID 10349413 . S2CID 30559310 .

^ Jump up to: a b Carroll, Janell L. (2009). Sexuality Now: Embracing Diversity . Cengage Learning . pp. 118 and 252. ISBN 978-0-495-60274-3 . Retrieved 23 June 2012 . The clitoral glans is a particularly sensitive receptor and transmitter of sexual stimuli. In fact, the clitoris, although much smaller than the penis, has twice the number of nerve endings (8,000) as the penis (4,000) and has a higher concentration of nerve fibers than anywhere else on the body... In fact, most women do not enjoy direct stimulation of the glans and prefer stimulation through the [hood]... The majority of women enjoy a light caressing of the shaft of the clitoris, together with an occasional circling of the [clitoral glans], and maybe digital (finger) penetration of the vagina. Other women dislike direct stimulation and prefer to have the [clitoral glans] rolled between the lips of the labia. Some women like to have the entire area of the vulva caressed, whereas others like the caressing to be focused on the [clitoral glans].

^ Link text , "Engaging Cultural Differences: The Multicultural Challenge in Liberal Democracies," Chapter 11, Schweder, et al., 2002.

^ Momoh, Comfort (2005). "Female Genital Mutation" . In Momoh, Comfort (ed.). Female Genital Mutilation . Radcliffe Publishing. pp. 5–12. ISBN 978-1-85775-693-7 .

^ Koroma, Hannah (30 September 1997). "What is Female Genital Mutilation?" . Amnesty International . p. 2 . Retrieved 25 April 2010 .

^ "Female genital mutilation" . World Health Organization (WHO). 2012 [2008] . Retrieved August 22, 2012 .

^ Duffy, John (October 19, 1963). "Masturbation and Clitoridectomy: A Nineteenth-Century View". JAMA . 186 (3): 246–248. doi : 10.1001/jama.1963.63710030028012 . PMID 14057114 .

^ Rodriguez Sarah W (2008). "Rethinking the history of female circumcision and clitoridectomy: American medicine and female sexuality in the late nineteenth century". Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences . 63 (3): 323–347. doi : 10.1093/jhmas/jrm044 . PMID 18065832 . S2CID 9234753 .

In the female human body , the clitoral hood (also called preputium clitoridis and clitoral prepuce ) is a fold of skin that surrounds and protects the glans of the clitoris ; it also covers the external shaft of the clitoris, develops as part of the labia minora and is homologous with the foreskin (also called the prepuce ) in the male reproductive system . [1] [2] [3]
The clitoral hood is composed of muccocutaneous tissues; these tissues are between the mucous membrane and the skin, and they may have immunological importance because they may be a point of entry of mucosal vaccines. [4] The clitoral hood is also important not only in the protection of the clitoral glans, but also in pleasure, as its tissue forms part of the erogenous zones of the vulva . [4]

The clitoral hood is formed during the fetal stage by the cellular lamella. [4] The cellular lamella grows down on the dorsal side of the clitoris and is eventually fused with the clitoris. The clitoral hood is formed from the same tissues that form the foreskin in human males.

The clitoral hood varies in the size, shape, thickness, and other aesthetic aspects. Some women have large clitoral hoods that completely cover the clitoral glans. Some of these can be retracted to expose the clitoral glans, such as for hygiene purposes or for pleasure; others do not retract. Other women have smaller hoods that do not cover the full length of the clitoral glans, leaving the clitoral glans exposed all the time. Sticky bands of tissue called adhesions can form between the hood and the glans; these stick the hood onto the glans so the hood cannot be pulled back to expose the glans, and, as in the male, strongly scented smegma can accumulate.

Normally, the clitoral glans itself is too sensitive to be stimulated directly, such as in cases where the hood is retracted. [5] Women with hoods covering most of the clitoral glans can often masturbate by stimulating the hood over the clitoral glans; those with smaller, or more compact, structures tend to rub the clitoral glans and hood together. [5]

The clitoral hood additionally provides protection to the clitoral glans, like foreskin on the penile glans. [1] During sexual stimulation, the hood may also prevent the penis from coming into direct contact with the glans clitoris, which is usually stimulated by the pressure of the partners' pubis.

Most mammals and primates approach copulation from the rear instead of the common frontal position that humans often assume, so the clitoral stimulation is directly created by glans contact with the scrotum at the base of the penis and the different contractions of its corrugated dartos muscles. The clitoral glans, like the foreskin, must be lubricated by the naturally provided sebum . If the clitoral glans is not lubricated, the hood may not properly stimulate it during sexual activity, and it may cause pain.

In most of the world, clitoral modifications are uncommon. In some cultures, female genital mutilation (FGM) is practiced as a rite of passage into womanhood, is perceived as an improvement to the appearance of the genitalia, or is used to suppress or reduce female sexual desire and pleasure (including masturbation). [6] [7] [8] [9] FGM was performed on many children in Western countries, including previously in the United States, to discourage masturbation and reduce diseases believed to relate to it. [10] [11]

One modification that women sometimes perform of their free will is to have the hood pierced and insert jewellery, both for adornment and physical pleasure. Though much less common, other women opt to have their own hood surgically trimmed or removed so as to permanently expose part or all of the clitoral glans.

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Healthcare providers perform clitoral hood reductions to make the clitoral hood smaller. This skin fold covers and protects the clitoris, which is extremely sensitive. Some people have large clitoral hoods that are prone to irritation. Others may want to increase clitoral sensation. Clitoral hood reduction can fix these issues.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Aesthetic Genital Plastic Surgery. (https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/aesthetic-genital-plastic-surgery/clitoral-hood-reduction) Accessed 1/13/2022.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What Is a Labiaplasty? (https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/aesthetic-genital-plastic-surgery/labiaplasty) Accessed 1/13/2022.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What Is a Labiaplasty and What Does It Involve? (https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-is-a-labiaplasty-and-what-does-it-involve) Accessed 1/13/2022.
Hunter JG. Labia Minora, Labia Majora, and Clitoral Hood Alteration: Experience-Based Recommendations. (https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/36/1/71/2613971) Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2016;36(1):71-79. Accessed 1/13/2022.

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A clitoral hood reduction removes excess tissue from the skin folds that cover and protect your clitoris. These skin folds are your clitoral hood.
A clitoral hood reduction is a type of plastic or cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgery refers to surgery that reconstructs a part of your body. Cosmetic surgery is a type of plastic surgery that alters and improves appearance.

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Other names for a clitoral hood reduction include:
Your clitoris and clitoral hood are part of the reproductive system of people designated female at birth (DFAB). The labia minora (inner lips that surround your vaginal opening) come together to form a small bulge that is your clitoris.
The outer part of your clitoris that you can touch is the glans. Your clitoris contains thousands of sensory nerve endings that make it extremely sensitive. It plays a critical role in achieving orgasm.
Your clitoral hood is a fold of skin (foreskin) that protects your clitoris. When you’re sexually aroused, your clitoris becomes swollen (engorged). The swelling pulls back your clitoral hood.
Without your clitoral hood, your clitoris would be overly sensitive to touch and irritants, like friction from clothing rubbing against it. Your clitoral hood makes a lubricant called sebum that helps it glide smoothly over your clitoris. This function is similar to the foreskin that covers the tip of a penis.
In some people, the clitoral hood is large and has extra tissue. A clitoral hood reduction removes this excess skin. Healthcare providers refer to this type of cosmetic surgery as feminizing genitoplasty .
You may consider getting a clitoral hood reduction if you want to:
A clitoral hood reduction by itself doesn’t increase sensitivity. But the procedure exposes more of your clitoris, an extremely sensitive area. Having more of your clitoris available can lead to heightened sexual sensation.
These experts may perform clitoral hood reductions:
A clitoral hood reduction is an outpatient procedure that takes about one hour. You go home the same day. You may receive local anesthesia to numb just the treatment area while you stay awake or sedated for the procedure. Or you may get general anesthesia, which makes you go to sleep.
Healthcare providers sometimes perform a labiaplasty at the same time as a clitoral hood reduction. A labiaplasty trims excess skin from your labia minora (small lips) to reshape them and improve how they fit within your labia majora (large lips) that surround your vagina. This procedure gives the labia a more even or symmetrical appearance.
During the procedure, your provider:
In rare instances, your surgeon may remove too much tissue (over-resection) or not enough (under-resection). If you have an under-resection, you may need another procedure to remove more tissue. There isn’t a way to correct an over-resection.
Other risks of a clitoral hood reduction include:
You can expect some pain, swelling and discomfort. Your healthcare provider may recommend taking a week off from work and other physical activities following a clitoral hood reduction with labiaplasty. Recovery from a clitoral hood reduction without labiaplasty is often shorter.
The swelling should improve in six weeks, but you may still look swollen for up to six months after the procedure.
These steps can ease your recovery:
Most people who undergo clitoral hood reductions with labiaplasties are very satisfied with the results. The procedure can improve the appearance and comfort of your outside genitals.
You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:
Yes, a clitoral hood reduction is a type of vaginal rejuvenation . It improves the appearance and function of your genitalia.
Other types of vaginal rejuvenation include:
A clitoroplasty trims away some of your clitoris, making it smaller. A clitoral hood reduction removes tissue from the clitoral hood, making it smaller.
Some people get clitoroplasties to improve the appearance and sensitivity of a clitoris that’s too large. An overly large clitoris may stick out, causing irritation and discomfort.
Providers also perform clitoroplasties to correct damage from genital mutilation. This form of female circumcision still takes place in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, the Arab States, Asia and other regions. A clitoroplasty corrects the damage, restoring some degree of sensitivity to the area.
For transgender women, a clitoroplasty is part of gender affirmation surgery . Providers use a person’s existing tissue to create a clitoris.
Talking about your genitalia, especially as it relates to sexual pleasure, can be uncomfortable. Know that your surgeon is here to support you for all reasons you might be considering clitoral hood reduction. Your surgeon will listen to you, provide details about how they’ll perform the procedure, what results to expect and answer all of your questions.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/13/2022.

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Consider it your little pink pleasure protector.
Whether you were 12 or 20 or today years old the first time you really examined what was going on between your legs, you probably made a lot of discoveries. Most importantly: You realized you have something called a clitoris , and it feels damn good to touch it. But, you may still be confused by that cute little flap of skin that covers your clit. What does it do? Does it have a name? If you still need answers, listen up.
Meet: the clitoral hood. Basically, it's the skin that protects the tip and outer shaft of the clitoris from abrasion and injuries, explains Katharine O'Connell White , MD, an associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Boston University. And yep, the hood also prevents your clitoris from being stimulated by random stuff, like your clothing or your seat, says White. When you're horny, glands under the hood secrete a lubricant that helps the tissue glide over the clitoris without friction, White explains.
That said, despite its seemingly small surface area, there’s a lot more to the clitoral hood than you might think. (Like, did you know the clitoral hood is the skin that’s typically pierced during a clitoral piercing? Or that it's kind of considered akin to the foreskin of the penis?) Here's everything you need to know about the clitoral hood, per experts.
The glans clitoris—the external, pea-sized part of the clitoris above your urethra—is surrounded by a fold of skin that protects it, explains Janet Brito , PhD, a certified sex therapist. That fold of skin, which is technically the upper part of the labia, is referred to as the clitoral hood, and it keeps the clit's 8,000 nerve endings safe from harm and irritation.
It can vary in both size and shape, explains Alyssa Dweck , MD, an OB-GYN in Westchester County, New York, so don't worry about yours not looking "right." Everyone's is different. (And isn't that beautiful?!)
The clit's nerve endings, which give clitoris-owners a whole lot of pleasure, can also easily cause pain—either from too much pressure or too sharp a touch, says Brito. Luckily, that nifty clitoral hood adds an extra layer between the clitoris and a finger/penis/toy, so stimulation can feel pleasurable, not painful.
Not to mention, it keeps those nerves from getting irritated throughout the day by something as simple as tight-fitting clothes. For some, the hood is barely noticeable, while for others, it completely covers the clitoris. No matter the size, it’s there to help.
As mentioned, the size and shape of the clitoral hood varies by individual, and it's often mistaken for the clit itself. Before going on a hunt with your hand mirror, first familiarize yourself with what the hood looks like in general.
The clitoral hood is the arch of tissue that goes above the top of the clitoris, says White, and you can find your clitoral hood by searching with your hands from above or below. "From your pubic bone, you can gently trace one finger in the middle toward your vagina. You will feel the clitoral hood right above the clitoris," says White. "From your vagina, you can pull your inner lips (labia minora) apart and look to see where they meet in the middle. The flap of skin at the top of the arch above the clitoris is the hood." In terms of color and texture, the clitoral hood typically has the same color and texture as your labia minora.
And remember this: "Wherever the hood is situated on your clitoris is normal," White says. For example, some people have a more exposed clitoral tip, since their hood sits farther back, while others hoods' might be pulled forward like a sweatshirt hoodie, covering most or all the tip of the clitoris.
During arousal (a.k.a. when you're getting all hot and bothered), the clitoral hood does retract, says Dweck. It does so to expose more of your clitoris, which is super sensitive, but it becomes more comfortable with direct touch the more turned on you get.
"You can retract the hood yourself gently, too," White says. Just lightly pull it back with the tips of your fingers. "It’s similar to the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis," she adds, which you can move up and down the shaft as you please.
If your clitoral hood completely covers your clit, first and foremost:
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