
What Is The Clitoral Hood, And Does It Affect My Orgasms?
There is more to the clitoral hood and orgasm than you might think, given its small surface area. Did you know the clitoral hood is the skin pierced during a clitoral piercing? Its function is akin to the foreskin of the penis.
Let’s dive into the mysteries of this clitoral hood and orgasm – a critical portion of the female anatomy.
What Is The Clitoral Hood?
The glans clitoris is a fold of skin covering it encloses a pea-sized part of the clitoris above your urethra. The clitoral hood is a skin fold that shields the clitoris’s 8,000 nerve endings from injury, pain, and too much stimulation. It might vary in size and shape, so don’t be concerned if yours doesn’t appear “perfect”. Every woman is different!
What Does the Clitoral Hood Do?
The clitoris has many nerve endings, which provide clitoris owners with a great deal of pleasure, may also cause discomfort from too much pressure or too harsh a touch. Fortunately, the clitoral hood puts an additional layer between the clitoris and the source of stimulation, making touching enjoyable rather than painful.
It also prevents your nerves from becoming inflamed throughout the day by something as simple as tight-fitting clothing or underwear. The hood is small for some, while it conceals the clitoris for others.
How does the clitoral hood affect orgasm?
When aroused, your clitoris swells with blood and grows larger (similar to a penis), which pulls the hood aside with the hood’s natural lubrication called sebum.
If you have a small clitoral hood, you might not notice it during sex, or you might feel extra-sensitive when your clitoris is directly stroked – everyone is different!

What size should the clitoris be?
A “normal” size does not exist. However, here’s a comparison for determining how your clitoral hood relates to the broader public: Think of your clitoris like the head of a person dressed in a hoodie. Some people wear their sweatshirt hood below their heads, while others wear it slightly higher, and yet others wear it around their head.
The above scenario is known as a “hooded clitoris,” and it is nothing to be concerned about. You’re not strange or unusual, and you’re still capable of having fantastic sex.
Are you a candidate for clitoral hood reduction?
Patients with excess skin can experience several benefits from clitoral hood reduction. This is a highly personal decision and you should weigh the benefits and the costs:
- Improved clitoral stimulation, stronger and more frequent orgasms
- Greater overall comfort during sex
- Improved appearance of the clitoral area
- Increased self-confidence
What’s Next
Are you considering having clitoral hood reduction surgery? You most certainly have questions regarding this intimate surgery, the cost, downtime, and recovery.
Dr. Sue Kafali is a top cosmetic gynecologist and female surgeon. She offers a complimentary consultation to discuss the clitoral hood and orgasm and if you would benefit from a reduction. To schedule a consultation, call 312-809-9983 or send us a message here.