The clitoris has a hood
The clitoral hood is located at the top of the vulva where the labia minora (inner lips) meet. It is a fold of skin that protects the glans clitoris (the external part of the clitoris). The glans clitoris is packed with nerve endings and highly sensitive to touch and irritants, like friction. The hood is its protection.
Remember that the glans is only one part of the clitoris, the rest of its structure is internal, but still accessible for arousal and pleasure.
The amount of the glans covered by the clitoral hood varies from body to body. Each of our bodies is unique. The clitoral hood may cover all, some, or none of the glans clitoris.
When you become sexually aroused, your clitoris becomes engorged or swollen, this pulls back the clitoral hood allowing for more external access to the glans. Be sure to allow yourself enough time for adequate arousal. For some people, the clitoral hood is large, has extra tissue or is very thick. This may interfere with the kind of stimulation they may want/need to the glans clitoris. Below are some ideas to try for a range of different bodies.
Stimulation and pleasure
Sometimes it feels great to avoid touching the exposed glans and just stimulate the hood or layers of skin around it. For some people, the glans clitoris is sensitive to the point that it is uncomfortable when touched directly. Touching the hood may be a technique to explore for pleasure.
When you touch the clitoral hood and the skin around the glans - it gives the glans little nudges of stimulation indirectly.
Some people can orgasm from stimulation to the clitoral hood alone.
Techniques to try
Up and down strokes on the hood
Move the skin of the hood
Circling the hood
Tapping the hood
Gliding over the hood
Vibration sensations using a vibrator on or near the hood
If you have a very thick or larger clitoral hood
Techniques to try
Apply more direct pressure to the hood
Strong vibrations using a vibrator
Gently draw back the hood (if able) for more direct stimulation to the glans
Use adequate lubricant, and rub around the hood and glans to determine if you can “free up” the glans. If unable to, consult with your healthcare provider.
Some people suffer from clitoral adhesions that hinder the clitoral hood from fully retracting, if you feel this might be the case for you, see your healthcare provider to determine the cause and potential treatment options.
Learn more about these topics:
The clitoris - it’s a network!
Female anatomy 101
A guide to lube
Why female arousal takes more than 5 minutes
Why vibrators work for women
3 tips for boosting your arousal
Reclaim your arousal mindset
Talking about your sexual health with your medical provider
