Clitoral Hood Reduction

The clitoris is a highly debated topic, whether it’s about its function or its anatomy. While a lot of women are aware of it and the role it plays in one’s sexual experience, some women are still not comfortable talking about it.

If you are having issues with your clitoris, such as experiencing less sensation or about its size, it’s important for you to understand that there are procedures that can help solve your problems.

Here’s everything you need to know about the clitoris and clitoral hood  reduction.

The Clitoris

To get a better understanding of your clitoris, you need to know the other organs surrounding it.

Your external female genital organs can be described using a single word- vulva. It includes your labia majora, labia minora, vaginal vestibule, the bulb of the vestibule, Bartholin’s glands, and your clitoris.

The two sets of labia are the organs that form that oval shape surrounding your vagina. The bigger ones are called labia majora while the smaller ones are referred to as the labia minora.

The point where those two organs meet is your clitoris. 

In essence, the clitoris is comparable to a man’s penis because it’s extremely sensitive. When stimulated, it becomes responsible for female sexual pleasure. And for most women, it’s how they are able to achieve orgasm.

Now, although it’s similar to the penis when it comes to sexual pleasure, the clitoris doesn’t have a direct link or role when it comes to reproduction.

The clitoris is generally covered by a tissue forming like a hood above it. Known as the prepuce, it prevents the clitoris from being rubbed constantly. Too much of this can cause the clitoris to look like a penis.

When constant friction happens, you may experience desensitization, over-stimulation, and pain.

In some cases, the clitoral hood becomes too lengthy or large. There are times when it won’t retract properly during intimacy, too. 

These conditions may be caused by trauma, genetics or childbirth.

About Clitoral Hood Reduction Surgery

If you are experiencing any of those conditions, undergoing clitoral hood reduction surgery might help. This procedure can help reduce the size and length of your clitoral hood, making it less prominent and increasing your comfort and sensation.

Usually, clitoral hood reduction surgery is performed at the same time labiaplasty or labia reduction is done. However, if the clitoris is the only issue, it can be performed on its own.

Patients who are anorgasmic, have slow or weak orgasms, and those with painful clitoris may benefit from the procedure. 

It is, however, not recommended for women who have a low sex drive, lichen sclerosus scarring, and menopausal agglutination. 

The Procedure

Usual clitoral hood reduction is done as an outpatient procedure. You may be put under local or general anesthesia depending on your case.

Your doctor will use a specialized laser and specific surgical instruments to take out the excess hood tissues. Take note that in this procedure, only the hood is manipulated and altered. The clitoral head isn’t modified in any way.

However, if you choose to do procedures on the other parts of your genitalia, like your vagina, labia or hymen, it can be done at this point.

The procedure is considered microsurgery. After you achieve complete healing,  you should have no scars. There will only be slightly visible incisions you’ll find in between the folds of tissue in the surgical site.

Numbing is a normal experience after the surgery but it should subside on its own. This isn’t an indication of damage to any nerves. As a matter of fact, as the numbing subsides, you should feel a heightened sensitivity as the area becomes easier to access.

Overall, the entire procedure should take about an hour to complete.

Within the next 24 hours after surgery, you may experience pain. You may take strong pain medication to relieve it. As the pain subsides, you may lower the amount of pain medication you are taking. You can also use an ice pack to manage the discomfort.

Of you course  anything that rubs against the surgery area can cause pain, infection and delay healing. Therefore, wear loose clothes and cotton underwear. When possible you can go without underwear.

Most women take around 3 to 4 days to recover. Considering that, you may need to reduce your activities for the first 14 days. After 6 full weeks, you may return to your previous level of activity, like working out and sex.

As for the stitches, they will dissolve on their own and your doctor won’t need to remove them.

Possible Complications

Although the procedure is minor, it still comes with certain risks. Apart from the pain and discomfort, you should also expect inflammation. 

There may also be excessive bleeding, unusual discharge, and foul odor. These are signs of infection which will require antibiotics from your doctor.

If the procedure isn’t done properly, over-resection and under-resection may happen, too.