Clitoral Hood Reduction (Clitoral Hoodectomy)

The clitoris is located just below the pubic bone. It is bordered on top and to the sides by the labia minora (inner lips). Below it is the urethra, the urinary opening. Below the urethra is the vaginal opening.

The clitoris has a visible head (the glans). It also has a body made up of two arms embedded within the external genital organs (vulva), extending to either side.

In some women, the covering tissue called the clitoral hood can be excessively large and completely cover the clitoral glans.

In these cases, a procedure called clitoral hoodectomy — reducing the clitoral hood — can be performed.

Is it necessary?

Within the arms at the center of the clitoris are spongy structures, similar to those in the male penis, that fill with blood and become erect during sexual arousal.

In sexual function, the clitoris serves the same role in women that the penis does in men — in fact, embryologically, they share the same tissue origin (homologous tissue) and function.

Just as with the male penis, clitoral structures can vary in size among women.

The total length of the clitoris ranges from 2.5 cm to 9 cm.

The clitoris is an extremely vascular structure and contains more nerve fibers than any other structure in the body.

A woman's orgasm occurs through the clitoris.

The excess skin fold covering this clitoral tissue — which plays such an important role in sexual arousal and achieving orgasm — can be surgically removed. This procedure is called clitoral hood reduction.

It can benefit women who experience sexual difficulties, are unable to reach an adequate level of orgasm, do not experience pleasure during intercourse, and whose clitoral hood skin is excessively thick and covers the clitoral glans.

Beyond clitoral hood reduction, women seeking greater pleasure in their sex lives may also consider G-Shot treatments, or fillers applied around or beneath the clitoral area.

You can call us with questions about clitoral hood concerns, clitoral issues, orgasm problems, and their solutions.

Medically reviewed by Op. Dr. Şükrü Sanus, Obstetrician & Gynecologist · Last medical review: 2 October 2026