Question: Is anyone born without a clitoral hood? Because I can't find mine! I've always been very confused when someone mentioned the clitoral hood, because my clitoris is just . . . there. Even after I masturbate to orgasm there's no change in the general surface of my clitoris; there's no "hood" or fold of skin above my clitoris at any point, not even a little bit; there's no hood or fold of skin that retracts; trying to separate the outermost layer of skin on my clitoris as if it were a hood doesn't work -- because there's nothing there, it's just my clitoris. It's not especially large or anything. What is up with this? Is this okay?

Answer: While the clitoral hood usually does cover at least part of the clitoral glans, I am aware that in some cases it does not. The hood is just the continuation of the loose skin that covers the body or shaft of your clitoris. I am not aware that it is a problem, and since you can masturbate to orgasm it does not appear to be a problem for you.

Please verify that what you believe to be your clitoral glans is not actually your clitoris covered by an adherent or closed hood. You should be able to see where your inner lips attach to the bottom center of your clitoral glans. Your clitoral glans should be of a different tissue type than the surrounding tissue, and perhaps very sensitive to touch.

There is a very small chance your hood was removed when you were an infant or child.