The Clitoral Hood Protects the Clitoris and Can Be Retracted During Arousal
Clitoris is an organ located above the vaginal opening in females that plays a major role in sexual stimulation. It consists of different parts, namely glans, crus, shaft, bulbs, and foreskin. Glans is the most sensitive part of the clitoris which appears like a small button at the top of female genitals. Crus is a pair of parallel structures which extend from glans towards the labia minora. Shaft extends backward and sides from glans while bulbs are attached to the inner side of labia minora. The foreskin covers glans during resting state but can be retracted or pulled back during arousal. In some women, it may cover more than half of the glans.
During sex, when the woman becomes aroused, her body releases certain hormones such as estrogen and testosterone that increase the sensitivity of nerves in clitoris. This makes the area engorged, harden, and swell up. When this happens, the foreskin covering glans retracts or pulls back exposing it fully. With increased exposure, the glans become even more excited and stimulated. If she continues with manual stimulation, penetration or masturbation, the erection will intensify.
Besides protecting the sensitive glans, the foreskin has other benefits too. It keeps the glans moist and lubricated by secreting fluids making it easy to clean. It acts as a seal between vagina and urine passage preventing bacterial infection. The exposed glans during arousal provides direct contact with partner's fingers or a sex toy and allows intimate sexual activities without any barriers.
It is essential to mention here that the clitoral foreskin does not appear like a male foreskin. While the latter has only one layer of skin covering the head of the penis, the former has two layers which make it thicker and wider compared to the male counterpart. Also, unlike males, females don't need to retract their clitoral foreskin at all times during sexual intercourse. Sometimes, the foreskin might cover glans partially and sometimes fully, depending on her arousal levels.
During childbirth, clitoris helps in reducing pain by releasing oxytocin hormone which induces contractions that allow smooth delivery. In some women, they might experience sensations in the genital region during orgasmic phase which can be controlled by clitoral nerves. Clitoral piercings are also popular among adults who wish to enhance pleasure by exposing glans more often.
In conclusion, the clitoral hood plays an important role in female sexual health by protecting glans from harmful microorganisms, keeping it hydrated, providing direct access to glans, and supporting sexual stimulation during arousal.