My Girlfriend of 5 months recently told me that she has never had an
orgasm. Even when she tries to do it herself.I remember reading
somewhere that skin can cover the clitoris so it is unable to get full
stimulation, and that a medical procedure can be done to aleviate this
problem.Do you
know about this procedure and if so where she can get more
information.

---

Request for Question Clarification by lot-ga on 16 Dec 2002 21:56 PST

Hello toby2-ga
A very interesting question. Though before I attempt any research, I
have emailed answers-editors@google.com to check if it is OK to
proceed, as certain subject matter is controlled. This topic is more
medical to me, but I'm just verifying it with the editors.
Kind regards
lot-ga

Hi toby2,

This is a truely fascinating question: and one that has much incorrect
information floating around about the answer. First off, let me assure
you that the clitoral hood is supposed to be there! The clitoral hood
protects the clitoris from over-stimulation, and actually helps the
female orgasm. During arrousal, the hood slips back from the clitoris,
and allows more direct access to the clitoris. During periods of
non-arousal, directly touching the clitoris can be quite painful!

However, since you've asked about the procedure to surgically remove
part of the hood (NOTE!! This should NOT BE CONFUSED WITH FEMALE
GENETAL MUTILATION (FGM)!!) that protects the clitoris, let me
elaborate on what is involved. The removal of all or part of the hood
is called a hoodectomy or clitoridotomy. This is NOT the removal of
the clitoris however: and it is done to ENHANCE sexual responses
whereas FGM is done to DECREASE and REMOVE the sexual response.

I was able to find a link to a page that has more information about
the hoodectomy, which can be found at:
http://www.geocities.com/hoodectomy/hoodectomy.html

There are also some links to Medical Studies looking at the efficacy
of Clitoral Hood Removals which are located at:
http://www.geocities.com/hoodectomy/MedicalStudies.htm

However, there are less severe methods to attempt to introduce
increased stimulation into the clitoris by the means of a piercing
(much like a pierced ear or nose) through the clitoral hood. This
tends to be the most easily reversed procedure if the increased amount
of sensation causes your girlfriend pain--by simply removing the stud
or ring that was inserted into the pierce. I found an excellent page
that discusses the many alternatives available for women who choose to
have a clitoral hood piercing done. However, it should be noted that
should your girlfriend think that this is the route she wishes to go,
she should ensure that the piercing is done in a clean, sterile, and
safe environment. About.com's "Female Genital Piercings" article
appears here:
http://tattoo.about.com/library/blchristina.htm

If she wishes to pursue a piercing, some Tattoo and Piercing
establishments will offer this service: a quick check through the
yellow pages should give you the information you need for where you
live.

However, should she want a hoodectomy, she should consult her doctor
who can give her the information she needs.

Please ask for clarification PRIOR to rating this answer if any part
of it is not clear to you.

Thanks!

Legolas-ga

Search Terms:

clitoral hood

toby, have you established that there are medical reasons preventing
her from having an orgasm?  As stated in these pages, "approximately
10 per cent of sexually active women never have had an orgasm but
almost all healthy women have the potential":
http://www.sex-centre.com/SexualEnhancement/BecomingOrgasmic.htm
http://www.christianitytoday.com/mp/9m1/9m1074.html
http://www.queendom.com/chaiselongue/sexpertise/robertwbirch28.html

toby2,

Your girlfriend is an extremely lucky woman, to have a guy who
obviously cares so much about making her happy.

However, surgical alteration should only ever be considered as an
absolute LAST resort. ANY surgery runs the risk that instead of
correcting the problem, it will instead render the affected body part
permanently damaged.

Instead, I would encourage you and your girlfriend to explore some of
the many resources that are available for couples and for women, which
offer numerous suggestions on how to discover what method(s) work best
for the two of you and for your girlfriend alone. Some of the most
important things (if you have not already achieved them) that will
help both of you to resolve this situation are:

1) becoming comfortable with each others' bodies;
2) becoming comfortable enough with each other to be able
   to communicate freely about what feels good;
3) a willingness to experiment a little; and
4) continued patience to not get discouraged or angry,
   or to stop trying altogether.

It sounds like the two of you are well on your way toward those
things, so here are some resources which may help you work toward your
goal:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0767904524
Amazon reader review by Rick from Great Falls, Montana:
"An excellent book, created out of experience from Lou Paget's
seminars and workshops. The techniques are well explained and
illustrated, the tone of writing is on a personal basis making the
information easy to accept and apply. Of at least equal importance to
the great variety and explanation of "how to" techniques, is the early
discussion of setting the mood, consideration of caring approach , and
simple "partner considerations" that do so much to pave the way to
opening the mind for rewarding and exciting new fulfillment in sexual
relationships..."

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0966492439
Amazon review by a reader from San Francisco, CA:
"As a young married woman, I had given up trying to improve my sexual
response during intercourse. My husband and I have tried everything to
make me reach orgasm and have failed. UNTIL NOW. This book worked for
me and for us as a couple. It will work for you too..."

Amazon review by a reader from Boston, MA:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0881849545
"This book is very straight and to the point. All the questions you
could possibly have, have been answered. Very informative for those
who don't know about female orgasms or those who think they know.
Great for male readers-it gives them a very clear idea on where the
most sensitive area is on a woman and how to touch her correctly and
rythmatically to bring her to the most rewarding outcome. Great for
women who have never had an orgasm who want to learn in private to
make their mates eye open with surprise! Could not put it down-a must
read for beginners..."


Don't get discouraged, and don't give up! Think of your quest as an
adventure in exploration for your relationship.

Best Wishes,

aceresearcher

toby2,

Researcher missy has pointed out to me (Thanks, missy!) that it should
also be mentioned that the situation you describe can be caused by
Medical issues.

Informative articles on WebMD: 
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/44/1689_50048.htm 
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/43/1687_51058.htm 
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/13/1689_52726.htm 

Possible medical causes: 
"Physical causes: 
Many physical and/or medical conditions can cause problems with sexual
function. These conditions include: diabetes, heart disease,
neurological diseases, hormonal imbalances, menopause, chronic
diseases such as kidney disease or liver failure, and alcoholism and
drug abuse. In addition, the side effects of certain medications,
including some antidepressant drugs, can affect sexual desire and
function.

Psychological causes: 
These include work-related stress and anxiety, concern about sexual
performance, marital or relationship problems, depression, feelings of
guilt, and the effects of a past sexual trauma."
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/46/2953_509.htm 

High blood pressure 
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/26/1728_58861.htm 

"Goldstein says a number of factors contribute to the growing problem
of female sexual dysfunction, but chief among them are the surgeries
and childbirth techniques that destroy delicate nerve networks that
connect female sexual organs to the brain."
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/28/1728_61380.htm 

I hope this information assists you both in your Quest for the Holy
Grail. :)

Best Wishes, 
 
aceresearcher