Is there a surgical solution for a small clitoris?

Dear I Await Answer, 

When it comes to reaching orgasm, there are various factors that come into play. The size of the clitoris is not typically associated with difficulties reaching orgasm. Because of this, surgically altering the clitoris isn’t recommended as a solution. And while it’s nice that you want to support your partner, one of the first places to start may be speaking with her. Though you may have concerns, she may be satisfied and not want to change anything! However, if she’s not satisfied, it could open the door to having conversations about what you both like sexually. Keep reading to learn more about the clitoris, causes of orgasm difficulties, and surgeries to alter clitoral appearance. 

What is the clitoris? 

The clitoris is part of the productive system for those assigned female at birth. It’s composed of erectile tissues and thousands of nerves, making it the body part most associated with sexual pleasure. The clitoris is shaped like a wishbone, with part of it exposed at the top of the vulva (the nub most people think about) and other parts extend around the vaginal wall. The clitoris can be stimulated from both the outside and the inside, and its size varies from person to person. 

Does the size of the clitoris impact orgasm? 

Based on current research, difficulty orgasming has not been attributed to clitoral size. Instead, the most pleasurable forms of clitoral stimulation often depend on personal preference, anatomy, and other factors such as past sexual experiences and mental state. That said, having trouble reaching orgasm, also referred to as anorgasmia, can occur for many reasons. Some physical contributors may include:  

• Sexual stimulation: A person may require a different form of stimulation to reach orgasm. 
• Health conditions: Certain conditions may impact sensation and hormone production necessary for orgasm. 
• Drugs and medications: Medication, alcohol, and smoking may impact blood flow and hormone production, causing difficulties with orgasm. 
• Age: Changes in a person’s body leading up to and following menopause may impact orgasm frequency or intensity.  

List adapted from Mayo Clinic 

What else may impact your ability to orgasm? 

As for psychological causes of challenges with orgasms, some may include: 

• Discomfort with sex or body: This may impact relaxation and other mental states that may be necessary for orgasm.  
• Mental state or illness: Being stressed or experiencing mental illnesses, such as anxiety or depression, may make orgasming more difficult. 
• Past experiences of abuse: Past trauma may change a person’s relationship with their body and sexuality, making orgasms more difficult.  
• Relationship difficulties: Challenges with communication, emotional intimacy, or conflict may all play a role in orgasm difficulties. 

List adapted from Mayo Clinic 

Is there anything you can do that might support your partner’s ability to reach orgasm? 

Increasing your communication may be useful in helping your girlfriend reach the big O! Consider asking if there is anything your girlfriend may want to try in the bedroom to heighten pleasure. Also, having a conversation about increasing communication before, during, and after sex (to learn what is and isn’t working) are great places to start. If your partner thinks that any of the physical or psychological factors may be making it harder to orgasm, she may benefit from speaking with a health care professional. Further, seeking the advice of a sex therapist or couples therapist may benefit both of you as you navigate your relationship and sex lives. 

Are there surgeries to change clitoral size? 

While clitoral size isn’t associated with orgasm troubles, there are some surgeries that can alter its size and appearance. Clitoroplasty is a surgery that involves reducing, enlarging, repositioning, or creating a clitoris. This surgery may be recommended for those experiencing pain during sex, those with trauma or injury to the area, those seeking gender affirming surgery, or hoping to alter their genitalia as an aesthetic preference.  

Another option is clitoral hood reduction surgery. This procedure removes skin from the clitoral hood, exposing more of the glans. This surgery may also be performed for aesthetic reasons, although it’s critical to note that all vulvas and vaginas look different and there isn’t necessarily a “correct” appearance.  

Ultimately, it’s up to your partner what she wants, or doesn’t, want to try to target her orgasm difficulties. Having a conversation with your girlfriend about your concerns and listening to any she may, or may not, have is necessary. Whatever the case, having a conversation with your partner about your sex lives may benefit you both.  

Wishing you and your partner the best,