The procedure known as female circumcision involves the removal of the clitoral hood. Apart from its history as an attempt to prevent or curb masturbation, this operation was a minor fad in the early 1970s for the purpose of allegedly enhancing female responsiveness. Similar in intent to the procedure occasionally performed a few decades ago of repositioning the clitoris closer to the vaginal opening, these maneuvers are based on a misunderstanding of female sexuality. They also carry their own risks, for example, development of scar tissue or loss of the protective function of the clitoral hood.
The clitoral hood is derived from the same tissue as the foreskin of newborn boys and uncircumcised adult males. Glands under the hood normally secrete smegma, the same white cheesy substance produced under the male foreskin. Gentle washing of this area removes the smegma, which, if allowed to accumulate, can cause adhesions under the hood. The vulval area is composed of delicate mucous membrane, much like the inside of the mouth. Soap and water, without unnecessarily vigorous scrubbing, are sufficient to keep it clean.
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