I have tried masturbating and it has never worked. I have checked down there to make sure everything is all right and I don't seem to have a clitoris. I don't have a hood connected to my outer labia and no clitoris in sight. I've checked. What has happened? And is this normal?

This is a matter for a full examination from a professional medical practitioner.
There is no way we could offer any realistic assistance with this.

It isn't connected to your outer labia.

I was worried I couldn't orgasm at all.

Do you know what you are looking for? Unless you are a member of one of the very few sadistic cultures that practice Female curcumcisions... all women have one.

Also while SOME women like direct stimulation, a lot find that terribly uncomfortable and prefer indirect stimulation.

I know that I'm supposed to look for a raised fleshy bump under the hood. But alas I don't have the hood. It's freaked me out a lot

Katy, how old are you?

I am 18 years old

They come in all sizes like breasts... from Where in the heck is it at small, to oh my god is that large. And everything in between.

Ok, I was worried, because I don't have the hood at the top of the outer labia and it bothered me a lot

At 18 you should be regularly examined by a gynecologists. So the next time you visit yours ask about it.

You have a "hood." It's what protects the clitoris. It's just not always as obvious as one would think.

Mine is really obscure then

Katy, it's not something huge and obvious. It is usually very small and hidden until a woman becomes aroused.

Oh. I'll still try and go to a gynaecologist. Maybe I just don't get aroused enough to masturbate. Thank you for the advice

Is it like a different colour, because there's a small raised more pinkish area at the top, that might be it

How are you feeling right now? Did you consult a doctor about this?

It just worried me. And felt inadequate. I haven't yet

It just worried me. And felt inadequate. I haven't yet

Trust me you have it. No two people have the same genitalia. If you look for line drawings of the "standard" female genitial layout you will get an idea of where things should be. As well you will notice that there is a symmetry and general pattern. From bottom to top you usually have, anus, vaginal opening, urethra opening, clitoris, clitorial hood, top of the vulva. Usually where the inner labial lips meet. Going from outside to in you have your labia majora (The big outer lips), the labia minoria (The inner lips/flags), and then the vaginal opening and urethra. Where the inner lips meet at the top should be where the clitoris is.

The other point I really want to touch on, no pun intended, is arousal. I am sure you noticed that you're not visually aroused. You look at a picture of a penis and it probably does little for you. I would figure out what arouses you before you figure out how to manipulate. To put it simply, figure out how to turn on your car before you try to drive. Figure out what does it for you. Many people like the trashy romance books, romantic comedies, and stuff like that. Figure that part out and then start to explore. Don't try to turn yourself on BY masturbating, but try to be turned on and then masturbate.

It might take a little to figure out and that is fine. You'll have a better understanding of your body and you will be able to direct and teach people how to pleasure you when the time comes.