Clitoris

Clitoris

The Clitoris is an organ located in the female body with the specific function of sexual pleasure and orgasm.

General Information

The clitoris is shaped similarly to a wish-bone and is made up of erectile tissue. The entire structure is comprised of four main parts and contains a total of 8000 nerve endings. Upon arousal, the clitoris fills up with blood and becomes rigid and sexually sensitive.

Clitoral Glans (Head)

  • The glans of the clitoris is located on the outside of the body where the labia minora (inner vulva lips) meet at their topmost point.
  • Some glans will be fully exposed, while others will be partially or completely covered by a fold of skin known as the clitoral hood.
  • When highly aroused or near to orgasm, some glans will shrink in size and/or retract underneath the clitoral hood.
  • Every person’s clitoris responds to different types of sensation, as well as different levels of pressure. In general, dexterous sensations (licking, stroking, touching, vibration, etc) work well on the clitoral glans.
  • Some clitoral glans are extremely sensitive when aroused and cannot be stimulated directly. In this situation, stimulation can be achieved through the clitoral hood or through materials like cloth.

Clitoral Body

  • Connected to the glans, the clitoral body can be up to 1” in length, and can be felt above the clitoral hood.
  • Although located internally, this portion of the clitoris can be stimulated manually, and responds well to similar sensations as the clitoral glans.

Clitoral Crura (Legs)

  • Located internally and attached to the clitoral body; the clitoral legs extend anywhere from 3” – 5” into the body, and straddle the vagina.
  • During arousal, the clitoral crura fill with blood and become erect and sexually sensitive.

Clitoral Bulbs (Vestibular Bulbs)

  • The clitoral bulbs are located in front of the crura and also straddle the vagina.
  • During arousal the clitoral bulbs will fill with blood, become erect, and put pressure on the vaginal opening, aiding in vulvar spreading.
  • The clitoral bulbs will become sexually sensitive during arousal.

Relationship to Orgasm

  • Although a majority of the clitoris is internal, many people need direct or indirect stimulation on the glans and body of the clitoris in order to achieve genital orgasm.
  • There are some people who report being able to orgasm through penetration and without stimulation of the clitoral glans and body. Although this phenomenon is commonly called a ‘vaginal’ orgasm, it is probable that this type of orgasm generates from the internal parts of the clitoris (bulbs and crura).
  • Note: Some people can have vaginal orgasms, but these types of orgasms result from stimulation of the posterior cul-de-sac, a point located in the very back corner of the vagina.

I Don’t Like The Way My Clitoris Looks

It’s important to remember that every body is unique and there is no “right” or “wrong” way for any part of your body to look, including your clitoris. It’s normal to have feelings of self-consciousness or insecurity about your body at times, but it’s important to focus on self-acceptance and love.

If you are struggling with feelings of discomfort or dissatisfaction with the appearance of your clitoris, it may be helpful to talk to a sex therapist. We work with clients living in Delaware, Georgia, Florida, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Virginia and New Jersey.  In a therapy session, we can provide information and guidance on anatomy and sexual health, and help you work through any underlying issues that may be contributing to your negative feelings.

You may also find it helpful to explore resources and communities focused on body positivity and self-love. There are many online resources, such as blogs, social media accounts, and forums, that promote positive body image and self-acceptance.

Remember that your body is unique and beautiful just the way it is, and it’s important to prioritize your physical and emotional health over any negative self-perceptions.

Will My Clitoris Change Sizes With Age? 

The size of the clitoris may change throughout a person’s lifetime, but these changes are typically related to hormonal fluctuations or changes in body weight rather than solely age.

During puberty, the clitoris typically grows and can increase in size by several millimeters. This growth is influenced by hormonal changes, particularly an increase in testosterone. Similarly, hormonal changes associated with pregnancy or menopause can also affect the size of the clitoris.

Additionally, changes in body weight or body composition can also impact the appearance and size of the clitoris. For example, significant weight gain or loss may cause changes in the distribution of fat and connective tissue in the genital area, which can alter the appearance of the clitoris.

It’s important to remember that the size and appearance of the clitoris can vary widely from person to person, and there is no “normal” size or shape. If you are concerned about changes in the size or appearance of your clitoris, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider or gynecologist. They can provide information and guidance on what is normal and healthy, and help address any underlying concerns or issues.

Do Boys Have Clitorises? 

No, boys do not have clitorises. The clitoris is a female sexual organ located at the front of the vulva, above the vaginal opening. The clitoris contains sensitive nerve endings that can be stimulated to produce sexual pleasure and orgasm.

In males, the corresponding sexual organ is the penis, which is used for sexual intercourse and can also be stimulated to produce sexual pleasure and orgasm. The penis and clitoris both develop from the same embryonic tissue in the early stages of fetal development, which is why they share some anatomical similarities. However, they develop into distinct organs with different functions.

It’s important to remember that every body is unique and there is no “right” or “wrong” way for any part of your body to look or function. If you have concerns about your anatomy or sexual health, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider or a qualified sex therapist. They can provide information and guidance on what is normal and healthy, and help address any underlying concerns or issues.

Can I Still Have An Orgasm If I Don’t Have A Clitoris? 

The clitoris is an important part of sexual anatomy for many people, and is a key source of sexual pleasure and orgasm for those with a clitoris. However, it is possible to experience sexual pleasure and orgasm without a clitoris, as there are many other erogenous zones and ways to stimulate the body.

For example, some people may experience pleasure and orgasm through stimulation of the vagina, nipples, or other areas of the body. Additionally, some people may experience orgasm through stimulation of the G-spot, a sensitive area on the front vaginal wall. It’s important to remember that sexual pleasure and orgasm are complex and individual experiences that can vary widely from person to person.

If you are having difficulty experiencing sexual pleasure or orgasm, it may be helpful to talk to a healthcare provider or a qualified sex therapist. We offer sex therapy in Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Florida, New Mexico and Virginia.  A sex therapist can provide information and guidance on sexual health, anatomy, and techniques for sexual stimulation, and help address any underlying concerns or issues.

Where Did The Word Clitoris Come From?

The word “clitoris” comes from the Greek word “kleitoris,” which means “little hill” or “mound.” The ancient Greeks were among the first to describe and study the clitoris as an anatomical structure, and the term “clitoris” has been used in medical literature and other contexts for centuries.

The clitoris was not widely studied or discussed in Western medicine until the late 19th century, when physician and sexologist William H. Masters and Virginia E. Johnson conducted groundbreaking research on human sexual response. Their work helped to popularize the clitoris as a key source of sexual pleasure and orgasm for those with female anatomy, and helped to raise awareness and understanding of the clitoris in popular culture.

Today, the clitoris is recognized as an important and complex sexual organ that plays a key role in sexual pleasure and orgasm for many people with female anatomy.

Why Did The Greeks Talk About The Clitoris?

The ancient Greeks were known for their scientific and philosophical inquiries into many aspects of human anatomy and physiology, including sexuality. While much of their work on sexuality was lost over time, some surviving texts and artwork suggest that they had a sophisticated understanding of sexual anatomy and physiology, including the clitoris.

The ancient Greeks likely talked about the clitoris as part of their broader discussions about sexuality, sexual anatomy, and sexual pleasure. While attitudes toward sexuality and sexual pleasure varied widely among different cultures and historical periods, the ancient Greeks were known for their openness and curiosity about sexuality, and their willingness to explore and discuss taboo subjects.

Additionally, the ancient Greeks believed in the importance of balance and harmony in all aspects of life, including sexuality. They believed that sexual pleasure and intimacy were important for maintaining physical and emotional health, and that a healthy sexual relationship between partners was essential for a happy and fulfilling life. As such, they may have seen the clitoris as an important and valuable part of sexual anatomy for women.