What is the Clitoris?
The clitoris is a unique female sexual organ responsible for providing sexual pleasure. It is highly sensitive and considered the main erogenous zone in women.
The anatomy of the clitoris consists of two parts: the external (visible) and the internal. Externally, there is a small, sensitive protrusion known as the clitoral glans. This is partially or entirely covered by a fold of skin called the clitoral hood, whose main function is to protect the delicate glans from external friction.
The glans connects to the internal body of the clitoris, which consists of two corpora cavernosa that fill with blood during sexual arousal, causing a clitoral erection (similar to penile erection). Fibrous membranes surrounding these cavernous bodies converge to form a septum, to which elastic smooth muscle fibers attach.
Each cavernous body extends into a leg, ending in vestibular bulbs. These legs wrap around the urethra and run along the vaginal wall. They are made of erectile tissue, so they swell and can double in size during intense sexual arousal.
Where is the Clitoris Located?
The clitoral glans, covered by the hood, is located at the top of the vulva, where the labia minora meet. Below the clitoral glans are the urethral opening and the vaginal entrance. The internal part of the clitoris lies deep within the female pelvis.
What is the Size of the Clitoris?
The external part of the clitoris (the glans) measures from 0.4 to 1 cm in length, with a diameter ranging from 0.2 to 2 cm. The total size of the clitoris (including its internal parts) varies from eight to ten centimeters.
What Does the Clitoris Look Like?
The clitoral glans looks like a small pea. Its appearance is often compared to a flower bud. On anatomical diagrams showing both its external and internal structure, the clitoris resembles an inverted Latin letter Y.
What is the Function of the Clitoris?
The clitoris serves only one purpose — to provide sexual pleasure. Physical stimulation of the organ results in strong, pleasant sensations, which can lead to orgasm. No other physiological functions of the clitoris have been identified by scientists.
How Many Nerve Endings Does the Clitoris Have?
The clitoral glans contains more than 8,000 nerve endings. Its response to stimulation typically manifests within 20–30 seconds of initial contact.
How to Stimulate the Clitoris?
There is no single right way to stimulate the clitoris because sensitivity varies widely among women. What feels good to one woman may be painful to another. It’s important to explore your body through masturbation to understand which touches bring the most pleasure.
Start by preparing the clitoris for massage. Begin with gentle strokes and soft squeezing of the labia majora, followed by the labia minora between your fingers. This technique increases arousal and prevents discomfort that might arise from sudden direct stimulation of the clitoral glans.
Once you feel arousal building and the genital area becomes more sensitive, you can move on to direct stimulation. Techniques include:
- Circular motions: Use one or two fingers to make circular movements around the glans, changing speed and direction to find the most enjoyable rhythm.
- Stroking: Move your fingers up and down or side-to-side across the glans, experimenting with different levels of pressure and intensity.
- Tapping: Enhance the massage with gentle tapping of your fingertips on the glans. Such touches can sharpen sensations.
- Direct pressure: Apply pressure with one or more fingers or the base of your palm to the glans, alternating between light and firm pressure to find the most pleasurable technique.
If the glans is highly sensitive, you can try stimulating the clitoris through the hood using the techniques mentioned above. Masturbation through the skin fold can reduce intensity and make sensations more enjoyable.
Clitoral vibrators and stimulators can also be used. Types include:
- Rabbit vibrators for simultaneous clitoral and G-spot stimulation;
- Panties with vibrating inserts;
- Vibrating butterflies that attach to the perineum with straps;
- Clitoral suction vibrators, which create air pulsations around the glans (manual clitoral pumps, automatic devices like the Womanizer or Satisfyer);
- Finger vibrators for targeted stimulation of the clitoral glans.
These devices typically offer multiple vibration modes, allowing a woman to select the most pleasurable setting for herself. They can be used directly on the glans or through the hood.
How to Stimulate a Partner’s Clitoris?
A man who wants to bring his partner to a clitoral orgasm should first ask her what kind of touches she likes. He can invite her to demonstrate how she stimulates the erogenous zone herself and then replicate the actions.
When stimulating the clitoris, it’s helpful to ask your partner about her sensations and whether she would like to change the intensity of the movements or the pressure applied. Stimulation can be done with fingers or a sex toy. Positions for partner sex that make clitoral stimulation easier include:
- Missionary position: The man is on top, pressing his pelvis against the clitoris during movement. To change the angle and increase pressure on the glans, place a pillow under the partner’s pelvis.
- Doggy-style: The woman is on all fours. The partner can stimulate her clitoris with his hand or a vibrator. The woman can also reach underneath and stimulate the glans herself during intercourse.
- Side position: The man is lying behind his partner. He can use his free hand for clitoral stimulation, pressing closer to the woman. The partner can also stimulate her clitoris with fingers or a toy.
- Standing: The man is behind the woman. Both partners can stimulate the clitoris in a similar manner to the doggy-style position.
Another form of clitoral stimulation is oral sex. Start with gentle kisses on the labia majora and inner thighs to relax and arouse the woman. Once the clitoral glans becomes engorged, move on to soft circular movements with the tongue around it. Adjust the size of the circles, speed, and pressure as needed.
Alternate between circular, horizontal, and vertical movements. Enhance sensations by lightly tapping the tip of the tongue on the glans, gently sucking it into the mouth, and softly nibbling with the lips. By carefully observing the partner’s reactions, it is possible to determine how to best stimulate the clitoris for maximum pleasure.
What is a Clitoral Orgasm?
An orgasm is the peak of sexual arousal, accompanied by rhythmic contractions of the genital muscles and often the entire body, as well as the release of hormones (endorphins, serotonin, oxytocin, dopamine) that contribute to feelings of pleasure and relaxation. A clitoral orgasm is one that can be achieved through stimulation of the clitoris.
Stimulating the clitoris enhances the production of vaginal lubrication during arousal in women. Just before orgasm, the clitoris pulses and increases in size due to an intense rush of blood. After orgasm, the clitoris returns to its normal size and may feel slightly tingly.
What to Do If I Can’t Achieve Orgasm?
A common reason for being unable to achieve orgasm is stress and a woman’s inability to let go of control over her body. To maximize relaxation, one can try creating a romantic atmosphere with soft music, candles, and an aromatherapy lamp. Enhancing arousal can be achieved by exploring sexual fantasies and watching erotic films or reading literature.
Using clitoral lubricant can make stimulation more comfortable and pleasurable. It can be applied to fingers or a vibrator to reduce friction. Regular masturbation helps women understand their preferences better and increases the likelihood of achieving orgasm during sex with a partner. During solo stimulation or partnered sexual activity, it’s important not to fixate on the need to achieve orgasm. It’s recommended to enjoy the process and the sensations that intimacy brings.
How to Increase Clitoral Sensitivity?
Clitoral sensitivity may decrease after childbirth and trauma in the groin area, due to gynecological diseases (such as endometriosis and vaginitis), infections (like chlamydia and herpes), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In such cases, regular stimulation, hormonal therapy, and treatment of the underlying condition can help restore clitoral sensitivity.
For women who do not experience clitoral orgasm due to a very small clitoral head, augmentation may be indicated—this involves increasing the size of the erogenous zone by injecting hyaluronic acid. For increasing sensitivity in a clitoral head that is excessively covered by a hood, a clitoral hoodectomy may be performed—this involves the complete or partial excision of the folds of skin over the clitoral head.
How Does Intimate Piercing Affect Clitoral Sensitivity?
Clitoral piercings are rare. The procedure carries the risk of damaging nerve endings, which can lead to decreased sensitivity in the erogenous zone.
Most often, jewelry is placed on the clitoral hood. In this case, a metal piece can enhance sensitivity and increase sexual arousal by applying additional pressure on the clitoral head during stimulation.
Improperly performed piercings on the clitoris and neglecting post-piercing care can increase the risk of infection or scarring. This may result in hypersensitivity and pain in the area upon touch.
How Are the Clitoris and the G-Spot Related?
The G-spot (Gräfenberg spot) is a female erogenous zone located on the anterior wall of the vagina, about five to eight centimeters from its entrance, behind the pubic bone and the urethra. It is believed that the vestibular bulbs, which are located at the legs of the clitoris, press against the vaginal walls at the G-spot. Simultaneous stimulation of the G-spot and the clitoral head can lead to squirting orgasms.
Why Does the Clitoris Hurt?
Clitoral pain may be provoked by damage to the erogenous zone due to perineal injuries or excessively intense stimulation. Allergies to soap and shower gels can cause inflammation and pain in the clitoris for some women.
Clitoral tenderness may be a consequence of vulvovaginitis (inflammation of the vulva and vagina) and vulvodynia (chronic pain syndrome in female external genitalia). The clitoris can hurt in cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as herpes, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. The appearance of genital warts and papillomas on the skin near the erogenous zone can also cause pain. The first step to take if the clitoris hurts is to schedule an appointment with a gynecologist for diagnosis.
Why Does the Clitoris Itch?
Often, the clitoris itches and burns due to an allergic reaction to shower gels, intimate hygiene products, or toilet soap. Itching in the clitoral area can be a symptom of an allergy to lubricants used in condoms.
Some women may experience itching in the clitoris after hair removal or frequent shaving of the bikini area. Synthetic or very tight underwear, as well as insufficient vulvar hygiene, can irritate the skin of the external genitalia and cause clitoral itching.
Other causes of clitoral itching include fungal and bacterial infections, hormonal changes during different phases of the menstrual cycle, and dermatological conditions (such as psoriasis and eczema). To determine the cause of clitoral itching, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist.
What Diseases Can Affect the Clitoris?
The clitoris can be affected by vulvar cancer. In this oncological condition, the skin of the external genitalia darkens, thickens, and is covered with itchy and painful nodules. Sclerotic lichen lesions can appear on the erogenous zone—these are pale, sometimes completely white, rough patches of skin. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can affect the clitoris include:
- Trichomoniasis: This infection is accompanied by redness, severe swelling, and pain in the clitoris.
- Chlamydia: Symptoms include inflammation, itching, pain, and discomfort during stimulation of the erogenous zone.
- Gonorrhea: Symptoms of gonorrhea manifesting on the clitoris are similar to those of trichomoniasis and chlamydia.
- Herpes: Herpes typically presents with ulcers and blisters on the clitoris, around which burning and tingling sensations occur.
- Syphilis: A sign of infection is a painless ulcer (chancre) with firm edges and a clean base.
- Candidiasis: Symptoms of a fungal infection include a white coating on the clitoris, along with severe itching and burning of the skin.
A pimple on the clitoris may indicate infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the formation of a papilloma or wart. Small cysts that can develop in the erogenous zone may also visually resemble pimples.
Antibiotic Treatment
Antibiotics such as Doxycycline and Azithromycin are used to treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can affect the health of the clitoris and cause symptoms like itching, burning, and pain. Doxycycline is effective in treating chlamydia and trichomoniasis, while Azithromycin is often used to combat gonorrhea. These medications help eliminate pathogens causing inflammatory processes and restore the normal vaginal microbiota. It is important to remember that antibiotics should be prescribed by a doctor after appropriate examination and diagnosis, as inappropriate use can lead to the development of drug resistance. Furthermore, after completing the treatment course, it is advisable to undergo follow-up testing to confirm successful recovery and rule out potential recurrence of infections.
What Other Factors Can Affect Clitoral Health?
Clitoral sensitivity may be influenced by an unbalanced diet and resulting deficiencies of vitamins and minerals in the body. A lack of nutrients can deteriorate the condition of the skin and mucous membranes, making them hypersensitive to the slightest touch. Other factors that can reduce clitoral sensitivity include:
- Chronic stress
- Hormonal imbalance (postpartum, during menopause)
- Chronic diseases (diabetes, thyroid disorders)
- Poor circulation due to insufficient physical activity
Vascular diseases in the pelvic area can cause clitoral priapism, a pathological condition characterized by prolonged and painful clitoral erection not related to sexual arousal.
How to Maintain Hygiene of the Clitoris and Vulva?
Women are advised to wash at least once a day with running water using special intimate hygiene products with a neutral pH (4.2-5.6). During menstruation, it is better to wash three to four times a day to prevent skin irritation. A washcloth should not be used for hygiene procedures as it can damage the external genitalia. To avoid thermal burns, the water temperature should not exceed 30-40 degrees Celsius. If it is not possible to wash, intimate hygiene wipes with a neutral pH can be used.
To prevent sexually transmitted infections, it is advisable to engage in sexual intercourse using condoms. Special latex sheets for oral sex can protect the clitoris from exposure to intestinal bacteria during oral pleasuring. To monitor one’s health and ensure early diagnosis of STIs after unprotected sexual intercourse with a new partner, it is recommended to undergo testing for sexually transmitted infections.
Myths About the Clitoris
According to one myth, the clitoris is an underdeveloped analog of the penis in women. While these organs share many similarities—they consist of erectile tissue (corpora cavernosa) that fills with blood during arousal, have a high concentration of nerve endings, and provide sexual pleasure—the clitoris does not participate in reproduction and does not serve the function of excreting urine from the body.
Proponents of a second myth believe there is no connection between clitoral and vaginal orgasms. Some researchers argue that vaginal orgasms arise from stimulation of the internal part of the clitoris, which is adjacent to the vaginal walls. Less than 20% of women can achieve orgasm solely from the penetration of the penis against the vaginal walls. The majority require simultaneous stimulation of the external part of the clitoris for sexual pleasure.
According to the third myth, clitoral sensitivity decreases with age. While some women do experience reduced sensitivity during menopause and post-menopause due to hormonal changes and decreased blood circulation in the pelvic area, not all women face this phenomenon. Currently, there is no scientific evidence supporting a direct link between clitoral sensitivity and a woman’s age.
