Clitorus

Clitorus

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The clitoris is a part of the genitals found in people assigned female at birth that plays a key role in sexual stimulation and pleasure. Most of the clitoris is inside the body and not visible to the eye, but it has a small nub (the glans clitoris) that you can see.

The clitoris develops from the same structures in the human embryo as the penis does, and the two actually have many similar properties. 1 The clitoris is highly sensitive during arousal and stimulation.

This article discusses the clitoris, its location, and its structure and function. It also explains some health issues that can affect the clitoris.

Vulva is the umbrella term used to describe all of the external female genital organs. The vagina is an internal organ.

The parts of the vulva are located around the vagina. These organs include:

The clitoris is located at the point where the labia majora meet near the pubic bone .

The clitoris is attached to the labia, as well as structures called the pubic symphysis and the mons pubis (a pad of fatty tissue), by ligaments. They keep the clitoris in its bent position.

In gender-affirming surgery to construct a penis , these ligaments are released to allow the clitoris to straighten and increase in length.

The clitoris is a part of the genitals found in people assigned female at birth. It has a small external part you can see, called the glans clitoris, located where the labia majora (lips) meet near the pubic bone. The rest of the clitoris is made up of erectile tissue that's inside the body.

The parts of the clitoris you can see include:

The internal parts of the clitoris wrap around the urethra (the tube that allows urine to exit your body) and extend to the top of the vagina. These internal parts include:

The erectile function of clitoral tissue requires blood flow and the clitoris is well supplied with blood vessels. The body of the clitoris is covered by the tunica albuginea , a sheath of connective tissue.

Clitoral function also relies on a number of different nerves: the dorsal nerve, parts of the pudendal nerve , and the cavernous nerves. These nerves also supply the structures of the vagina, which may be part of the reason why stimulating the clitoris leads to sexual arousal.

There are differences in how the genitals develop in some people. These are called intersex conditions.

Some of these involve changes to the clitoris and how it looks at birth. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia , for example, may lead to a larger clitoris that looks more like a penis.

Surgeons have "corrected" these differences in the past. In recent years, there has been more pushback from intersex individuals and their families, as well as many doctors and researchers. Many now recommend postponing surgery until a person is old enough to decide for themselves.

The exception is in cases where these anatomical differences may make it difficult or impossible to urinate. That is a problem that needs to be corrected surgically for medical reasons.

Most of the clitoris is actually an internal structure, made up of erectile tissue. Its response to sexual stimulation relies on blood flow to the clitoris and the many nerves that support sensation. Some people may be born with an enlarged clitoris, which may indicate an intersex condition.

Unlike the penis, the clitoris does not have a direct role in reproduction. Its primary function is sexual arousal and pleasure during sex.

There is still some debate about the role of clitoral anatomy in sexual function and orgasm . The specific pathways for how the clitoris affects arousal and orgasm are not entirely understood.

In some people, the clitoris becomes slightly enlarged during sexual activity. When this happens it becomes even more sensitive.

Stimulation of the clitoris may also directly affect blood flow to the other genital organs, including the vaginal walls.

Many people need to have the clitoris stimulated to achieve or enhance an orgasm. 3

The clitoris is not involved in reproduction, but it plays a key role in sexual pleasure. Some have a hard time having an orgasm without it being stimulated.

Like most organs, there are health conditions that can affect the clitoris. Some are very mild and easy to treat. Others are more serious.

Some of the most common symptoms include: 4

Most conditions affecting the clitoris, including yeast infections or sexually transmitted diseases , can be treated. Depending on the cause, a doctor may suggest antibiotics or creams to soothe irritation.

There are a few conditions that can directly affect the structure or health of the clitoris as well:

This is the name for a larger-than-typical clitoris.

It may not need to be treated in infants. However, when it arises in childhood, it is often due to neurofibromatosis , a disorder in which tumors form on nerve tissues. 5 This can be treated surgically, if needed.

Lichen sclerosus is a condition characterized by patches of white, thin skin.

It can, in rare cases, cause scarring of the genitals. In severe cases, the scar tissue may affect the function of the clitoris.

These can occur when the clitoral hood sticks to the glans and can no longer fully retract. Why this happens seems to vary and is not fully understood.

Risk factors appear to include genital injury, yeast infections, urinary tract infections, lichen sclerosus, and hormonal imbalances. 6

These adhesions can be mild to severe and may lead to clitoral pain. Minimally invasive surgery may be a treatment option.

Though rare, cancer that spreads from another site can cause lesions on the clitoris.

Scientists have reported such spread to the clitoris in cases of breast cancer , 7 cervical cancer , and endometrial cancer . 8

Most conditions affecting the clitoris, such as a yeast infection, are relatively easy to treat. Other changes in the clitoris may signal an underlying medical condition. Though rare, this may include cancer that has spread from elsewhere in the body. If you have concerns, talk to your OB/GYN or other healthcare provider.

It's unlikely that you'll need any medical tests for issues involving the clitoris.

If there are changes in its size or shape, a biopsy may help to determine the cause. For some people at risk of a spreading cancer, imaging may be used too.

The one exception is when infants are born with clitoromegaly. Healthcare providers will often try to determine the cause of the enlarged clitoris. This may involve blood tests to check hormone levels, or genetic tests to look for different potential intersex conditions.

Understanding the cause may offer insight into a child's later expression of gender identity .

The clitoris plays a central role in sexual stimulation and pleasure in people who are assigned female at birth. Most of the clitoris resides inside the body, though there is a small external nub that you can see.

Health issues related to the clitoris are relatively rare and, in most cases, easily treated.

One of the more serious concerns is an enlarged clitoris at birth that may point to an intersex condition. Or, if the clitoris becomes enlarged later in children, it may be a sign of a genetic nervous system disorder called neurofibromatosis. This condition causes tumors and requires treatment. If you have concerns about how the clitoris looks or feels, be sure to contact your healthcare provider.

There is still much to learn about the erectile tissue of the clitoris and how its role connects with that of other structures of the pelvis.

Each person has their own level of sensitivity and preferences when it comes to stimulating the glans clitoris. It's best to try varying levels of pressure and techniques to find what works best for you.

The portions of the organ located inside the body that account for most of its size and contain all of its erectile tissue.
The glans clitoris (external clitoris) is located above the urethral opening at the junction of the labia minor (inner labia) and is covered by a retractable clitoral hood. The rest is internal and connects to the glans.
The length from the tip of the glans to the end of each crura is approximately 9 cm (4 inches). The external glans is about 2.5 cm (about 3/4 inch to 1 inch) and has a similar diameter.
Female circumcision is the removal of the clitoris to prevent a woman from feeling sexual pleasure. It is traditionally practiced in some African, Middle Eastern, and Asian countries, and is often done when a girl reaches puberty. This is considered a type of female genital mutilation (FGM). Though illegal in many places today, it still continues in some countries. 9
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Baskin L, Shen J, Sinclair A, et al. Development of the human penis and clitoris . Differentiation . 2018;103:74-85. doi:10.1016/j.diff.2018.08.001
Pauls RN. Anatomy of the clitoris and the female sexual response . Clin Anat . 2015;28(3):376-84. doi:10.1002/ca.22524
Parada M, D'Amours T, Amsel R, Pink L, Gordon A, Binik YM. Clitorodynia: a descriptive study of clitoral pain . J Sex Med . 2015;12(8):1772-80. doi:doi.org/10.1111/jsm.12934
Yesodharan D, Sudarsanan B, Jojo A, et al. Plexiform neurofibroma of clitoris . J Pediatr Genet . 2017;6(4):244-246. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1602789
Julien V, Labadie M, Gauthier G, Ronger-savle S. Clitoral metastasis from ductal breast cancer revealing metastases in multiple sites and review of the literature . J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2012;16(1):66-9. doi:10.1097/LGT.0b013e3182293a2f
Filho AC, Garbeloto E, Santiago KC de SD, da Motta LL. Endometrial carcinoma metastatic to the clitoris: A case report . Gynecologic Oncology Case Reports . 2014;8:1-3. doi:10.1016/j.gynor.2013.12.002
World Health Organization. Female genital mutilation .
Katz VL. Reproductive anatomy: gross and microscopic, clinical correlations. In: Comprehensive Gynecology. 6th ed . Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2012.
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Anatomy 101 (3d)

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The Clitoral Bulbs The complete clitoris is about 9-11 cm long and is made up of the ‘head’ (pink), body (purple), legs (light blue) and bulbs (dark blue), and has a kind of ‘erection’ when its aroused. The glans or ‘head’ of the clitoris is made of densely packed nerves and is external , which is what you can see and touch in the vulva. The body, legs and bulbs of the Clitoris are internal and are made up of Erectile tissue. The clitoral bulbs that sit either side of the vagina and urethra, as you can see below are responsible for a lot of pleasure, they are usually stroked or stimulated through the inside of the bottom of the vagina. This is one of the reasons why penetration can feel good as the clitoral bulbs are made of erectile tissue and on arousal they engorge, becoming bigger and more sensitive, allowing for pleasure. Recap: Erectile tissue : a type of tissue that, when blood flows into it, it doesn’t flow out, but instead holds on to the blood, causing the area to swell up. When you start to feel turned on or excited, blood flow in the genitals increases and the clitoris in particular swells and has a kind of ‘erection’ that is similar to the penis. Click ‘play’ and explore the 3D model below...

A study of 1,055 women ages 18-94 found that:
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Maressa Brown is a journalist and astrologer who's a regular lifestyle contributor and resident astrologer for InStyle. She has nearly two decades of professional experience writing, reporting, and editing lifestyle content for a variety of digital and print consumer-facing publications including Parents, Shape, Astrology.com, and more. She is currently based in Los Angeles and completing her first title with Artisan Books to be published in early 2023.

For as long as science has been aware of the clitoris, it has been the subject of much scrutiny, confusion, and dismissal.

The Greeks seemed to get the hype, as the word for the female organ comes from the Greek kleitoris , which has been translated as both "little hill" and "to rub." But that doesn't even begin to cover the treasure trove of nerves, blood vessels, and, in turn, the potential mind-blowing pleasure that it offers — right at our fingertips.

And that pleasure part is key. Casey Tanner , certified sex therapist and an expert for sex toy company LELO , explains that the clitoris is the only genital organ that functions solely for sexual satisfaction as opposed to reproduction. "The clitoris has 8,000 nerve endings in the tip alone," she notes. "That's twice as many as the penis, and yet the clitoris often gets only half of the attention, if that."

It's no wonder that, according to a study of over a thousand women published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy , 37% reported clitoral stimulation was necessary for orgasm during intercourse, and an additional 36% indicated that, while clitoral stimulation was not needed, their orgasms feel better if their clitoris is stimulated during intercourse. And while you might think of clitoral and vaginal orgasms as two different things, we now know that what most of us think of the clitoris is actually just the external tip of the iceberg — the clitoris continues inside of the body, too. "Even vaginal orgasms are dependent on the clitoris, which is much larger than its visible tip such that it can be stimulated internally through penetration," says Tanner.

No doubt that's a case for learning more ways to enjoy the ultimate pleasure spot. Here, the best ways to stimulate the clitoris on your own or with a partner, according to Tanner and other sex experts.

Those same 8,000 nerve endings mean that the clitoris is sensitive in the best way, but sometimes friction can increase sensitivity to the point of discomfort or pain — especially when the clitoris is aroused, which experts will refer to as erect (yep, same as a penis), says Tanner. And although your vaginal tunnel is capable of creating its own lube when you're turned on, the clitoris is not.

For that reason, Tanner says it's vital to introduce a lubricant to stave off chafing and dryness. She recommends starting with a water-based lubricant (like LELO's Personal Moisturizer , $25 for 5 fl. oz.). "It uses natural ingredients, is pH balanced to prevent infection, and safe for use with toys," says Tanner. "A little goes a long way, so massage a few drops onto the clitoris and add as needed."

If you're new to clitoral stimulation, Tanner offers the following tips for getting acquainted with your clit.

Be mindful. Try explorative touch with the optional addition of a hand-held mirror. "Every clit is different, so notice the anatomy of yours," she notes. "Where is it in relation to your labia? How large or small is it? Take note of the clitoral hood, the small fold of skin that surrounds the head of the clitoris. No need to judge or label – simply notice." After all, the more familiar you become, the easier it will be to locate during solo play, she points out.

Start with a super slow, gentle touch. "Even before you touch, you can give the vulva a little hug," advises Amy Baldwin, sex educator and co-host of the Shameless Sex Podcast . "Cup the vulva with your well-lubed hand, and let it hang out there so the skin temperatures can acclimate to one another."

Try different patterns. "Use your index and middle fingers to massage the head in small, circular motions," advises Tanner, who add
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