Demystifying the Clitoris

Quick: picture a clitoris. Got it? Great.

There’s a pretty good chance you’re picturing that small, very sensitive spot near the top of the vulva.

And congratulations, you’ve found it! Well… you’ve found part of it.

The clitoris is actually a much larger structure than most of us picture, and most of it is hidden inside the body. Which feels like fairly important information someone could have squeezed in during middle-school health class, at least before learning how to put a condom on a banana, but here we are...

For a body part responsible for so much pleasure, we’ve been given surprisingly little information about it.

So, let’s get properly acquainted with the clit.

(Editor's note: I love that this is my job!)

First Things First: Where Is the Clitoris?

Before we get to the good stuff, a tiny anatomy refresher:

What we often casually call the “vagina” is actually the vulva, aka all the external stuff: the labia, vaginal opening, urethral opening, and clitoris.

The vagina? That’s the internal canal.

Let me guess, you’ve probably been using “vagina” as a catch-all for everything down there since approximately forever. Don’t worry, we’re not calling the anatomy police.

Now, back to the clit.

At the top of the vulva, where the inner labia meet, you’ll find the part of the clitoris you can see. This is called the glans, and it’s partially or completely covered by a fold of tissue called the clitoral hood.

Got all that?

Great, because that’s only the beginning.

(Editor's note: I'm struggling to find images to insert... so here's a picture of a kitty.) 

Wait, There’s More Clitoris?!

Oh, there is SO much more clitoris.

Underneath the surface, the clitoris extends into the body and branches into two long “legs” called the crura. There are also paired structures called the vestibular bulbs, which sit between the crura and vaginal wall.

Altogether, the structure is often compared to a wishbone.

Yes, your clitoris has legs? No, we don’t know why nobody led with this.

So that little external part we’ve been calling the clitoris all these years?

It’s really just the part you can see. Most of the clitoral structure is hidden beneath the surface.

Plot twist!

So, What Does the Clitoris Actually Do?

The clitoris plays a starring role in sexual pleasure.

It contains erectile tissue and an extensive network of nerves. When you’re aroused, blood flow to the area increases, causing much of the clitoral tissue to swell and become more sensitive.

And when we say sensitive, we mean sensitive.

The glans is densely packed with nerves, and recent research estimates that the dorsal nerves supplying the clitoris contain more than 10,000 nerve fibers. Which helps explain how touching one very small area can go from yes yes yes to okay, absolutely not remarkably quickly.

Which brings us to an important point: there is no universally correct way to stimulate a clitoris.

Some people like direct touch, some prefer pressure around it or through the clitoral hood, some enjoy stimulation during penetration, and some would very much like you to move two millimetres to the left.

Bodies! Delightfully specific.

Is a “Vaginal Orgasm” Really Separate From the Clitoris?

Ah, the vaginal orgasm.

For years, clitoral and vaginal orgasms have been talked about as though they’re two entirely separate departments.

But your actual anatomy makes things a little more complicated.

The clitoris, urethra, vaginal wall, and surrounding tissues are closely situated, and researchers have proposed that stimulation during penetration can involve several of these structures and sensory pathways at once. In other words, separating orgasms neatly into “clitoral” and “vaginal” categories may not capture everything happening in the body.

That also doesn’t mean penetration feels the same for everyone.

Some people love it. Some find external clitoral stimulation much more reliable. Some want both. Some want neither. That’s cool too!

There is no superior route to orgasm.

No gold stars. No leaderboard. No final exam.

Does Everyone’s Clitoris Look the Same?

NO!

And neither do vulvas, but you already knew that.

The visible part of the clitoris can vary in size and appearance, while the clitoral hood might cover all, some, or very little of the glans. Anatomical variation is normal.

Just like breasts, nipples, labia, belly buttons, noses, ears, and pretty much every other part of the human body, there is variation.

And how your clitoris looks alone can’t tell you what kind of stimulation you’ll enjoy or how easily you’ll orgasm. Sexual response involves anatomy, physiology, sensation, psychology, context, and individual variation.

There is no default, you're special! 

Your Clitoris Doesn't Need an Instruction Manual

Knowing the anatomy is useful. Getting to know your anatomy might be even more useful.

Because we can show you where the clitoris is, tell you that it has legs (still processing that one), and explain what happens when you’re aroused.

We cannot tell you what yours likes.

Bodies are individual, pleasure is individual, and getting curious about yours is a pretty good place to start.

And if the only thing you remember from this entire article is WAIT, THE CLITORIS HAS LEGS?!

Honestly?

We’ll take it.

Your move, middle-school health class.

We hope you found this post helpful and informative, but remember: we’re not doctors, and this isn’t medical advice! Bodies and sexual health are deeply personal, and everyone’s anatomy and experiences are different. If you have pain, persistent discomfort, changes that concern you, or questions about your sexual health, chat with your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.