The Clitoris

Dr. Lisa Lawless, CEO of Holistic Wisdom
Clinical Psychotherapist: Relationship & Sexual Health Expert

The Most Vital Female Sexual Organ

To understand the complex system of a woman's sexual functioning, you must begin with fully understanding the clitoris. It is not just responsible for pleasure but also aids in reproduction. Most studies conclude that 70–80 percent of women require direct clitoral stimulation to orgasm, so it is pretty vital to women's sexuality.

Thus, female genital cutting (FGC), also known as a clitorectomy, the surgical removal, reduction, or partial removal of the clitoris, is a serious health concern that affects over 200 million women worldwide in 30 countries.

History Of The Full Clitoral Structure

A great deal of misinformation has been spread about the complete clitoral structure on the internet. There are false claims that it was not discovered until 1998 or 2004 by Australian researcher and urologist Dr. Helen O'Connell. However, the whole clitoral structure was documented with detailed sketches, which included nerves and vessels of the clitoris, as early as 1844.

While it was omitted from many OB-GYN and anatomy textbooks because it was not considered important, it is shown in its entirety in the textbook "Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice" and Frank Henry Netter's book "Major Anatomy of the Female Genital Tract," published in 1948. Today, it is also found in the textbook "Te Linde's Operative Gynecology," published in 2019.

The Vaginal Wall Is Part Of The Clitoris

In 1998, Dr. Helen O'Connell was the first person to publish magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the full clitoral structure supporting the anatomical relationship between the clitoris and vagina. She had used microdissection of cadavers and magnetic resonance imaging of living women to show the complete clitoris structure and published her findings in 2004. It is believed by Dr. Helen O'Connell that the G-spot is connected to the legs or roots of the clitoris, the erectile tissue of the clitoral bulbs and corpora, and the distal urethra and vagina to make up a clitoral complex. This means that the vaginal wall is connected to and indirectly stimulates the clitoris.

Why Some Women Can Climax With Only Vaginal Stimulation

In Dr. O'Connell's study it was determined that some females have more extensive clitoral nerves and tissue than others, and is why some women can have an orgasm through more generalized stimulation of the clitoris through the vaginal walls from penetration, while most women require direct clitoral stimulation in order to orgasm.

We All Begin As Female

We all start in the womb as females. When a Y chromosome is added, a male is developed, we all begin with the same physical make-up. Once a male develops the genitals get moved around and develop differently. Here are the equivalent genital comparisons from female to male.

Clitoris = Head (Glans) Of The Penis
Clitoral Hood = Foreskin
Clitoral Legs = The Shaft Of The Penis
Female Prostate = Male Prostate
Ovaries = Testicles
Fallopian Tubes = Appendix Testis
Uterus, Cervix, Vagina = Prostatic Utricle
Labia Majora = Scrotum
Labia Minora = Penile skin

What Is The Clitoris?

The complete structure of the clitoris is shaped like a wishbone and has a head and clitoral legs that come down inside the vaginal walls. The head of the clitoris is similar to the head of a man's penis (especially the frenulum). It has highly sensitive nerve endings that the head of a penis has, however, they are packed into an organ that is only one-tenth of the size.

Why Is The Clitoral Head (Glans) So Important?

Ask any man where he likes his penis stimulated the most and what will make him orgasm the most efficiently, and the majority will tell you it is through stimulation to the head (glans). It really is not much different for women when it comes to desiring stimulation to the head of their clitoris. Because of how important the clitoris is for sexual stimulation, most women cannot have an orgasm without direct stimulation to the head of their clitoris.

In studies, only 18% of women climax from vaginal penetration. However, keep in mind that even this small percentage is because, during vaginal penetration, the clitoral legs and G-spot are being stimulated. In addition, it could also be because some of those women are stimulating the head of their clitoris on the pubic bone of their partner, and it is not necessarily primarily from vaginal penetration. Thus, it is highly likely that it is less than the 18% noted in these studies.

Diagram Of The Clitoris

The Role Of The Clitoris In Reproduction

The clitoris is crucial for helping a woman have an orgasm. Because of its orgasmic powers, it can begin an orgasmic chain of events where vaginal contractions occur. Pelvic and uterine contractions that occur during an orgasm can pull sperm up to better access and fertilize the egg. Thus, if a woman orgasms during sexual intercourse, it may increase the chance of conception.

This makes sense from a biological standpoint, as women who orgasm during sex are more likely to be attracted to their partners. While it is unnecessary for a woman to orgasm during sex to become pregnant, it can improve the odds. This means that because the clitoris assists in orgasm, it can complement other factors involved in attraction, such as sex pheromones, visual features, and emotional connection, which can play a part in successful reproduction.

Clitoral Nerves

The nerves of the clitoris are 2-3 mm in diameter and run just under the skin of the clitoral hood. There is a dense distribution of nerves in two regions of the clitoris: the perineal nerve and the dorsal nerve.

Cross-section of the Clitorial Body Diagram The nerves and the vascular supply for the clitoris are an essential aspect of female sexuality as they directly impact the ability to have an orgasm. Damage to these fragile components from injury or disease can make a woman unable to orgasm. While there are many ways one can be stimulated to have an orgasm, such as through the clitoris, G-spot, cervix, nipples, etc., the female orgasm physically begins in the clitoris regardless of where the physical stimulation for arousal takes place.

Clitoral Arousal

When the clitoris becomes stimulated, it becomes firm and hugs the vaginal walls. The clitoral head becomes swollen and engorged with blood while becoming more sensitive to stimulation. It essentially is a clitoral erection, much like the erection of a penis. The clitoral erection can prompt other sexual responses such as increased vaginal lubrication, nipple erection, increased heart rate, etc.

How To Stimulate The Clitoris

To best stimulate the clitoris, you will want to start gently. Some women prefer indirect rather than direct stimulation, while others enjoy it when their clitoral hood is pulled back and they are provided with direct contact. Some women even prefer stimulating one side of their clitoris over another. It is best to communicate with your partner so that you can get an idea of what she most enjoys. For related sex tips see our guides:

Because each woman has specific preferences, it isn't easy to know what one will prefer. That is why we suggest that a woman stimulate herself through masturbation to understand what she enjoys without the distraction and pressure of a partner. See our guide of Masturbation Tips For Females for helpful suggestions.

Once a woman understands what works well for her, she can communicate that with a partner. Please see our Sex & Communication Guide For Partners for help talking about sex openly and honestly.

Vibrators & Air Pulse Stimulators

Because the clitoris is vital for a woman to achieve orgasm, sex toys that stimulate it are the most popular. Clitoral stimulators such as vibrators and air pulse toys provide increased blood flow to the clitoris, which can easily make the clitoris erect and primed for orgasm. Vibrators and air pulse toys send waves of vibration through the entire clitoris, rather than just stimulating the external head, thus, causing the entire clitoral system to be stimulated. This is why they are so desirable because they offer an intensity other types of stimulation cannot provide. These sex toys are highly efficient, making orgasms happen faster and easier.

Keep in mind that sex toys can never replace the intimacy that they feel with a partner. After all, even when using a sex toy solo, a woman is not fantasizing about the sex toy; rather, it is just a tool to help her climax. If you have concerns, feel free to see our Sex Toy Fears Guide.

Because most women need psychological relaxation to become aroused and orgasm, sex toys are often quite helpful in providing the intense stimulation they need to climax. They can redirect thoughts of worrying about pleasing their partner and other distractions to their own physical sexual pleasure.

Clitoral Lubrication

When rubbing the clitoris, it is best when lubricated. It reduces friction and provides enhanced stimulation, just as it does for a man when he has his penis stimulated. There are also clitoral gels to help provide increased stimulation come in cooling, warming, and stimulating lubricant options. To learn more about lubricant options please see some of our most popular lubricant guides:

Sexual Positions To Stimulate The Clitoris

There are also sexual positions that help a partner better stimulate a woman's clitoris during intercourse with the partner's pubic bone or provide access to stimulate it with their fingers or sex toy. Also, sex pillows can help gain access to the clitoris by allowing for an upward pelvic position and spreading the legs comfortably. See related guides for more helpful tips:

Improving Low Sex Drive

Another tip to keep in mind is that if a woman has lost her sex drive, the adage of if you don't use it, you'll lose it does apply. Studies have shown that if a woman is regularly stimulated sexually, it helps her sex drive increase. Vibrators can help increase sex drive by bringing increased blood flow to the genital area and are very effective at stimulating the clitoris for increased arousal and the ability to orgasm. For more information, see related guides:

Reducing Menstrual Cramps

Using a vibrator or other stimulation during a woman's period to achieve an orgasm can reduce cramps and help improve mood. Many women do not like to have sex during their period or use dildos; so using a small waterproof vibrator that is easy to clean can be a great way to stimulate the clitoris. Also, using a waterproof throw to protect bedding is ideal. See our related guides for more information:

Menstrual Relief

How To Reduce Menstrual Pain With A Vibrator

In Closing

Clitoral stimulation for women is wonderful. It not only feels great but promotes healthy sexual functioning. It is one of the most essential physical components of a woman's sexuality and should always be celebrated and appreciated.

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