Ah, the clitoris. The pleasure center of the female body that's long been a mystery to both men and women.
Many of us think we know everything there is to know about our reproductive systems, but that may not be true. It turns out health class might not have told you all you need to know about the clit.
For example, did you know that the clitoris is actually very similar to the penis? That's right. Emily Morse, relationship and sex expert, explained to Women's Health, "Obviously they are constructed differently but, like the penis, the clitoris has a glans, a foreskin — aka the clitoral hood — and even a shaft. Plus, it swells when it's aroused."
And it's not just a magical "button" that makes women aroused. It's actually a much more complicated organ than that (and not a button at all).
Find out more about the intricacies of the clitoris below!
Photos: Laura Caseley for LittleThings; Wikimedia / Genet
What Is The Clitoris?
Every woman knows that the clitoris exists somewhere down there, but many women don't exactly know what it is or what it does.
The University of California, Santa Barbara explains, "The clitoris is a female sexual organ located at the top part of the vulva, or external female genitalia."
The clitoris is made of two parts: the glans and the shaft.
The glans is the visible part of the clitoris, which is partially or fully covered by the clitoral hood.
Clitoris Facts #1: The Clitoris Is Bigger Than You Think
Many people think the clitoris is a pearl-sized "button" located at the top of the vulva, but that's not accurate.
The clitoris is actually much larger. Dr. Emily Nagoski told Cosmopolitan that the clitoris actually extends deep into the body and looks somewhat like a wishbone.
The shaft, which extends into two crura, are actually multiple inches long, explains the University of California, Santa Barbara.
#2: Most Women Need Clitoral Stimulation In Order To Orgasm
That's right, most women can't orgasm from vaginal penetration alone.
Psychology Today explains that most women need clitoral stimulation in order to have an orgasm.
Because of this, many women don't have an orgasm at all during vaginal intercourse.
#3: The Clitoris Has 8,000 Nerve Endings
The clitoris has around 8,000 nerve endings. That's twice as many as the penis!
Because there are so many nerve endings, the clitoris is the pleasure center of the female genitalia.
Dr. Debra Herbenick told Health, "The clitoris is the most nerve-rich part of the vulva."
This concentration of nerve endings can make women's orgasms even more intense than men's, explains sex educator Dawn Serra.
#4: The Clitoris Is Solely There For Pleasure
The clitoris only has one function: providing pleasure.
Despite what some people may think, the clitoris has nothing to do with reproduction.
The University of California, Santa Barbara, explains, "The sole function of the clitoris is sexual arousal. It contains thousands of nerve endings that function to provide pleasure."
#5: Clitorises Come In All Shapes And Sizes
Just like the rest of women's bodies, the clitoris is different for everyone. They come in all shapes and sizes, and that's totally normal.
They may be more hidden under the hood or they may protrude more. Some are small, and others are large.
Every vagina is unique, so every clitoris is unique.
This means every woman's sexual experience will be different.
#6: The Clitoris Can Get Too Sensitive
Almost nobody likes it when their clitoris is touched by dry fingers or dry sex toys. Because it's so sensitive, the clitoris needs to be treated with care.
Some women enjoy direct clitoral stimulation, while others prefer indirect contact, explains Dr. Herbenick.
That said, the clitoris can reach its max pleasure potential, and stimulation can become uncomfortable. Dr. Diana Hoppe told Women's Health that the clitoris swells in size when you're approaching orgasm, and it can become too sensitive. If this happens, just focus on the surrounding areas, and give the clitoris some time to recover.
#7: The Clitoris Can Grow With Age
Dr. Rebecca Chalker, Professor of Sexology at Pace University and author of The Clitoral Truth, explains that over time, the clitoris can change size and shape.
After menopause, the hormone levels in your body shift, which can lead to an increase in clitoris size (and it's nothing to worry about).
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