What Is a Clitoris?

The clitoris is one of the most obscure parts of the female anatomy. A number of people are not sure of what it is, where it is located, what it does, and how it developed. All female mammals have a clitoris (or two, as snakes do), however, it`s uncertain how many of them orgasm as a result. In female humans, the clitoris is associated with sexual pleasure, however, there are debates on whether it plays any other role.

6 Facts About the Clitoris

Not Just a ‘Little Hill’

The word, “clitoris” originates from the Ancient Greek word, “kleitoris,” meaning “little hill,” and related to the word “kleis,” meaning “key.” Indeed, the clitoris is the key that unlocks female sexual pleasure, however, it`s not just a “little hill.” The clitoris is protected by the “clitoral hood,” a cloak of skin that covers the urethral opening.

The clitoris has three main components, which are the crura, the glans clitoris, and the vestibule. The crura are the only visible part of the clitoris and account for about a fifth of the entire structure. There are two crura which extend down from the glans clitoris and deep into the tissue of the vulva, on each side. The two bulbs of the vestibule then extend from either side of the vaginal orifice. The clitoris, in its entirety, could be as long as 7 centimeters in length, and the glans makes up about 4–7 millimeters of it. The glans has the highest number of free nerve endings, and as a result, gives the most sensation.

Gives Maximum Erotic Sensation

The clitoris is highly sensitive and essential in female orgasm. Although pop-culture depicts that the female orgasm usually comes through penetration, science and personal testimonies have revealed that clitoral stimulation is the main mode of orgasm for many women.

To stimulate the clitoris, try rubbing it gently and in a circular or back and forth motion with your fingers, tongue, or palm. You can have a clitoral orgasm when you get it wet by arousal or by adding some lubricant to it.

Not All the Same

Just as people`s body parts aren`t the same, every clitoris is different. Some are large, others small, some more hidden, and others less hidden — so there are varieties of clitoris shapes and sizes. Some are also more sensitive than others. Furthermore, each clitoris has its requirement for stimulation. While some women prefer indirect touch, others prefer attention to particular parts of the clitoris. This is where some women find regular masturbation helpful, as it helps them discover how to stimulate their clitoris to the point of satisfaction. Know your (partner`s) clitoris and how it works to make the best of it for sexual pleasure.

It Keeps Growing

You have probably seen your clitoris grow even after you went past puberty and wondered how. Well, it does. By age 35, your clitoris is about four times larger than it was during puberty. By menopause your clitoris may be seven times the size it was when you were born.

Only for Pleasure

Have you been wondering what biological functions the clitoris performs? It is the only part of the human body that exists solely for pleasure. It isn`t like other parts of the reproductive system that serve dual functions of pleasure and reproduction.

It Gets Erect

Even though it`s not as visible as the penis, the clitoris grows erect when a woman is aroused. It’s made of erectile tissue and swells with blood like a penis.

The Connection Between Clitoral and Vaginal Orgasms

About 70 to 80 percent of women orgasm through clitoral stimulation. A number of people don`t know that the commonly sought-after vaginal orgasm is dependent on clitoral stimulation. The vagina and clitoris are connected by a number of muscular structures and nerve pathways. The clitoris` corpora cavernosa are two sponge-like tubes that form the erectile tissue of its body. These tubes are located around the vaginal canal and are responsible for vaginal orgasm.

Common Clitoral Conditions

Like other organs, the clitoris can have disorders. While some are mild, others are severe. Here are some of the common clitoral conditions.

• Itch due to reactions to soaps, lotions, or cleansers
• Soreness due to vigorous masturbation or sex
• Pain or itch from vulvar or vaginal cancer
• Pain from persistent engorgement of the clitoris
• Pain due to injury to the clitoris or vulva
• Pain or itch due to vaginal infections or sexually transmitted diseases

How to Get More Thrilling Orgasms

Let`s explore eight new things you can do to spice up your sex life.

Know your Sexuality

How well do you know the workings of your body and sex organs? A number of women don’t climax because they don`t know what excites them sexually. Pay attention to the kind of touch that you find most pleasurable, and ask your partner to do it more. Feel free to also try new things for discovery and maximum sexual pleasure.

Experiment

Experimenting is required in the process of understanding how your body works. You may never really know how marvelous some sexual activities are until you try them out. Try different sex positions, try new touches, and just have a swell time exploring your body.

Communicate with your Partner

When was the last time you discussed sex with your partner? Communication is key in getting the best of sexual pleasure. Set aside some time to talk to your partner about your sex lives. Tell them what you want, how you want it, and where you want it done. Ask for theirs too, without assuming that either party already knows. As much as you don`t want to hurt your partner`s feelings, don` give false impressions of satisfaction. Instead, guide your partner on how to pleasure you until they get it right.

Breath Purposefully

Purposeful breathing is one of the physical and psychological ways you can orgasm better, and with ease. Try varying your breathing pattern from slow and deep to short and quick, as you get more aroused,  and ensure you take quality breaths in and out.

Appreciate your Body

Dissatisfaction with your body could damage your sex life. Being obsessed with your body`s imperfections may affect your sexual response. Understand that there are no perfect bodies. Work on the things you can, and appreciate your body all along for better sex life and mental health.

Exercise your Vaginal Muscles

You can exercise the muscles that surround your vagina by contracting them. This helps to take blood to the pelvic floor and build arousal. It also helps your male partner have more pleasure and orgasm better.

See Romantic Movies

You may find romantic movies with adult content helpful in putting you and your partner in the mood for sex. It also opens you up to new ways of doing things in bed. While visual stimulation works for men, imagination works better for women. Together, you can spice up your sex lives with such arousing content.

Use Sex Toys

You can use sex toys to arouse yourself and orgasm faster. You may particularly use them while in bed with your partner if you have difficulty reaching climax.  Older women will especially find sex toys useful because they gradually lose sensation as their hormone levels drop.