All You Need To Know About the Clitoris

The clitoris is part of the vulva, or external female genitalia. Although part of the female reproductive anatomy, the clitoris serves no reproductive function. This pea-sized body part is the only part of the body whose sole purpose is sexual pleasure through stimulation. Some people refer to the clitoris as the "clit," though it may be considered a derogatory term by others.

There's a lot to know about the clitoris that isn't often covered in health class. Many people—even those who have a clitoris—don't know where the clitoris is, what its function is, and the role it plays in orgasms and sexual pleasure. Health turned to experts to compile more information about the clitoris.

Where Is the Clitoris?

The clitoris is part of the vulva, or the outside parts of female genitalia. It's located at the top of the vulva, above the vaginal opening.

In addition to the clitoris, the vulva includes:

• Labia majora, or the outer folds of skin
• Labia minora, or the inner folds of skin
• Opening of the urethra, which is a tube-like structure through which urine flows
• Vaginal opening

What Does the Clitoris Do?

The clitoris is part of the female genitalia and plays an essential role in orgasm during sexual activity. Although it's part of the female reproductive system, the clitoris has no reproductive function. Instead, this organ's sole function is to provide sexual pleasure.

What Does It Look Like?

You may recognize the external part of the clitoris, which looks like a hooded pea-sized nub near the top of the vaginal opening. There are also internal components to the clitoris that have a wishbone shape to them.

The clitoris becomes erect when aroused, similar to the penis. During arousal, tissues called the vestibular bulbs engorge with blood. Muscle spasms later release the trapped blood if an orgasm is reached.

Keep in mind that there's no one way a clitoris "should" look. The clitoris comes in many different sensitivities and sizes and is unique to the person.

External Anatomy

The part of the clitoris you see is the glans, a small structure that provides input for sexual arousal. The glans will send messages that signal pleasure through the dorsal nerve, which extends inside the body. Skin, or the clitoral hood, covers and protects the glans on the outside of the clitoris.

Internal Anatomy

People usually only talk about the external parts when they talk about the clitoris, Rebecca Chalker, PhD, a lecturer and author of "The Clitoral Truth," told Health. There is more to the clitoris than the clitoral hood and glans.

The internal parts of the clitoris include:

• Body
• Crura
• Root
• Shaft
• Vestibular bulbs 

The crura and shaft are spongy, long, and extend along the sides of the vagina. Those sac-like tissue structures of tissue become engorged with blood if you are aroused.

Nerve Endings

The clitoris is the most nerve-rich part of the vulva, Debra Herbenick, PhD, the director of the Center of Sexual Health Promotion at Indiana University Bloomington, told Health. There are about 8,000 nerve endings in the glans.

Everyone needs a different kind of stimulation to feel satisfied. Some people may be too sensitive for direct clitoris stimulation.

"Just because [the clitoris is] sensitive doesn't mean everyone wants it to be stimulated directly," said Herbenick. "Some women prefer touching near the clitoris but not on it."

One of the most well-known pleasure zones is the G-spot, a sensitive area inside of the vagina that provides pleasure if stimulated correctly. However, the number of people with vaginas who orgasm from vaginal stimulation is low. In a study published in 2016, only 6% of people reached orgasm with only vaginal stimulation. Another study published in 2018 noted that 18.4% of people could orgasm during vaginal sex.

In contrast, almost 70% of people with vaginas will orgasm when, during vaginal sex, there is clitoral stimulation. You might stimulate your clitoris by yourself, or a partner or sex toy might provide stimulation. It's about exploring the possibilities to find out what you like best.

Size

The clitoris measures about nine to 11 inches long entirely, much of which is inside the body. What you see externally is a pea-ish-sized nub, which is what many people think of when they think of the clitoris. Clitorises come in all shapes and sizes, said Chalker.

"Think of it this way: Since the brain is your main sex organ, the genitals are simply the receptors of pleasure. It has to do with visual, tactile, and oral stimulation rather than the actual size of the [clitoris]," noted Chalker. "While glans may vary from woman to woman, this shouldn't affect the pleasure potential."

You might notice that your clitoris changes dimensions over time. For example, changing hormones during menopause might enlarge the clitoris, explained Chalker. Do not be alarmed if you notice some differences in the size of your clitoris.

Conditions That Affect the Clitoris

There are different health conditions that could impact the clitoris, such as an enlarged or painful clitoris. Infections and skin conditions that affect the vulva may cause burning, itching, and pain near or on the clitoris. In rare cases, certain cancers can metastasize (spread) to the clitoris.

Cancer

Although rare, vulvar cancer can affect the clitoris. Vulvar cancers, which start in the vulva, make up less than 1% of cancers in females. Other cancers that may metastasize to the clitoris include breast, bladder, and urethral cancer. 

Clitoral pain and swelling are common symptoms of cancer that have metastasized to the clitoris. Tumors of the clitoris require aggressive treatment and often have a poor prognosis.

Clitoral Pain

Some people have pain near or on their clitoris, impacting their daily and sexual functions. Clitoral pain often occurs as localized vulvar pain, called vulvodynia. 

Vulvar pain might occur randomly or with a gynecological exam, sex, tampon use, or tightly fitting clothes. Some people might have vulvar pain with pelvic floor dysfunction or yeast infections.

Clitoromegaly

Clitoromegaly is an enlarged clitoris with an index larger than 35 millimeters squared. Some people are born with clitoromegaly, while others can acquire it over time. 

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of acquired clitoromegaly. People with PCOS have glands and ovaries that secrete excess androgens, or biologically male hormones. A study published in 2016 found that clitorial length was higher among people with PCOS than others. The researchers noted that clitoral length might indicate excess androgen levels.

Infections

Infections that affect the vulva might involve the clitoris, such as:

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV): Your vagina has a balance of "good" and "bad" bacteria. BV happens if there's an overgrowth of "bad" bacteria. You might have itching outside the vagina, including the clitoris.
• Herpes: The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes herpes, which might affect the genitals. Some people develop sores that become itchy, painful blisters near the vagina.
• Syphilis: This bacterial infection may cause small sores or ulcers near the clitoris that are often painless.
• Trichomoniasis (trich): This is a parasitic sexually transmitted infection (STI). Trich may affect the vulva, such as the clitoris, and cause itching and pain.
• Yeast infection: This often causes abnormal vaginal discharge, burning, and itching. You might notice that the vulva, including the clitoris, is inflamed.

Skin Conditions

Some skin infections that affect the vulva might involve the clitoris, including:

• Contact dermatitis: You might have irritation near or on your vulva if you use perfumes or scented soaps and wear certain fabrics.
• Folliculitis: This bacterial skin infection affects your hair follicles. You might notice red, small bumps that may be painful near the vulva. 
• Lichen planus: This causes abnormal vaginal discharge, burning, itching, and soreness near or on the vulva.
• Lichen sclerosus: Burning, itching, pain during sex, and tears in the skin near or on the vulva might occur. The vulvar skin may become thin, white, or wrinkly.
• Lichen simplex chronicus: These are scaly, thick patches of skin, or plaques, on the vulva.
  

How To Keep Your Clitoris Healthy

You can keep your clitoris healthy by practicing good vaginal hygiene. You do not need to use cleansing products to wash your vagina. The vagina produces mucus that washes away menstrual blood, semen, and vaginal discharge to keep itself clean. Instead, gently cleanse the area with warm water when you take a bath or shower.

There are additional ways to keep your clitoris healthy:

• Change your pads or tampons frequently if you get a period. 
• Do not use scented hygiene products, pads, tampons, or toilet paper. Those products can cause an overgrowth of "bad" bacteria, resulting in an infection. 
• Stay hydrated. This helps cleanse your urinary tract to protect against infections.
• Wear breathable, light fabrics, including cotton underwear, to avoid trapping moisture.

A Quick Review 

The clitoris is a reproductive organ that can vary in shape and size and is different for each person. This pea-sized organ has no reproduction function and solely provides sexual pleasure. You can explore your clitoris by yourself or with a partner. It's important to communicate what works for you and what doesn't if a partner is involved. 

There are health conditions that affect the clitoris, including enlargement and pain. Contact a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or suspect something might be off with your clitoris.