Let’s talk about (cl)it

 

The clitoris is one of the most under-appreciated parts of our bodies, but it’s one of the most amazing. Only 18% of people with vaginas climax from penetration alone, with no clit stimulation. So it’s key to having a good time in bed. Seriously, the clitoris’ sole function is for pleasure. 

What is the clitoris?

A clitoris is part of the female anatomy and is the primary source of orgasms and sexual pleasure for those with vaginas. 

It’s way bigger than you think

First things first, where is the clitoris? With joke after joke about people not being able to find it, you might be surprised to learn that it’s way bigger than you think. When you take a peek down under, what you see (the small, protruded hooded part) is only about a quarter of the clitoris. This is generally what people refer to as the clit but the rest of the three-fourths are located inside your body. 

The audacity! It’s got a lot of nerve 

The tip of the clitoris alone has more than 8,000 nerve endings. To give you context, that’s double the number of those in a penis - so yeah, you could say it’s sensitive. A clitoris is made up of a mixture of erectile tissue, muscle, and nerves that create those intense sensations during orgasms. And those senssations can extend beyond the clitoris and spread to other areas, affecting other nerve endings, resulting in a full-body experience.

It’s real swell 

Clitorises can range from 7 to 12 cm in length. As you are aroused and approach orgasm, it increases in size and can swell by up to 300%.

Its main function is for pleasure

The clitoris has absolutely zero reproductive functions, and it only exists only for pleasure. 36.6% of females need to have their clitoris stimulated to achieve orgasm.

It’s (kinda) similar to a penis 

The clitoris is made up of the same spongey tissue as a penis, which is why when you’re aroused, blood flows to the tissue of both the penis and clitoris, causing both to swell. It’s also got something called the commissure, which acts like the foreskin of a penis, keeping sensitive tissue safe from irritants.

It’s forever young but ever-growing

It’s the only part of the human body that never ages. While it doesn’t age, it does keep growing. From the time puberty begins to when it ends, the clitoris can grow 1.8 times larger. By menopause, your clitoris might be up to 2.5 times bigger than it was when you were a teenager. It can even grow further after menopause, as much as 7 times the size it started as. 

Like the energizer bunny, it keeps going

Unlike a penis, your clitoris can maintain most of its blood supply after an orgasm. While you might experience sensitivity post-orgasm, you can have multiple pretty quickly.

Every clit is unique

Just like vulvas, clits come in different shapes, sizes, and colours. Beyond physical appearance, each clit varies in needs as well. Some are extra sensitive while others require more stimulation. Don’t be afraid to explore what works and what doesn’t for you.

Viva la clit!

Muff love.