When it comes to knowing your own body, the clitoris is the land of mystery for many women. But that’s understandable when you come to learn that it’s a small yet complex organ containing numerous parts and more than 8,000 nerve endings. Keep reading to learn interesting facts you may be unaware of:
It can become erect
Somewhat similar to the penis, the clitoris is extremely sensitive and can become erect when stimulated. As blood flow to the area increases and stimulation occurs, the clitoral hood retracts. For those unsure what the clitoral hood is, this is the flap of skin that sits inside the labia and covers the clitoris, protecting its thousands of nerve endings from stimulation most of the time. Clitoral hoods vary in size and they don’t all retract the same amount.
It plays an important role in reaching climax
Somewhere between 50 and 75% of women cannot achieve climax through vaginal intercourse alone and instead need stimulation to the clitoris in order to reach orgasm. If you never orgasm during intercourse, you’re not alone and you can stop worrying that something is wrong with you. Clitoral orgasms are far more common and easier to achieve than vaginal, G-Spot, and cervical orgasms, and bring pleasure to many women.
No two are the same
Clitorises vary in shape, size, and sensitivity, and can be very different from woman to woman. Reaching climax through clitoral stimulation isn’t a “one approach fits all” situation, instead it varies from person to person. Sometimes, all you need is a bit of experimentation to figure out what works and feels best.
Much of the clitoris is inside the body
The average clitoris is somewhere between 1.5 and 2 centimeters in length, and interestingly contains far more than what meets the eye. Only about a quarter of the clitoris is visible outside the body, while the rest of it is tucked away inside. Some researchers speculate that a larger clitoris makes it easier for a woman to orgasm.
The older you are, the bigger your clitoris
Starting at birth, the clitoris grows throughout the lifespan, and experiences the most rapid growth around puberty. Many women find it surprising to learn that their clitoris will be larger when she’s in her 60’s than when she was in her teens. However, this growth is not noticeable.
The clitoris can be susceptible to problems
Like any other part of the body, the clitoris can encounter problems. Whether you’re dealing with pain during intercourse or throughout the day, itchiness, or any other discomfort, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor. Many problems are simple and can be treated easily with antibiotics, creams, and other medications.
IIf you would like to meet with a knowledgeable doctor, consider contacting Women’s Health Arizona. As Arizona’s largest ObGyn group, we’re trained and solely dedicated to delivering the best ObGyn experience in convenient and comfortable settings around Phoenix.
