Although the clitoris is as old as man himself, it took until 1998 (you read correctly, this is not a typo) for the full anatomy of the clitoris to be discovered by Helen O’Connell, a urologist from Melbourne, Australia. Until then, the clitoris was only seen as the little bud you could observe with the naked eye. Now we know that this little piece is part of a tissue system and we also know how important this system is.

Anatomy, definitions and facts

The clitoris is part of the vulva and is considered the pleasure center. The vulva is the external part of the sex organ and consists – in addition to and part of the clitoris – of the labia, the vaginal opening and the peeing hole.

The clitoris has a large internal part that is shaped like a “wishbone. You can stimulate the clitoris through both the external and internal part.

The clitoris (the part you see) consist of a pea-sized structure that sits above the urethra (where you urinate from) and is covered by a clitoral hood, which can be retracted to reveal the clitoris.

The parts you don’t see of the clitoral body consist of the vestibular bulbs and the crura (the branches), which are located behind the vulva. The crura divide under the clitoral hood and split into four bony structures around the urethra and vaginal opening. The bulbs consist of spongy erectile tissue and swell when you are aroused. The vulva comes in many different colors, shapes and sizes. If you want to know if your vulva is “normal,” check out the photo gallery on The Labia Library.

The clitoris has two to three times more nerve endings than the penis, and is the most sensitive part of the vulva. Like the penis, the clitoris swells when you become aroused.

The G-spot: part of the clitoris!

Now that we know what the clitoris looks like, we also have new insight into orgasm. Achieving orgasm requires stimulation of the clitoris. Some vulva owners are also capable of a vaginal orgasm, especially when the “G-spot” is stimulated. The G-spot is a sponge-like structure on the belly side in the vagina. You can perceive the G-spot when you put a finger in the vagina and make a “come here” motion toward the abdomen.

But now we know that the G-spot is actually the back of the internal part of the clitoris. So a vaginal orgasm, or G-spot orgasm is actually also a clitoral orgasm.

Yet only about 30% of vulva owners are capable of reaching orgasm through penetration alone. So stimulation of the external part of the clitoris (also during Penis-in-Vagina sex) is usually necessary for the vulva owner to achieve orgasm as well.

Stimulating the clitoris by hand

To stimulate the external part of the clitoris, you can, of course, use your fingers. To activate the entire clitoral structure, you can rub (gently) along the outer labia. Furthermore, you can place your palm over the clitoris and labia and make small circular movements with your whole hand. Fingering, then, is more than just rubbing along the clitoral hood and circling in circles along the little bud.

You can also stimulate the inner part of the clitoris from the inside. To do this, make a “come hither” motion with one or two fingers toward your belly. This will stimulate the G-spot at the back of the clitoris.

Stimulating the clitoris with toys

To stimulate the clitoris in ways that fingers, a penis or a tongue can’t (or if those are momentarily unavailable), you can also use sex toys. Air toys, vibrators and dildos made of metal or glass are excellent choices.

Suction toys

Since Womanizer came on the market with their air pressure toy, this type of sex toy has been copied tremendously (some more successfully than others). Suction toys have a kind of pump that gives you the feeling of being sucked on your clit. This increases the blood flow – which also happens when you get aroused in other ways – so an orgasm comes easier and faster

Vibrators

There are literally thousands of vibrators for sale that you can use to pamper your clitoris. Some stimulate only the external part of the vulva (so-called lay-on vibrators), while others are also suitable for internal use. G-spot vibrators have a slightly curved tip, so you can also stimulate the internal part of the clitoris (formerly known as the G-spot). If you like deep hard vibrations, you can also consider a wand vibrator.

Silicone or yet a dildo made of glass or metal?

Dildos come in all kinds of materials. Silicone is currently the most commonly used material. It feels soft, warm and body-safe. The disadvantage of silicone toys is that it is better to use water-based lubricant, otherwise the material can be affected. With dildos made of glass or metal, you don’t have this problem. You can use any kind of lubricant. Furthermore, glass and metal are nice and heavy and hard (and you want that!). If you want to know more about glass and metal as a material for a sex toy, read this.

Let the games begin

Hopefully now you know just a little more about the clitoris and we’ve provided some useful tips. But of course, it doesn’t end here. Explore what you like and experiment. Only when you know what works for you can you teach your partner. Or show them. Either way: enjoy!