The clitoris (sometimes referred to as the "clit," which may be considered a derogatory term) is part of the vulva, or external female genitalia. This pea-sized body part is part of the female reproductive anatomy but serves no reproductive function. The clitoris is the only part of the body whose sole purpose is sexual pleasure through stimulation.
There's a lot to know about the clitoris that is not often covered in health class. Many people—even those who have a clitoris—do not know where the clitoris is, what its function is, and the role it plays in orgasms and sexual pleasure.
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. There are about 8,000 nerve endings in the glans. Almost 70% of people with vaginas will orgasm when there's clitoral stimulation during vaginal sex.
The clitoris measures about 9-11 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.
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.
Outside Your Body
The part of the clitoris you see is the glans, or 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 called the clitoral hood covers and protects the glans on the outside of the clitoris.
Inside Your Body
People usually only talk about the external parts when they talk about the clitoris. There's 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. These sac-like tissue structures of tissue become engorged with blood if you are aroused.
What Does the Clitoris Do?
The clitoris is part of the female genitalia and plays an essential role in orgasm during sexual activity. It's part of the female reproductive system, but the clitoris has no reproductive function. This organ's sole function is to provide sexual pleasure.
The clitoris becomes erect when aroused, similar to the penis. Tissues called the vestibular bulbs engorge with blood. Muscle spasms later release the trapped blood if an orgasm is reached.
Different conditions could affect 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. Certain cancers can metastasize (spread) to the clitoris in rare cases.
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, which can impact 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, and others can acquire it over time.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can potentially cause clitoromegaly. People with PCOS have glands and ovaries that secrete excess androgens, or biologically male hormones. Clitorial length has been shown to be higher in people with PCOS. It might indicate excess androgen levels.
Infections
Infections that affect the vulva might involve the clitoris, such as:
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV):The 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.
Diagnostic Testing
There are no tests that measure the function of the clitoris. A healthcare provider may order tests if they suspect conditions that affect it. Blood and genetic tests can detect ambiguous genitalia in newborns. This rare condition occurs in newborns that are born with external genitalia that do not appear female or male.
A healthcare provider may perform a biopsy, or removal of tissue for testing, if the clitoris changes in appearance. A biopsy can check for vulvar cancer, which can affect the clitoris.
It's important to practice good vaginal hygiene to keep your clitoris healthy. 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. Gently cleanse the area with warm water when you take a bath or shower.
Other 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. They may cause an overgrowth of "bad" bacteria.
- Stay hydrated to cleanse your urinary tract and protect against infections
- Wear breathable, light fabrics, such as cotton underwear
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 does not if a partner is involved.
