What is the clit, exactly?
The clitoris is known as the only organ in the human body whose sole purpose is pleasure! It is made up of two major parts: The glans clitoris and clitoral hood, what most people think of as “the clit,” and the v-shaped ‘legs’ and ‘bulbs’ that extend from the clitoral hood and wrap around the vagina inside the body.
Wait – it isn’t just the spot at the top of my vulva?
Nope! The external part of the clitoris is just what most people think of when talking about the clit and stimulating it. The crura and clitoral bulbs, though, extend from the glans in a v-shape, wrapping around the urethra and vaginal canal. The clitoris is erectile tissue, so it swells and fills with blood when it is stimulated or you are aroused. The clitoral bulbs are found against the vaginal wall and can be stimulated through the vagina, especially when swollen. The g-spot, for example, (which can be found by inserting your finger in your vagina and curling it forward in a “come-hither” motion) is one spot where clitoral tissue can be found against the vaginal wall.
So how do I find the clit? What does it look like?
The grana and clitoral hood can be found at the top of the vulva, above the urethra (where pee comes out). The clitoral hood is where the two flaps of the labia minora, or your inner vaginal lips, come together. This can look different in everyone! For some people, the grana is as small as a pea, while for others it can be as large as a thumbprint. In some people, the clitoral hood covers the whole grana, while in others it covers some or none at all. The only time you should worry about the shape of your clit is if you notice new bumps or unexpected changes – when this happens, go see your doctor! Otherwise, everybody’s body is different, and what yours looks like is nothing to be ashamed of!
I can’t orgasm without stimulating my clit. Is something wrong with me?
Not at all! It is very common for people with a vagina not to be able to orgasm simply from penetration. Stimulation of the clit, especially the grana, isn’t just for foreplay – it’s often a vital part of reaching an orgasm. And while an orgasm doesn’t have to be the goal of sex or masturbation, it often is, and it is important to be able to prioritize your own pleasure. Becoming familiar with your own body and what feels good to you is important in several ways: it can help you feel good about yourself, it can help improve sex with other people, and being familiar with your body helps you notice if something changes unexpectedly.
My clit hurts or is itchy – why?
Temporary soreness of the clit after vigorous stimulation is not uncommon – but if the pain persists or occurs with no identifiable cause, you should talk to your doctor. An itchy clit or vulva often has to do with a reaction to a cream, lotion, soap, or other substance used on the vulva. Remember: if you want to clean your vulva, don’t use soap or fragrance! Just warm water is the way to go. Itchiness can also be a symptom of an infection, though, so if the itchiness persists or you feel like something is wrong, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor.
Where can I learn more?
Canadian filmmaker Lori Malépart-Traversy has an adorable and informational 3-minute long animated short film on the clit I recommend watching linked here. It is in French, but has English subtitles. And if you want more reading resources, I would recommend this bite-sized article from Planned Parenthood, or this longer one from the Cleveland Clinic.
Featured image via Lori Malépart-Traversy.
About Sydney Soganich
Sydney Soganich is a writer for Sex and the Crescent City. She is a Freshman majoring in Political Science on the premed track. If she's not working, she's probably reading a romance novel or watching a romcom!
Sydney Soganich is a writer for Sex and the Crescent City. She is a Freshman majoring in Political Science on the premed track. If she's not working, she's probably reading a romance novel or watching a romcom!
