Clitoral Stimulation

Only one organ has come to exist for the sole purpose of providing pleasure—the clitoris.

The clitoris is not shaped like a penis, but it is similar to the male anatomy because it has a head (glans), a clitoral hood (similar to the foreskin) and even a shaft. Moreover, it becomes erect when it’s aroused. The clitoris contains approximately 8,000 sensory nerve fibers; more than anywhere else in the human body and nearly twice the amount found on the head of a penis.

How do I find the clitoris?

To find the clitoris you will want to move toward the top of the labia (the outer and inner folds of skin) but stay below the mons pubis (or pubic bone). By gently spreading the labia minora (inner lips) at the top where they come together, you will find a nodule. This is the head of the clitoris! As a women becomes more aroused the clitoris can retract under the clitoral hood and be harder to see…but it’s still there.

How do I touch the clitoris?

Because of the dense nerve endings in the clitoris, there is a fine line between pleasure and pain. Direct clitoral touching can actually be too much stimulation for some people so you may need to focus stimulation on the general area rather than directly on the exposed clitoral head. Always use a drop of lubricant on the clitoris to reduce friction and help provide a cushion of pleasure. You can use fingers, a tongue, vibrators, suction, or lots of other various ways to stimulate the clitoris. In general, use less direct pressure and more quick gliding movements across or around the head of the clitoris to stimulate.

What is the different between a clitoral orgasm and vaginal orgasm?

A vaginal orgasm is the idea that an orgasm can occur solely through vaginal penetration. A clitoral orgasm is the idea that an orgasm can occur solely through clitoral stimulation. Although these types of orgasm can happen separately, it’s likely that nerve endings from the vagina and clitoris are interacting because of their close proximity. The clitoris is more than just a button. Underneath the shape seen in a vulva diagram, the clitoris has a shape of a wishbone, with two legs that extend 3 inches into the vagina, which connects to the G-spot. However, Clitoral orgasms and vaginal orgasm can have different sensations due to the nerves being stimulated. Rather than thinking of the clitoris and vagina as two separate things, it can be helpful to think of them as a network of pleasure nerve endings and muscles.

I can’t orgasm through vaginal sex, but I can orgasm through masturbation or oral sex. Is that normal?

This is actually very normal! Most women need some sort of clitoral stimulation in order to have an orgasm. The clitoris typically doesn’t see much action during vaginal intercourse unless you are actively and purposefully stimulating the clitoris throughout sex. Expecting a woman to orgasm without clitoral stimulation is like expecting a man to orgasm without stimulation to the penis because they are homologous organs (similar in form and function). It’s definitely possible, but it’s more likely to happen if the organ is stimulated. Overall, orgasms are very individualistic experiences and there is no one correct way to experience or have an orgasm.