ALL GOOD IN THE HOOD: 6 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT THE CLITORIS

LEA MARSDEN AND DR. LAURIE MINTZ·NOVEMBER 21, 2023

2 MINS READ

This article was scientifically reviewed by Human Sexuality expert Dr. Laurie Mintz. She is a professor, researcher, private practitioner and Fellow of the American Psychological Association.

A 3D model of the clitoris is just starting to make its rounds in Sex Ed. Classes, and honestly it’s about time. Everyone would have a much better appreciation for the clitoris if they knew what a bad ass beast it looks like.

While we often think of the clitoris as a tiny external part of the body (that is hard to find, if you listen to stand up comedians from the 90s), it’s actually a pretty significant anatomical structure.

Of all the parts of the clitoris – the glans, the hood, the legs, the bulbs – only the glans and hood are visible, with the glans generally covered by the clitoral hood.

2. Things Get Tricky

The clitoris and the penis share a common origin in utero, starting as the same tissue before differentiating during fetal development.

Like the penis, the clitoris's spongy tissue engorges with blood during excitement. Unlike the penis, it takes time to return to its normal size post-orgasm.

3. Pleasure is Its Goal

The clitoris boasts over 10,000 nerve endings exclusively dedicated to generating pleasure.

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It’s Literally Key

The name ‘clitoris’ comes from the Greek word for key, which is a way to think about something that might ‘unlock’ pleasure for you.

It Goes On and On and On…

A clitoral orgasm can bring about anywhere from 3 to 16 contractions and can last from 10 to 30 seconds―and that’s not even counting people who have multiple orgasms!

Conclusion

So is it all about the clitoris when it comes to good sex then? For most women, the clitoris is a central aspect of pleasure. Still, there are many other erogenous zones on your body – and everyone’s body is different.

While you might find you need to use your left hand to make counter-clockwise circles on your clitoris to orgasm, someone else might need to use focused vibrations to stroke the clitoral hood rather than the exposed nub itself. Thankfully, taking the time to experiment with what type of sensation does it for you and sharing it with your partner is definitely up there when it comes to fun ways to spend your time!

For Lea, what once was “a European summer abroad” turned into traveling the world and studying sexual cultural differences for the past 6 years. She has a PhD in Gender & Sexuality and has a theory that dating guys in their twenties is an unpaid internship. She’s currently writing from a cafe in New Zealand.

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