The clit plays a key role in sexual stimulation and pleasure.
This article discusses the clitoris, its location, structure, and function.
It also explains some health issues that can affect the clitoris.
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Thevulvaencompasses all external female genital organs.
Thevaginais an internal organ.
The parts of the vulva are located around the vagina.
They keep the clitoris in its bent position.
The internal clitoris describes the portions of the organ located inside the body.
These account for most of its size and contain all of its erectile tissue.
How do you find the clitoris?
It is covered by a retractable clitoral hood.
The rest is internal and connects to the glans.
The body of the clitoris is covered by thetunica albuginea, a sheath of connective tissue.
Clitoral function also relies on the following nerves:
These supply the structures of the vagina.
This may be part of why stimulating the clitoris leads to sexual arousal.
How big is the clitoris?
Anatomical Variations
There are differences in how the genitals develop in some people.
These are called intersex conditions.
Surgeons have “corrected” these differences in the past.
Many now recommend postponing surgery until a person is old enough to decide this for themselves.
The exception is when these anatomical differences make urination difficult or impossible.
That is a problem that needs to be corrected surgically for medical reasons.
There is still some debate about the role of clitoral anatomy in sexual function andorgasm.
The specific pathways for how the clitoris affects arousal and orgasm are not entirely understood.
In some people, the clitoris becomes slightly enlarged during sexual activity.
When this happens, it becomes even more sensitive.
This and other changes prepare the vagina for penetrative sex.
It also makes the internal environment more conducive to the fertilization of an egg by sperm.
Many people need to have the clitoris stimulated to achieve or enhance an orgasm.
Conditions Affecting the Clitoris
Like most organs, there are health conditions that can affect the clitoris.
Some are very mild and easy to treat.
Others are more serious.
Depending on the cause, a healthcare provider may suggest antibiotics or creams soothe irritation.
Clitoromegaly
This is the name for a larger-than-typical clitoris.
It may not need to be treated in infants.
Lichen Sclerosus
Lichen sclerosusis a condition characterized by patches of white, thin skin.
It can, in rare cases, cause scarring of the genitals.
In severe cases, the scar tissue may affect the function of the clitoris.
Why this happens seems to vary and is not fully understood.
Risk factors appear to include:
These adhesions can be mild to severe and may lead to clitoral pain.
Minimally invasive surgery may be a treatment option.
Metastatic Cancer
Though rare, cancer that spreads from another site can cause lesions on the clitoris.
Scientists have reported such spread to the clitoris in cases ofbreast cancer,cervical cancer, andendometrial cancer.
Medical Tests
It’s unlikely that you’ll need any medical tests for issues involving the clitoris.
If there are changes in its size or shape, a biopsy may help to determine the cause.
For some people at risk of a spreading cancer, imaging may be used too.
The one exception is when infants are born with clitoromegaly.
Healthcare providers will often take a stab at determine the cause of the enlarged clitoris.
This may involve blood tests to check hormone levels or genetic tests to look for different potential intersex conditions.
Understanding the cause may offer insight into a child’s later expression ofgender identity.
Health issues related to the clitoris are relatively rare and, in most cases, easily treated.
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