The Clitoris: Built for Pleasure

By Jennifer Baker of Babeland

The clitoris is is the only organ in the human body whose sole function is pleasure. In other words, the clitoris was built for orgasm. The tip of the clitoris is the round nub right above the meeting point of the inner labia. It is protected by a little fold of skin, or hood, which is a good thing, because there are 6,000 to 8,000 nerve endings in the clitoris, and even a light touch is usually felt rather intensely. As with the penis, the clitoris is composed of erectile tissue and gets bigger and harder when a woman is turned on. A lot of women prefer their clitorises touched through the clitorisoral hood.

Facts & Myths

The clitoris sure has taken a licking (and not a pleasurable one, either). Myths about the clitoris are abundant:

• We’ve been cautioned that too much masturbation could permanently increase its size.
• The Victorians blamed clitoris-stroking for disease, cancer, and hysteria.
• In some cultures, it is warned that this tiny organ “will cause symbolic or spiritual injury to the baby.*"
• Perhaps most perplexing, Sigmund Freud delivered the clitoris a coup de grâce when he insisted that a woman’s sexual pleasure should only be achieved through vaginal penetration.

A bit of myth busting (and undoing of Freudian analysis) is in order:

• The clitoris increases in size when a woman is aroused, but will not stay that way forever.
• Hysterics? Sounds more like the lusty moans brought about by a toe-curling orgasm!
• The presence of a clitoris won’t cast the evil eye on newborns.
• Women are having more and more satisfying sex by lavishing their clitoris with the attention it so deserves.

*Editors, Harvard Law Review as quoted by Arthur, 1996, p.111

Ins & Outs

In utero we all start out with the same bits of erectile tissue between our legs; when androgens enter the recipe, some of us will develop a more outward showing of tissue (the penis) while others will secret much of our pleasurable tissue inside (the clitoris). Because the clitoris is mostly internal, many of us are unaware of the mysteries lurking beneath the skin:

• It is easiest to see the glans (or head) and the hood (or foreskin) of the clitoris.
• The unseen 3/4 of the clitoris travels back into the body, where it meets the pelvis and splits off into two legs (imagine a wishbone shape) that attach to the pelvic wings.
• The entirety of the clitorisoral structure is comprised of erectile tissue. When aroused, the clitoris will fill with blood, become delightfully sensitive, and the glans will often emerge from beneath its hood.

• The entirety of the average-sized clitoris measures about 4” in length (the same as a flaccid penis), while the glans is usually the size of a pencil eraser; however, diversity in nature extends to the clitoris as well. The glans alone can measure anywhere from 0.10-0.30”.

A Users Manual

It’s time to get up close and personal with your clitoris. There are myriad ways to stimulate this bundle of joy, from a clandestine rub on a favorite pillow to a high-powered vibrator that’ll leave you speechless and trembling. Much like snowflakes, no two clitoriss are alike, so remember to experiment.

• Get wet. A dollop of lube will keep things slick and help intensify sensation.
• Seduce yourself. Stroke between your inner and outer labia: the legs of the clitoris are nestled beneath a layer of muscle, so you may want to try a bit more pressure than normal. (This is also a great clitoris trick for folks who don’t enjoy direct stimulation on their glans.)
• Don’t get in a rut! Try mixing up your strokes. Perhaps a gentle one-finger roll is just what the doctor ordered; or a finger on each side of the glans itself; or maybe pulling back the hood with one hand while you stroke with the other will set you to purring.
• Go deep. That G-spot we’ve all heard about? It’s part of the clitorisoral structure as well. You can learn more about finding it (and what to do once you have) by reading the G-spot tutorial.

• Add a toy. Hands and fingers can become tired, but a tireless vibe won’t stop until you say so (or the batteries run out). There are endless varieties of vibrators out there, making the getting (and receiving) good.

Toys for Clitorises

• SaSi - Just like a real partner, SaSi vibrator is capable of giving a different experience every time, and like a good partner, it will learn and remember the movements you like best. Completely customized by adjusting movement type, speed, and vibration.
• Hitachi Magic Wand - This is a strong vibrator; great for women who have trouble getting over the top, or who want to orgasm quickly (and often!).
• Rabbit Habit The vibrator made famous by the gals on Sex and the City features a vibrating bunny to stimulate the clitoris, while a shaft full of rotating pears stimulated your G-spot.
• Pocket Rocket - A portable clitoris vibe that fits in the palm of your hand, with a faithful following.
• Silk Touch Egg - Soft supple texture, the egg-style of clitoris vibes feels nice nestletd between the folds of the labia.
• Gigi - A stunning, absolutely non-phallic shaped vibrator that any gal would be proud to display on her nightstand!
• Laya Spot - Compact, easy-to-clean mid-range vibrator looks more like a kid’s toy than a sex toy.
• Blueberry Buzz - Great for showers and hot tubs; it’s waterproof.
• Hummingbird - Strong mid-range vibrator, good for both G-spot and clitorisoral vibrations.
• Sonic Ring - This is a cock ring vibrator designed to be worn by a guy in order to stimulate the clitoris during partner sex.
• Trojan Vibrating Touch Fingertip Massager -This vibrator slips over the finger, so if you’re fond of hand jobs or like the feel of skin on skin, this little toy gives you the extra oomph you need.

Clitorisoral Research

Betty Dodson’s Sex for One
Betty Dodson’s Celebrating Orgasm DVD
Rebecca Chalker’s The Clitorisoral Truth

Also Recommended

How to Stimulate the Clitoris
How to Choose a Vibrator
First Time Vibes

© 2008 Babeland. All rights reserved.

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