Let’s talk about the clitoris. Not as an afterthought, not as a “bonus” to sex ed, but as the powerful, complex organ it actually is. Despite being the only human organ specifically designed for pleasure, the clitoris is still misunderstood, overlooked—or entirely ignored—in many conversations about sexuality.
So, in the spirit of rebalancing that narrative, here are five things you might not know about the clitoris. Consider this a small but meaningful step toward a more informed, respectful, and pleasure-literate culture. And the more we know about our bodies, or our partner's body, the more we can enjoy.
1. The clitoris isn’t just the “button” you can see
What we typically think of as the clitoris—the small nub at the top of the vulva—is just the tip of the iceberg. Anatomically, the clitoris is a much larger organ with internal structures that include two corpora cavernosa (erectile tissue) and two crura (legs) that extend along the pelvic bones.
The entire organ is about 9–11 cm long, meaning it surrounds and interacts with other genital structures in ways we’re only beginning to fully understand.
Not so fun fact: The internal clitoris wasn’t fully mapped until 2005. That is not long ago... We still have work to do.
2. It contains over 8,000 nerve endings
That’s more than any other human body part—including the fingertips, tongue, or penis. These nerves are concentrated in the glans (the visible part), but they’re connected to a complex web of nerves throughout the pelvic region.
This makes the clitoris incredibly sensitive—which is why for some, direct stimulation can be overwhelming, while for others it’s essential to orgasm. Both are completely normal.
3. The clitoris doesn’t need penetration to be stimulated
Because the majority of the clitoris lies outside the vaginal canal, internal penetration isn’t required for clitoral pleasure—though for some, indirect stimulation through the vaginal walls can enhance the experience.
This is one reason why the myth that “vaginal orgasms” are separate from “clitoral orgasms” is outdated. Most orgasms involve clitoral stimulation in some form.
4. The clitoris swells and changes during arousal
Like the penis, the clitoris becomes erect during arousal. Blood flow increases, tissues engorge, and the organ can swell up to 300% its resting size. These physiological changes are part of the body’s natural arousal response and can also make the area more sensitive to touch. After orgasm, the clitoris can become temporarily hypersensitive, which is why it often needs a break. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about.
Fun fact: The penis and clitoris originate from the same tissue in the early stages of development in the womb. This tissue, called the genital tubercle, is initially identical in both male and female fetuses. Around the ninth week of gestation, the development diverges under the influence of hormones, leading to the formation of either a penis or a clitoris.
5. Clitoral knowledge Is still playing catch-up
Despite its importance, the clitoris has been largely ignored in medical research and mainstream education. It’s absent from many anatomy textbooks, and until recently, even 3D models of it were hard to find.
But the tide is turning. Better anatomical understanding is leading to more inclusive sex ed, more thoughtful research on pleasure and pain, and (finally) more accurate public discourse around vulvas and sexual health.
Why we think this matters
When we normalize talking about the clitoris—factually, respectfully, and without shame—we help dismantle the broader stigma surrounding sexual wellness. Whether you’re learning about your own body, supporting a partner, or re-learning what school skipped, this kind of knowledge creates space for healthier, more equitable experiences of pleasure.
No taboos, no euphemisms—just anatomy, science, and curiosity. 💙