Curiosities about the clitoris: how to stimulate the female pleasure center

Until a quarter of a century ago, the clitoris was erroneously identified only as the glans, the superficial and visible part of this organ, located above the urethral orifice.

Today, thanks to the work of Australian urologist

 and her team, it is known that the organ also consists of two internal arms and two teardrop-shaped bulbs of erectile tissue.

The Australian study, published in 1998, was the first step towards a line of research that has updated the innervation of the organ and continues to question whether other of its characteristics have gone unnoticed by science.

Without going any further, at the end of 2021 a study published in

updated the anatomy and histology of the

, a fibrous band that holds the organ in position and originates from the pubic symphysis, an internal joint to the height of the Mount of Venus.

The clitoral glans has many nerve endings and is located above the urethral orifice (Photo: illustration Shutterstock)

“The suspensory ligament of the clitoris is a

that extends from the anterior abdominal wall to the clitoris.

Unlike previous descriptions of the ligament supporting the clitoris, we have observed that this structure consists of three anatomically and histologically distinct layers," the study reads.

Research on the ligament found that the first layer originates from the anterior abdominal wall and consists of loosely organized elastic fibers, fibroblasts, and few collagen fibers.

The middle layer also originates from the anterior abdominal wall, completely enclosing the body of the clitoris and sending lateral extensions to the labia majora.

And finally, the deep layer is shorter, composed almost exclusively of collagen fibers, and extends from the pubic symphysis to the clitoris.

Anatomical model of the complete structure of the clitoris.

The arms and bulbs are located internally, around the vaginal canal (Photo: illustration Shutterstock)

For the researchers, these new anatomical considerations "should be taken into account for any surgery that affects the subcutaneous tissues of the pubis and abdomen, as well as for reconstructive surgery of the clitoris and metoidioplasty", the latter, a surgical intervention for the reassignment of the sex.

Until now, it is known that, unlike other organs of the female genital tract, the main function of the clitoris is pleasure and lubrication during arousal.

This was explained to

by the doctor and clinical sexologist of the Argentine Society of Human Sexuality,

(MN 154156).

Many researchers question whether this is the reason why it was studied so little before 1998. Currently, the spread of pelvic floor therapies, the popularity of sex toys, and the denunciation of an orgasmic gap have been breaking down taboos and prejudices that limited sexual life.

Barraza insisted that it is essential to know how it works, where it is located and why self-examination helps to take care of it.

“The clitoris is much bigger than it looks,” she stated.

We only see a portion, but inside it also has little arms, and the bulbs that hug the vagina.

How to properly stimulate the clitoris

Exploration and knowledge of anatomy is a key factor in maintaining a healthy sexual life (Photo: Illustration Shutterstock)

First, Barraza described what happens when the organ is stimulated: “During arousal, the [clitoral] bulbs that surround the vagina fill with blood and begin to release fluid through the vaginal walls.

And that's what creates the excitement."

The doctor and member of the SASH (on Instagram, @drabarrazasexualidades) stressed that, as it has "many nerve endings, mainly in the glans area, it is usually one of the favorite places for people who have it."

 This predilection is something that

, a sexologist and psycho-oncologist in the Urology sector of the Hospital de Clínicas, also emphasized.

"It is essential that the person knows where the clitoris is and then guides the partner so that they carry out the same caresses or sensations that she could have achieved alone."

Thanks to this exploration, the use of

such as “rabbit” vibrators are currently enjoying enormous popularity.

Both specialists clarified that the best way to stimulate the clitoris will depend on the individual preferences of each person and that looking for an "infallible technique" can even be detrimental to what is desired.

They added that, as in the case of penile stimulation,

and communication during intercourse is essential.

The doctor recommends starting the stimulation "touching gently and with some lubricant."

(Photo: illustration Shutterstock)

The doctor and sexologist recommended "start by touching gently and with some lubricant", in other words, go from minor to major if the person so wishes.

Báez Romano (on Instagram, @luciabaezromano) added that, in the case of

, it is good to remember that "sucking the glans of the clitoris is not pleasurable for all women" and that the use of the tongue and lips of the person runs provides a softer feel.

Finally, Barraza invited all people to know it, look for it, explore it and enjoy it, since it is the main organ of pleasure.

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