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While the majority of women are aware of their clitoris, very little know the whole truth about how their clitoris works! It is only thanks to fairly recent research by Australian urologist Helen O’Connell and a handful of other like minded researchers that we now have a ‘bigger picture’ view of the internal workings of the clitoris.

The biggest revelation is the discovery that the clitoris is much more internal than it is external. That small nubby button above the vaginal opening is merely the “head” part of an organ that extends internally to surround the vaginal canal and extend out into the pelvis.

In 2009 French researchers Dr. Odile Buisson and Dr. Pierre Foldès gave the medical world its first complete 3-D sonagraphs of the stimulated clitoris:

What these pictures provide is a never seen before look at the internal workings of the female clitoris. Here’s a little bit about the anatomy:

The external part of the clitoris located under the clitoral hood is known scientifically as the “glans”. This little button contains approximately 8,000 nerve fibres – that’s more than anywhere on the body and twice the amount found on the head of the penis.

From here, the clitoris extends internally via the clitoral shaft, and then forms a pair of clitoral legs in the shape of a wishbone, as well as forming the bulbs of the clitoris which go down and around the sides of the vaginal canal.

The clitoris, both internal and external is filled with erectile tissue that engorges with blood and provides an erection that actually surrounds the vaginal opening causing the vulva to expand outward. (Yes that’s right, women get erections too!) That means a tighter and more sensitive feeling vagina.

Finally the age old debate of vaginal versus clitoral orgasms can be put to rest. It means that essentially all exploration of the vagina is stimulating the inner clitoris and providing arousal.

It’s also important to remember that female orgasm isn’t just dependant on the vagina or clitoris. A female orgasm also requires the right mental state, meaning; being relaxed, comfortable with your body and your partner, and being mentally turned on.

Considering that there are so many factors to contend with, as well as the fact that each person is unique, what works for some may not work for others. To put it differently, when it comes to stimulating the clitoris, it’s all different under the hood!

Now that we have a better understanding of how the clitoris works, we can explore different ways to get the most fulfilling orgasms! Check out our next article for clitoral stimulation techniques.