Introduction
The clitoris is a pea-shaped nub of flesh located at the top of the female genitalia (vulva). The clitoris is present inside and outside the body, but only the external component is visible. The clitoris is a pleasure center of the female reproductive system that helps in sexual arousal. It is a region of a complex network of tissues and nerves that helps in arousal when stimulated. Though the clitoris is present in the female genitalia of all species, it lacks reproductive function in most of the species.
What Is a Clitoris?
The clitoris is the pleasure zone of the female reproductive system that comprises a network of erectile tissues and nerves. The visible portion of the clitoris is a nub of flesh located at the top of the urethral opening in the front junction of the labia minora (inner lips of the genitalia). The clitoris does not help in urination, and the anatomical purpose of the clitoris is to provide sexual pleasure. The size and sensitivity of the clitoris vary by person. The head of the clitoris is pea-shaped and consists of more than 10,000 sensory nerve endings. Even if an orgasm does not occur, stimulating the clitoris makes a woman feel good.
Where Is the Clitoris Located?
The clitoris has internal and external components and is located inside and outside the body.
External Component:
The part of the clitoris that extends outside the body is the external component and is located at the top of the vulva. The external part of the clitoris appears like a tiny nub of tissue and is located between the flaps of skin called the labia minora (inner lips of the vagina), which is surrounded by the labia majora (outer lips of the vagina). The urethral opening (opening for urinating), vaginal opening, perineum (a space of skin above the anus), and the anus are located beneath the clitoris. The external component of the clitoris has two parts, namely the glans clitoris and clitoral hood.
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Glans Clitoris: It is the nub of tissue that contains sensory nerve endings. It is present above the urethral opening and is sensitive to touch. It is a highly erogenous zone because of the presence of sensory nerve endings.
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Clitoral Hood: The labia minora meets the top of the vulva to form a hood for the glans and is known as the clitorial hood. The clitoral hood may cover all or some parts of the glans or none of the glans.
Internal Component:
The internal component of the clitoris present inside the pelvic cavity is shaped like an upside-down wishbone (a forked bone present between the neck and breast of the bird), with a clitoral body that branches out to form a V shape. The internal component has the following parts:
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Corpora: The body of the clitoris (corpora) is located behind the glans. The body of the clitoris extends downwards and branches off to form the crura and a pair of legs.
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Crura: A pair of legs that extend from the clitoral body is known as the crura, which is the longest part of the clitoris. It is surrounded by the vaginal canal and urethra.
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Vestibular Bulbs: The vestibular or clitoral bulbs are paired structures present between the crura and the vaginal wall. During arousal, the vestibular bulbs are filled with blood and can double in size.
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Root: The sensory nerves from the erectile tissues meet at the root. The root is situated in a region where the legs of the crura meet.
What Is the Function of the Clitoris?
The major function of the clitoris in the female reproductive system is to provide sexual pleasure. It is the sensitive part of the vulva, which produces intense sexual responses when stimulated. The clitoris is composed of erectile tissues, which become filled with blood and expand during stimulation. The glans of the clitoris expand and swell up, and this swelling creates pressure in the vaginal wall and increases the feeling of pleasure. In addition, vaginal orgasms may be due to clitoral stimulation because the vestibular bulbs of the clitoris rub against the vaginal wall.
What Are the Conditions That Affect the Clitoris?
The conditions and disorders that affect the clitoris include the following:
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Clitoromegaly - It is a condition in which the clitoris is larger than normal. It can be due to excessive androgen hormone (sex hormone) during the development of the fetus, which results in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (a condition that affects hormone production in the adrenal glands). In this condition, the clitoris appears to be a small penis. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome can cause clitoromegaly.
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Infections - Various conditions or infections that affect the vulva can affect the clitoris. Infections such as herpes (viral infection); syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia trichomoniasis (sexually transmitted infections), bacterial vaginosis (bacterial overgrowth in the vagina), yeast infection (fungal infection).
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Skin Conditions - Clitoral adhesions (a condition in which the clitoral hood sticks to the clitoris) due to infections and hormone imbalances can cause pain. An autoimmune disorder called lichen sclerosus affects the genitals including the clitoris and causes itching, skin irritation, and pain.
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Cancer - Vulvar cancer that affects the vulva can also affect the clitoris. Cancers such as cervical cancer, breast cancer, and endometrial cancer can spread to the clitoris.
How Are the Conditions Affecting the Clitoris Managed?
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Creams and pills that treat infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi are prescribed.
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In the case of cancer, the affected area is removed and it is further managed with radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
What Are the Ways to Maintain the Health of the Clitoris?
A healthy clitoris requires the following:
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Regular Examinations: Regular pelvic examinations and pap smear tests to check for HPV (human papillomavirus) help in screening the conditions if present and to provide treatment if required.
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Protecting Against Sexually Transmitted Infections - HPV vaccine can decrease the risk of cervical cancers. In addition, practicing safe sex can help prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Conclusion
The clitoris is a pleasure center that helps people experience sexual pleasure. However, excessive stimulation can cause pain and soreness. Understanding the type of stimulation that provides pleasure and communicating with the partner improves the sex life. In addition, any infections or conditions that affect the genitals should be consulted with the doctor for proper management.
