The clitoris, or clit, is a small, round organ that's part of the female vulva (external genitalia). The clit is covered by a fold of skin (the hood), which can make it hard to find.
The tiny nub (glans clitoris) that makes up the external part of the clitoris exists to provide sexual pleasure. During sexual stimulation, the clitoris becomes engorged with blood (just like the penis) and becomes erect. Following orgasm, muscle spasms release the blood, and the clit returns to normal size.
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Location
The clitoris (glans clitoris) is located in the vulva, which encompasses all the external female genital organs. By comparison, the vagina is an internal organ with an opening in the vulva.
The various vulvar structures include the following:
- Mons pubis, the rounded fatty area in front of the pubic bone (where hair grows)
- Clitoral hood, a fold of tissue from the vulva that covers the clitoris
- Clitoris (glans clitoris), an erectile organ in the vulva near the front of the body, under the mons pubis and in front of the urethral opening
- Urethral opening, the opening where urine leaves the body, located between the clitoris and vaginal opening
- Vaginal introitus, the opening to the vagina
- Vestibule of the vagina, a small triangular-shaped area around the vagina
- Labia majora (outer lips), two prominent skin folds along the sides of the vulva (this area grows pubic hair)
- Labia minora (inner lips), two smaller flaps of skin running along the inside the labia majora
- Bartholin glands, located in the vestibule on either side of the vagina, these glands secrete mucus to lubricate the vagina
Anatomy
The pea-sized glans clitoris (about 3/10 of an inch long and half that in width, on average) is the external part of a larger organ that's inside your body.
The clitoris (clitoral body) extends into the inner pelvic area, branching out to form a V shape. These inner parts are up to 5 inches long and attached to the pubic bone and other structures with ligaments.
The two V-shaped pieces (crura) surround the vagina. Inside each one is spongy tissue, thecorpora cavernosa. Between the crura and vaginal walls are two vestibular bulbs (one on each side).
The bulbs and corpora cavernosa are erectile tissues that swell with blood when you’re sexually aroused, increasing lubrication and sensitivity. Their swelling also puts pressure on the vagina, triggering additional lubrication.
About 10,281 nerves (on average) travel through the crura into the external clitoris, creating intense sensitivity that can lead to an orgasm. However, the exact number of nerves varies from one person to the next, depending on variables like age.
Role in Sexual Pleasure
The clitoris has one function: to cause arousal and pleasure during sex. Stimulating the clitoris is essential for orgasm in 70% of women. About one in four women can reach orgasm without direct clitoral stimulation.
Despite its central role in sexual pleasure, clitoral stimulation doesn't guarantee orgasms. Numerous emotional, psychological, and physical issues can affect whether or not a person orgasms, even with clitoral arousal. In some cases, sexual dysfunction impacts sexual pleasure.
Female Sexual Dysfunction
Female sexual dysfunction can affect your desire (libido), arousal, and ability to orgasm. One challenge is female orgasmic disorder. You may have this problem if you have difficulty achieving or have less intense orgasms in more than 75% of your sexual interactions.
However, difficulty with orgasms is not considered to be a female orgasmic disorder if it's caused by physical problems in the clitoris or genitals (like decreased blood flow).
The most common sexual challenge is female sexual interest/arousal disorder, which means you:
- Have little to no desire for sex
- Have little to no sexual arousal
- Don’t think about sex
- Don’t initiate sex
These concerns are only a problem if they cause you distress. If you're fine with a low libido, then it's not a disorder.
Conditions
Like most organs, there are health conditions that can affect the clitoris. Some are very mild and easy to treat. Others are more serious.
Some of the most common problems include:
- Soreness from sexual stimulation
- Itching caused by soaps, cleansers, or lotions
- Pain or itching due to infections
- Pain from long-term engorgement (a rare condition)
Conditions that directly affect the clitoris include:
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause pain, burning, and itching in the clitoris.
Symptoms caused by STIs include:
- Painful urination
- Abnormal vaginal discharge or odor
- Vaginal itching
- Painful sex
- Vaginal bleeding (not related to menstruation)
- Sores or warts on the genital area
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis appears when there's an imbalance in the good and bad bacteria that normally live in the vagina.
Though the primary symptom is a vaginal discharge with a fishy odor, this condition can also irritate the clitoris, causing pain and itching.
Genital Eczema
Several types of eczema can develop on the vulva, including atopic dermatitis, allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis.
You may have genital eczema symptoms such as:
- Intense vulvar itching and burning
- Dry, scaly, inflamed skin patches
- Oozing blisters or crusty wounds
- Red or darkened skin surrounding the skin lesions
Vaginal Yeast Infection (Candidiasis)
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus (Candida). Your risk is higher if you take antibiotics, have diabetes, or a weak immune system.
Yeast infections are known for causing extreme itching and burning of the vulva (including the clitoris). The vulva may also be red and swollen and you may have burning when urinating.
Clitoromegaly
This is the name for a larger-than-typical clitoris. This condition can develop while the fetus is developing due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Though uncommon, clitoromegaly may also arise during childhood as a result of neurofibromatosis, a disorder in which tumors form on nerve tissues.
Lichen Sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus is a condition characterized by patches of white, thin skin. Symptoms include:
- Vulvar itching (including the clitoris)
- Scarring
- Small white spots
- Blisters
- Pain during sex
- Skin bruising and tearing
- Difficulty urinating
It can scar the genitals, and in severe cases, the scar tissue may affect the function of the clitoris.
Clitoral Adhesions
These can occur when the clitoral hood sticks to the glans and can no longer fully retract. Why this happens seems to vary and is not fully understood.
Risk factors include:
- Genital injury
- Yeast infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Lichen sclerosus
- Hormonal imbalances
These adhesions can be mild to severe and may lead to clitoral pain. Minimally invasive surgery may be a treatment option.
Metastatic Cancer
Though rare, cancer that spreads from another site can cause lesions on the clitoris. Scientists have reported such spread to the clitoris in cases ofbreast cancer, cervical cancer, andendometrial cancer.
How to Keep Your Clitoris Healthy
You can keep your clitoris healthy by protecting yourself from STIs and having regular pelvic exams. During gynecological exams, you’ll receive health screenings that detect potential problems before symptoms appear and can start treatment to prevent conditions.
Summary
The clitoris plays a central role in sexual stimulation and pleasure in people assigned female at birth. Most of the clitoris resides inside the body, though you can see and feel the small external nub.
Health issues related to the clitoris are relatively uncommon but may cause clitoral itching, pain, and burning due to STIs, genital eczema, yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis.
