Far from tiny: According to research, the clitoris is much more than just the little “button” that increases sexual pleasure. In this article, we summarize key facts about the clitoris and explain what its anatomy is all about

Helen O’Connell, an Australian urologist and professor of surgery at the University of Melbourne, published her groundbreaking research on the anatomy of the clitoris in 1998. Before that, hardly any research had been done on the subject, so the anatomical dimensions of this female genital area remained unknown to the general public.


Her study and a later publication in 2005 revealed that the clitoris is much more than just the small knob visible from the outside. With her studies, O’Connell opened new doors for sexual research, which is why today we are learning more and more about the anatomy and functions of the clitoris. These fascinating facts may be new to you as well:

1. The clitoris is like an iceberg

What is visible on the surface is only a small fraction of its actual size – the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. Altogether, the clitoris, which consists of 18 parts, measures an average of 10 centimeters. Each part, from erectile tissue to nerves, plays a role in the female orgasm.

The externally visible clitoral glans is the most sensitive part of the organ. It is located at the top of the inner labia and is covered by a foreskin. Both the foreskin and the glans itself vary from woman to woman, which is why the clitoral glans can be easier or harder to locate.

Not visible are the clitoral shaft, the two crura, and the bulbous erectile bodies. The crura extend deep into the pelvis, while the bulbs partly press against the front vaginal wall and elastically surround the vaginal vestibule.

2. It has more nerve endings than the penis

The clitoris is made up of muscles, erectile tissue, and nerves. With about 8,000 nerve endings—roughly twice as many as in the penis—it is extremely sensitive. And that number refers only to the clitoral glans! This makes the clitoris far more sensitive than the male glans.

3. The clitoris and penis share the same origin

The clitoris only develops after about the eighth week of pregnancy; before that, embryos look the same. The penis and clitoris are very similar in structure: both organs have a glans, a foreskin, and erectile tissue. This also provides a good basis for gender-affirming surgeries in trans* people.

4. In comparison, the vagina is relatively insensitive

The vaginal canal has very few nerve endings—one reason why childbirth isn’t even more painful than it already is.

As mentioned earlier, the clitoral bulbs partly lie against the vaginal wall. This means that vaginal penetration always stimulates the clitoris, even if the clitoral glans itself is not touched. Some researchers believe that the so-called G-spot is part of the internal clitoris. Moreover, some experts no longer differentiate between vaginal and clitoral orgasms, since the clitoris also plays a central role during vaginal penetration.

5. It swells when aroused

The closer to orgasm, the more the clitoris—together with all its parts—swells, up to 300 percent! Here, too, the clitoris is similar to the penis: both have a flaccid and an erect state.

6. The clitoris does not age

It is the only part of the human body that does not age. Whether at 27 or 72, the clitoris functions the same way. In fact, it keeps growing throughout life and can be up to 2.5 times larger in old age than in youth.

7. It’s not just for pleasure

Although the clitoris was long thought to be the only body part with the sole purpose of providing sexual pleasure, studies have now shown otherwise. It also plays an important role in reproduction: during orgasm, it sends signals to the brain, which, among other things, improve vaginal blood flow, increase lubrication, and change the position of the cervix. All of this supports the journey of sperm to the egg.

Boosting your sexual health

The clitoris truly has a lot going on. With this new knowledge, you can experience your overall sexual health in a whole new way. And that works perfectly well without a partner, too.

Since sex has been shown in studies to be healthy, solo sex is also a real health booster: research at Wilkes University in the U.S. found that the release of sex hormones during orgasm doubles the number of killer cells in the blood. Sex—alone or with a partner—not only brings pleasure and serves reproduction but also strengthens the immune system.

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