The female body has at least 18 erogenous zones (Sorry Monica, that’s 11 more than what you counted).
The Clitoris: What is it Exactly? And Where is it Located?
The clitoris is one of the most sensitive erogenous zones. It is a part of the external female genitalia called the vulva and is attached to the labia (aka the lips). It is located above the vaginal opening, right where the labia majora meets the pubic bone.
Interestingly, whatever little we see of the clitoris is just the tip of the iceberg. Internally, the clitoris contains the corpora, crura, vestibular bulbs, and root, which wrap around the urethra and extend to the top of the vagina.
That being said the external part of the clitoris is where all the magic happens. It contains the bud (glans clitoris) that is the size of a pea (and is shaped like the wishbone) and is covered by a clitoral hood (prepuce).
Also, while we are on the topic, it is worth mentioning that the clitoral hood varies in size, shape, color, and degree of coverage. That’s primarily what makes every vulva unique – but we digress.
The Role of Clitoris in Female Sexual Pleasure
Allow us to get a little clinical here. The primary objective of the clitoris is rather straightforward – sexual arousal and granting pleasure. And while exact specifics, mechanisms, and pathways of the clitoral function are yet to be known (and are debated to some extent), it is a well-established fact that it contains nearly 8,000 sensory nerve endings. This innervated nature of the clitoris makes it highly sensitive and offers a heightened response upon stimulation.
In some people, the clitoris enlarges during sexual activity, making it even more sensitive and improving the chances of climaxing. The blood flow towards the clitoris also redirects to the vaginal walls, enhancing pleasure. Research indicates that the elusive G-spot is closely linked to the clitoris. Unsurprisingly, several individuals require clitoral stimulation to achieve orgasm.
Upon understanding the role of the clitoris in female sexual pleasure, it can be easier to draw parallels between the clitoris and the penis. Both can expand and get erect on getting the required blood flow and are covered by a sheath of connective tissue. However, unlike the penis, the clitoris plays no direct role in reproduction.
Interestingly, the clitoris is the female equivalent of the penis as both originate from the common developmental tissues during the fetal development stage.
Related: Why it hurts during sex
Guide for Stimulating the Clitoris to Derive Maximum Pleasure
Now that you know more about the clitoris, let us translate this knowledge into pleasure. Whether you are flying solo or giving/receiving clitoral stimulation, here is your guide to bringing your O-game:
- Set the mood and get comfortable – play some soft music (or hard rock – you do you – pun intended), light up those aromatic candles that you have been saving up for a special day, read/watch something arousing, and cosy up (it’s hard to orgasm if your leg is cramping!). Offer your body the chance to warm up to the idea of getting pleasure.
- Indulge in some foreplay or self-stimulation by massaging the various other erogenous parts of the body. We’ve gone over a few of these – nipples, lips, nape, etc. – go over them, literally. And for reference, you always have Monica’s chart.
- Before diving right in and taking a stab at the clitoris, serve the areas surrounding it. Place your/your partner’s fingers (or tongue/mouth or toy or showerhead – you decide) and stimulate it and make sure to use a lubrication to maximize pleasure. Engage the clitoral hood too.
- Once the area around the clitoris is ready, focus your attention on the clitoris itself (hopefully, by now, it will be begging for it) and start stimulating it by gently and softly touching it. Be aware of your bodily responses and communicate what feels good.
- When you start feeling ‘good,’ get more creative (yeah, get those creative juices flowing) and replace the touches with gentle strokes, light taps, back and forth stimulations, and circular motions.
- In all likelihood, you would be producing arousal fluid (have we done the play on “creative juices” already? Yes. Are we going to use it again? Heck, yes!) that will lubricate the area and make stimulation easier (and more exciting). You may even use lube to make movement easier.
- Take your time. You may not feel stimulated or get off every time you play with the clit, and that’s okay. The point is to unwind and have some fun (and try again and again and again)!
Related: Things you may or may not know about female masturbation.
Remember to dispel any guilt, taboo, or untoward notion one may have about sexual activity, be it having sex or masturbating. Wanting sexual pleasure is perfectly normal and we’re glad you’re here (or should we say we’re glad you “came”?)
What according to you can give you maximum pleasure?
Also Read: How to Clean After Sex to Avoid Infections
