Clitoris
Hear this word Clitoris
Also known as: Clit, bean, pearl, sweet spot
Image description: The external part of the clitoris at the top of the vulva.
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What Is It?
The clitoris is a sensitive part of the body with many nerve endings. The nerve endings in a person's clitoris may help them to experience sexual pleasure. For some people, it feels good when their clitoris is touched or rubbed.
The clitoris has parts that are outside of the body, and parts that are inside the body. The outer part of the clitoris is located at the top of the vulva, above the opening to the urethra. The outer part of the clitoris is called the clitoral glans or simply, the clitoris.
The outer part of the clitoris can be different sizes. It can be the size of a pea to the size of a thumb. The clitoris also has parts inside the body called the shaft and the crura. The clitoris can swell in size and become firmer during sexual arousal. The clitoral hood is a pouch of skin that covers and protects the outer part of the clitoris.
An Example
Sometimes, when Kai is lying in their bed at night, they like to masturbate. Kai likes to masturbate by rubbing the outer part of the clitoris with their finger.
What to Know
Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.
- Some people like to touch or rub their clitoris with their hand because it feels good to them. Some people may choose to use a vibrator or a similar sex toy on or near their clitoris instead.
- If a person wants to touch or rub their clitoris or other parts of their vulva with their hand or a vibrator, this should always be done in a private space, like in their bedroom or in the bathroom with the door closed.
- As a person with a clitoris becomes more sexually aroused, the clitoris will go through changes. The clitoris swells and increases in size. The clitoris may become firmer or erect. When this happens, the glans may move out from under the clitoral hood. If the clitoris becomes very sensitive and needs more protection, the glans of the clitoris may move back underneath the clitoral hood.
- Inside the body, the crura of the clitoris may also swell and increase in size during sexual arousal. Since the crura wraps around the vagina, it may feel good for some people when the vaginal walls press against these internal parts of the clitoris.
Think about
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Have you heard people talk about the clitoris before?
The clitoris is a body part that people could talk about more! It often is not discussed in society or in school. However, it is a natural part of the body that is specifically for pleasure!
The clitoris is a body part that is only for pleasure. What do you think about that?
To learn more about the body, explore websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub or visit other parts of Your Sexual Health Toolkit like our online game, Our Stories, Our Journeys: A Sexual Health Game!