Sexual Health Reproductive Health Issues Vaginal Health Where Is the Clit? The clitoris is the part of the female genitalia responsible for pleasure By Jennifer Whitlock, RN, MSN, FN Jennifer Whitlock, RN, MSN, FN LinkedIn Jennifer Whitlock, RN, MSN, FNP-C, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. She has experience in primary care and hospital medicine. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 28, 2023 Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Anita Sadaty, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist at North Shore University Hospital and founder of Redefining Health Medical. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Location Structure Variations Role Conditions Medical Tests Frequently Asked Questions The clitoris, or "clit," is located at the point where the labia majora (the outer lips of the genitals of people assigned female at birth) meet near the pubic bone. Most of the clitoris is inside the body, but it has a small nub called the glans clitoris that you can see from the outside. The clit plays a key role in sexual stimulation and pleasure. It develops from the same structures in the human embryo as the penis does and is similarly sensitive to touch and arousal. This article discusses the clitoris, its location, structure, and function. It also explains some health issues that can affect the clitoris. Westend61 / Getty Images Clitoris Location and Female Anatomy To best understand exactly where the clitoris is, it helps to know what is around it. The vulva encompasses all external female genital organs. The vagina is an internal organ. The parts of the vulva are located around the vagina. These organs include the clitoris, as well as: The labia majora, the larger/outer lipsThe labia minora, the smaller/inner lipsThe vestibule of the vagina, the area that surrounds the vaginaThe bulb of the vestibule found on either side of the vaginaThe glands of Bartholin, which secrete mucus to lubricate the vagina The clitoris is attached to the labia and structures called the pubic symphysis and the mons pubis (a pad of fatty tissue) by ligaments. They keep the clitoris in its bent position. In gender-affirming surgery to construct a penis, these ligaments are released to allow the clitoris to straighten and increase in length. What Is the Vulva? Structure of the Clitoris The parts of the clitoris you can see include: Glans clitoris: This small part of the clitoris is located at the top of the vulva. It's packed with nerves and highly sensitive to stimulation.Clitoral hood (prepuce): This fold of skin covers the glans clitoris. It is technically a part of the labia minora, but is sometimes included in the clitoral anatomy. The internal parts of the clitoris wrap around the urethra (the tube that allows urine to exit your body) and extend to the top of the vagina. These parts include: Body (corpora): The body of the clitoris is relatively short. It is made up of two paired cylinders of erectile tissue called corpora.Crura: The corpora each branch into long crura. The crura reach about 5 to 9 centimeters (cm) into the pelvis. They are made up of erectile tissue and surround the urethra and vaginal canal.Bulbs: The bulbs of the clitoris also are made up of erectile tissue. They are found between the crura and next to the surface of the vaginal wall, along the line of the labia minora. The bulbs can double in size during sexual arousal, going from 3 to 4 cm flaccid to about 7 cm erect.Root: The root is where all of the nerves from each of the erectile bodies of the clitoris come together. Close to the surface of the body at the juncture of the crura, this area is very sensitive. The back portion of the clitoral root is near the opening of the urethra. The erectile function of clitoral tissue requires blood flow and the clitoris is well supplied with blood vessels. The body of the clitoris is covered by the tunica albuginea, a sheath of connective tissue. Clitoral function also relies on the following nerves: The dorsal nerve Parts of the pudendal nerve The cavernous nerves These supply the structures of the vagina. This may be part of why stimulating the clitoris leads to sexual arousal. Anatomical Variations There are differences in how the genitals develop in some people. These are called intersex conditions. Some of these involve changes to the clitoris and how it looks at birth. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, for example, may lead to a larger clitoris that looks more like a penis. Surgeons have "corrected" these differences in the past. Many now recommend postponing surgery until a person is old enough to decide this for themselves. The exception is when these anatomical differences make urination difficult or impossible. That is a problem that needs to be corrected surgically for medical reasons. What Is Intersex? Role of the Clitoris in Sexual Pleasure The primary function of the clitoris is sexual arousal and pleasure during sex. There is still some debate about the role of clitoral anatomy in sexual function and orgasm. The specific pathways for how the clitoris affects arousal and orgasm are not entirely understood. In some people, the clitoris becomes slightly enlarged during sexual activity. When this happens, it becomes even more sensitive. Stimulation of the clitoris may also directly affect blood flow to the other genital organs, including the vaginal walls. This and other changes prepare the vagina for penetrative sex. It also makes the internal environment more conducive to the fertilization of an egg by sperm. Many people need to have the clitoris stimulated to achieve or enhance an orgasm. Differences Between Sexual Arousal and Desire Conditions Affecting the Clitoris 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 symptoms of these conditions include: Soreness from sexual stimulation Itching caused by soaps, cleansers, or lotions Pain from injury or infection Pain or itching from vulvar cancer Pain from long-term engorgement Most conditions affecting the clitoris, including yeast infections or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can be treated. Depending on the cause, a healthcare provider may suggest antibiotics or creams soothe irritation. General signs that you might have an STI include: Painful urination Abnormal vaginal discharge or odor Vaginal itching Painful sex Vaginal bleeding (not related to one’s menstrual cycle) Sores or warts on the genital area There are a few conditions that can directly affect the structure or health of the clitoris as well. Clitoromegaly This is the name for a larger-than-typical clitoris. It may not need to be treated in infants. However, when it arises in childhood, it is often due to neurofibromatosis, a disorder in which tumors form on nerve tissues. This can be treated surgically if needed. Lichen Sclerosus Lichen sclerosus is a condition characterized by patches of white, thin skin. It can, in rare cases, cause scarring of the genitals. In severe cases, the scar tissue may affect the function of the clitoris. Overview of Lichen Sclerosus Skin Disorder 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 appear to 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 of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and endometrial cancer. Medical Tests It's unlikely that you'll need any medical tests for issues involving the clitoris. If there are changes in its size or shape, a biopsy may help to determine the cause. For some people at risk of a spreading cancer, imaging may be used too. The one exception is when infants are born with clitoromegaly. Healthcare providers will often try to determine the cause of the enlarged clitoris. This may involve blood tests to check hormone levels or genetic tests to look for different potential intersex conditions. Understanding the cause may offer insight into a child's later expression of gender identity. How to Keep Your Clitoris Healthy You can keep your clitoris healthy by protecting yourself from STIs and having regular pelvic exams. This type of gynecological exam may be done to help diagnose a medical condition when you're having symptoms or as part of a routine check-up. 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 a small external nub. Health issues related to the clitoris are relatively rare and, in most cases, easily treated. Frequently Asked Questions What is an internal clitoris? The internal clitoris describes the portions of the organ located inside the body. These account for most of its size and contain all of its erectile tissue. How do you find the clitoris? The glans clitoris (external clitoris) is located above the urethral opening at the junction of the labia minor (inner labia). It is covered by a retractable clitoral hood. The rest is internal and connects to the glans. How big is the clitoris? The length from the tip of the glans to the end of each crura is approximately 9 cm (4 inches). The external glans is about 2.5 cm (about 3/4 inch to 1 inch) and has a similar diameter. What is female circumcision? Female circumcision is the removal of the clitoris to prevent a woman from feeling sexual pleasure. It is traditionally practiced in some African, Middle Eastern, and Asian countries and is often done when a girl reaches puberty. It is considered a type of female genital mutilation (FGM). Though illegal in many places today, it still continues in some countries. 11 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Baskin L, Shen J, Sinclair A, et al. Development of the human penis and clitoris. Differentiation. 2018;103:74-85. doi:10.1016/j.diff.2018.08.001 Mazloomdoost D, Pauls RN. A comprehensive review of the clitoris and its role in female sexual function. Sex Med Rev. 2015;3(4):245-263. doi: 10.1002/smrj.61 Pauls RN. Anatomy of the clitoris and the female sexual response. Clin Anat. 2015;28(3):376-84. doi:10.1002/ca.22524 Parada M, D'Amours T, Amsel R, Pink L, Gordon A, Binik YM. Clitorodynia: a descriptive study of clitoral pain. J Sex Med. 2015;12(8):1772-80. doi:doi.org/10.1111/jsm.12934 Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PA, et al. Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021;70(4):1-187. doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr7004a1 MedlinePlus. Sexually transmitted diseases. Yesodharan D, Sudarsanan B, Jojo A, et al. Plexiform neurofibroma of clitoris. J Pediatr Genet. 2017;6(4):244-246. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1602789 Aerts L, Rubin RS, Randazzo M, Goldstein SW, Goldstein I. Retrospective study of the prevalence and risk factors of clitoral adhesions: women’s health providers should routinely examine the glans clitoris. Sexual Medicine. 2018;6(2):115-122. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2018.01.003 Julien V, Labadie M, Gauthier G, Ronger-savle S. Clitoral metastasis from ductal breast cancer revealing metastases in multiple sites and review of the literature. J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2012;16(1):66-9. doi:10.1097/LGT.0b013e3182293a2f Filho AC, Garbeloto E, Santiago KC de SD, da Motta LL. Endometrial carcinoma metastatic to the clitoris: A case report. Gynecologic Oncology Case Reports. 2014;8:1-3. doi:10.1016/j.gynor.2013.12.002 World Health Organization. Female genital mutilation. Additional Reading Fisher AD, Ristori J, Fanni E, Castellini G, Forti G, Maggi M. Gender identity, gender assignment and reassignment in individuals with disorders of sex development: a major of dilemma. J Endocrinol Invest. 2016;39(11):1207-1224. doi:10.1007/s40618-016-0482-0 By Jennifer Whitlock, RN, MSN, FN Jennifer Whitlock, RN, MSN, FNP-C, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. She has experience in primary care and hospital medicine. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit