Sexual Health Reproductive Health Issues Vaginal Health What You Should Know About the Clitoris By 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 Jennifer Whitlock, RN, MSN, FN Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD on October 15, 2019 linkedin Brian Levine, MD, MS, FACOG, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Learn about our Medical Review Board Brian Levine, MD Updated on October 26, 2019 Print The clitoris is a structure about the size of a pea located at the top of a woman's vulva, above the urethral opening. Location of the Clitoris The vulva is a single term used to describe all of the external female genital organs. Grouped around the vagina (an internal organ), these organs include the labia majora, the labia minora, the clitoris, the vestibule of the vagina, the bulb of the vestibule, and the glands of Bartholin. The two sets of labia (lips) form an oval shape around the vagina. The labia minora are smaller and surround the vagina. The labia majora are larger, and, after puberty, the outer portion of the labia majora are covered with pubic hair. The clitoris is located at the point where the labia majora meet (near the pubic bone). Clitoris Anatomy and Function Role in Sexual Pleasure In certain ways, the female clitoris can be compared to the male penis. Unlike the penis, however, the clitoris does not have a direct role in reproduction. The clitoris is extremely sensitive to being touched for sexual stimulation. In some women, the clitoris becomes slightly enlarged (or engorged) during sexual activity, and this already sensitive tissue comes even more reactive. The clitoris is responsible for feelings of sexual pleasure when stimulated, and, for many women, clitoral stimulation is how they are able to experience an orgasm. Some women are unable to experience an orgasm from penetration alone. For those women, having the clitoris touched in a pleasurable manner may be the only way an orgasm is possible. For women who can orgasm through penetration, stimulating the clitoris may improve the strength of their orgasm. Associated Conditions Like most organs, the clitoris is susceptible to a variety of disorders. Some are very mild and treatable; others are more serious. The most common include: Soreness due to vigorous sex or masturbationItch due to reactions to soaps, cleansers, or lotionsPain due to injury to the clitoris itself or to the vulvaPain or itching due to infections of the vulva or vagina, such as yeast infections or sexually transmitted diseasesPain and/or itching related to vulvar cancerPain related to persistent engorgement of the clitoris Most clitoral conditions can be treated with creams or a course of antibiotics. Serious issues, such as melanomas or other cancers, may appear as a lump or bump. If you have concerns, consult your physician or OB/GYN. In rare cases, you may be referred to another specialist. Female Circumcision Female circumcision, also known as female genital mutilation (FGM) removes the clitoris to prevent the woman from feeling sexual pleasure. This type of mutilation is often done as a girl reaches puberty. Female genital mutilation is believed by those who practice it to reduce the chances of a woman cheating on her partner as sex is no longer as pleasurable as it would be with an intact clitoris. This practice has been outlawed in many places but still continues, typically (but not exclusively) in African countries. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article 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. Farage M, Maibach H. Lifetime changes in the vulva and vagina. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2006;273(4):195-202. doi:10.1007/s00404-005-0079-x Pauls RN. Anatomy of the clitoris and the female sexual response. Clin Anat. 2015;28(3):376-84. doi:10.1002/ca.22524 Gordon AS. Clitoral pain: the great unexplored pain in women. J Sex Marital Ther. 2002;28 Suppl 1:123-8. doi:10.1080/00926230252851249 Puppo V. Female genital mutilation and cutting: An anatomical review and alternative rites. Clin Anat. 2017;30(1):81-88. doi:10.1002/ca.22763 Additional Reading Katz VL. Reproductive anatomy: Gross and microscopic, clinical correlations. In: Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Katz VL. eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2012: chap 3.