Clitoral size and orgasm in women

---

Extract from the article: La taille du clitoris a-t-elle un impact sur le plaisir féminin ? Une étude américaine, publiée dans le « Journal of Sexual Medicine » s'est penchée sur les rapports entre la taille du clitoris et la capacité à atteindre l'orgasme. D’après l'étude, n

---

Does the size of the clitoris have an impact on female pleasure? An American study published in the « Journal of Sexual Medicine » has examined the relationship between the size of the clitoris and the ability to reach orgasm. According to the study, it is not known whether it is the anatomy of the clitoris that influences orgasm or whether, on the contrary, it is orgasm that influences the size of the clitoris.

The clitoris measures around 11 cm along its entire length. But only the glans is visible in the vulva. In fact, it's not all that visible, as it's usually hidden under the bonnet. You have to slide the cap upwards, towards the pubis, to see it. The average size of the glans is 3 to 5 mm.

During arousal, the erection of the clitoris mainly concerns the body of the clitoris, just behind the glans, which becomes more prominent and therefore more visible and easier to feel. The glans also fills with blood, becoming firmer without really increasing in size. At the same time, in the deeper structures, the vestibular bulbs swell.

Are all clitoral erections the same?

The erection of the body of the clitoris varies greatly: some women have weak, barely perceptible erections, while others have very pronounced ones, with the glans showing its erection in the vulva.What's more, the erection of a woman's clitoris can vary, depending on her level of arousal as well as a number of other factors, such as tiredness.

Are there cases where the clitoris is too big or too small? Why is this a problem?

Even if it's small, the clitoral glans remains functional, i.e. capable of giving a great deal of pleasure and leading to clitoral orgasm.Rarely (less than 1 in 1000 women), the glans is non-existent and therefore non-functional, i.e. the woman feels no sensation when the area is stimulated.

Sometimes the clitoris is larger. Surprisingly, as soon as it is more than 1.5 cm long, it takes on the appearance of a penis glans.This is understandable, as the penis and clitoris have the same embryonic origin. When it measures a few centimetres at rest, it really does look like a penis, with a collar at the base of the glans.During erection, the body of the clitoris doubles in length, protruding from the vulva and eventually coming into contact with the partner's pubis. This is known as an enlarged clitoris.Women with a large clitoris generally discover it more easily, and come sooner.

Can the size of the clitoris have an impact on a woman's orgasm?

Orgasm is the physiological response that occurs at the peak of sexual arousal.In particular, orgasm releases two neuropeptides, oxytocin and prolactin, which provoke a profound feeling of well-being.It is also often synonymous with extreme enjoyment.There are no studies to answer this question.On the one hand, there are few studies on the clitoris; on the other hand, orgasm is a subjective concept in which each person is self-determining.There are few recognised clinical signs that can be used to define orgasm. As far as clitoral orgasm is concerned, the size of the clitoris is not a factor. The main obstacle to this orgasm is psychological.

Some sexologists explain that, during penetration, the vestibular bulbs, which are in contact with the vagina, are stimulated and, as the clitoris is very sensitive, it plays a part in vaginal orgasm.Incorrect.

The anatomy of the clitoris shows extensive innervation of the glans, but the vestibular bulbs and the pillars of the clitoris are hardly innervated at all and are therefore probably insensitive.The vestibular bulbs are highly erectile structures.When aroused, they swell with blood and are visible in some women, laterally, in the vulva just at the entrance to the vagina. This swelling is never mentioned as an erogenous zone. Sometimes the swelling is even moderately painful.

Does the size of the clitoris matter?

According to current knowledge, a generous clitoris encourages early discovery of its powerful erogenous function.But a discreet clitoris has the same potential.Researchers have discovered that anorgasmic women have a smaller clitoral glans, the part that appears when the clitoris is uncapped.  In their view, the size and location of the clitoris can affect the positions preferred by women, since they influence contact with the clitoris.Anorgasmic women prefer the missionary position, while those who have no problem reaching orgasm prefer a dominant position.

Female orgasm suggests that position also seems to have an impact: the more dominant the position, the greater the chance of orgasm.Perhaps women without orgasms have a smaller clitoris, but if they stand on top of their husbands, they can stimulate their clitoris better and thus compensate for the fact that it is smaller.

William O.

Source: Dr Susan Oakley, Urogynaecologist at St Elizabeth Medical Center North (USA) & Jean-Claude Piquard, Clinical Sexologist (France)/ Santé Magazine