psy: Clitoris

Evidence: 100 • authority: 72

In amniotes, the clitoris ( KLIT-ər-iss or klih-TOR-iss; pl.: clitorises or clitorides) is a female sex organ. In humans, it is the vulva's most erogenous area and generally the primary anatomical source of female sexual pleasure. The clitoris is a complex structure, and its size and sensitivity can vary. The visible portion, the glans, of the clitoris is typically roughly the size and shape of a pea and is estimated to have more than 10,000 nerve endings. Sometimes in common speech, clitoris or clit is used to solely reference the glans. Sexological, medical, and psychological debate has focused on the clitoris, and it has been subject to social constructionist analyses and studies. Such d…

Evidence: 69 • authority: 88

(001) How many Nerve Fibers Innervate the Human Clitoris? A Histomorphometric Evaluation of the Dorsal Nerve of the Clitoris. Abstract Introduction It is frequently quoted in mainstream media that the clitoris has “8000 nerve endings”. However, no study has yet quantified the number of nerve fibers (axons) innervating the human clitoris. The dorsal nerve of the clitoris (DNC) is the primary source of somatic clitoral innervation. Reporting the number of axons in the DNC is an important step in our understanding of clitoral innervation and sexual response with implications for many fields of medical practice. Reconstruction following iatrogenic injuries to the dorsal clitoral nerve and resto…

Evidence: 69 • authority: 72

Orgasm (from Greek ὀργασμός, orgasmos; "excitement, swelling"), sexual climax, or simply climax, is the sudden release of accumulated sexual excitement during the sexual response cycle, characterized by intense sexual pleasure resulting in rhythmic, involuntary muscular contractions in the pelvic region. Orgasms are controlled by the involuntary or autonomic nervous system and are experienced by both males and females; the body's response includes muscular spasms (in multiple areas), a general euphoric sensation, and, frequently, body movements and vocalizations. The period after orgasm (known as the resolution phase) is typically a relaxing experience due to the release of the neurohormone…

Evidence: 49 • authority: 92

Potential analgesic function of the clitoris in pregnant women: A feasibility study.. Currently, the clitoris is considered to exist solely for sexual pleasure. This prospective, single-centre pilot study focuses on and evaluates an alternative function of the clitoris; pain relief during pregnancy and childbirth. Conducted between 2020 and 2023 at Rouen University Hospital, France, this feasibility study challenges the assertion of the singular function of the clitoris. The primary aim was to assess the acceptability of an intervention focusing on the potential analgesic function of the clitoris. The secondary aim was to assess pain relief. Pregnant women were offered the option of self-ex…

Evidence: 49 • authority: 72

Clitoral erection (also known as clitoral tumescence or female erection) is a physiological phenomenon where the clitoris becomes enlarged and firm, the female equivalent of a penile erection. Clitoral erection is the result of a complex interaction of psychological, neural, vascular, and endocrine factors, and is usually, though not exclusively, associated with sexual arousal or sexual activity. Erections should eventually subside, and the prolonged state of clitoral erection even while not aroused is a condition that could become painful. This swelling and shrinking to a relaxed state seems linked to nitric oxide's effects on tissues in the clitoris, similar to its effect on the male Erec…

Evidence: 49 • authority: 80

The human clitoris is an object of beauty, pleasure and intrigue

Evidence: 49 • authority: 80

‘Get Some Rhythm Round the Clitoris’: Addressing Sexual Pleasure in Sexuality Education in Schools and other Youth Settings

Evidence: 49 • authority: 92

What interests children about sexuality?: exploring narratives and questions from primary school children in Spain.. Background In recent decades, international organisations have advocated for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in school curricula, emphasising its role in equipping children with knowledge, skills, and values for informed, healthy, and respectful decisions about sexuality. Despite this, CSE programmes often focus on adolescence, adopting a preventive approach centred on risks like HIV and unintended pregnancies, while neglecting topics such as pleasure, gender diversity, and decision-making. This study explores the interests and questions of primary school children (ag…