The History of the Clitoris & Why it’s the Route to Women’s Pleasure

For centuries, the clitoris has been cloaked in mystery, misunderstood, misrepresented, or, worse, completely ignored. But most importantly, I bet you didn’t know that the clitoris is the epicentre of sexual pleasure for most people with vulvas. Yet, its history is riddled with erasure, shame and confusion.

So, how did we get here? And why is reclaiming the clitoris such a radical (and necessary) act?

💋A quick anatomy recap

The visible part of the clitoris – the small nub at the top of the vulva – is just the tip of the iceberg. The whole structure is around 9-11cm long and shaped like a wishbone, with internal crura (legs) and bulbs that swell during arousal. It contains over 8,000 nerve endings (and counting), more than any other part of the human body, and its sole purpose is pleasure.

⏱️A (frustrating) timeline of clitoral erasure

Middle Ages to Renaissance

Medical texts written by men gradually reduced the clit to an “unnecessary” organ and female pleasure was seen as dangerous and sinful.

Victorian Era

The clitoris was demonised and pathologised, and masturbation was considered a disease. In extreme cases, clitoral removal was recommended to “cure” women of hysteria.

20th Century

It’s sad to say that even in medical texts, the clitoris barely gets a mention. It wasn’t fully mapped until 1998, when urologist Helen O’Connell published detailed research on its internal structure.

Modern Day

We’re finally seeing a pleasure revolution happening and many people acknowledging the clitoris in all its glory. However, many people still grow up without ever learning about their clitoris, let alone how to enjoy it, touch it or feel less shame around asking to be touched there. Many people still believe that they are broken if they do not experience orgasm through penetration, when the real route to pleasure is through the clitoris.

💦Why the Clitoris is the route to women’s pleasure

For most vulva owners, the clitoris is the key to orgasm and pleasure. Yet mainstream sex education and media still push the idea that penetrative sex is the only goal, often sidelining external stimulation entirely.

It’s estimated that only about 25-33% of those with a vulva and vagina are capable of achieving orgasm from penetration alone. It’s hypothesised that the reason for this is based on a person’s anatomy and how the clitoris is being stimulated through penetrative sex, also known as the G-Spot. The proximity of the glands of the clitoris to the opening of the vagina may impact this.

In a study done by, researchers explored a newly identified anatomical structure on the anterior vaginal wall, which some believe could explain what we often refer to as the G-Spot. While its exact existence and definition are still debated, what’s clear is that internal stimulation, especially during penetration, can activate deeper sensations for some people. This is likely due to the internal structure of the clitoris, which wraps around the vaginal canal and can be indirectly stimulated from within. So, what we call a “G-Spot orgasm” might be another way the clitoris is being brought into the spotlight, quite literally.

🤲Reconnecting with your Clitoris

Whether you’re exploring solo or with a partner, tuning into clitoral stimulation can feel like coming home to yourself. Here are a few ways to start:

• Use a mirror: Get to know your anatomy – your way.
• Experiment with touch: Try different types of pressure, motion, temperature, and lube.
• Try a toy: From gentle suction vibes to precision wands, clit toys are your friends.
• Make it mindful: Breathe, slow down, and stay curious.

🧠 Mind-blowing Clitoris facts from medical history

1. The Full Structure Wasn’t Mapped Until 1998: It took until the late 20th century for Helen O’Connell, an Australian urologist (the first female urologist, might I add), to conduct an in-depth MRI scans and reveal the clitoris’s actual size and structure, including the internal legs (crura) and bulbs.

2. It’s Still Missing from Many Anatomy Textbooks: Despite all this, many school sex ed books and even some anatomy resources continue to leave out the whole internal structure of the clitoris.

3. Some Medical Professionals Still Lack Training: A 2020 study found that many medical students receive little to no training in clitoral anatomy or female sexual function, leaving a huge gap in sexual health knowledge.

In a world that has historically silenced, controlled, and erased women’s bodies, choosing pleasure is powerful. Educating ourselves and others about the clitoris helps dismantle outdated myths, empower generations, and rewrite sexual scripts rooted in equality and autonomy.

Let’s keep talking about it, touching it, teaching it, and celebrating it.

Because the clit isn’t a secret. It’s the main event.

April Maria

Author

April Maria is a qualified sex educator, sex and relationships coach and training psychosexual and relationships therapist. For the last four years, April has been working in the field of sex education, sex tech and pleasure, endometriosis awareness and helping others when it comes to sexual wellness, intimacy, dating and relationships.