Understanding the Clitoris: Myths and Realities Explained
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Chapter 1: Debunking Clitoral Myths
Let's address a significant misconception: the notion of the "vaginal orgasm."
Artwork: © Carlyn Beccia | www.CarlynBeccia.com
Historically, men’s discovery of the clitoris led to severe consequences for women. In 1486, The Malleus Maleficarum, a guide for witch hunters, claimed that finding a small protrusion between a woman's labia indicated she was a witch. This so-called "devil's teat" was believed to be a source of supernatural power for Satan and his followers.
The stigma surrounding the clitoris continued for centuries. In 1593, Alice Samuel was subjected to a humiliating examination and later executed for witchcraft after her clitoris was discovered. Fast forward to the early 20th century, and medical professionals linked the clitoris to "hysteria," often resulting in clitorectomies as a misguided treatment.
This history of shame and misunderstanding underscores why the clitoris remained hidden for so long. Now, it's time to dispel the most pervasive myths that persist today.
Section 1.1: Myth 1 - The Clitoris is Just a Button
The clitoris is often misunderstood, as 90% of it lies beneath the surface. What many think is the entirety of the clitoris is actually just the glans, comparable to the head of a penis. The complete structure of the clitoris can measure around 5.1 inches (12.95 cm).
This calls for a medical illustration!
Artwork: © Carlyn Beccia | www.CarlynBeccia.com
While you might refer to the glans clitoris as a "button," I prefer the term "door knocker"—a reminder to always ask permission before entering. Please refrain from using terms like "pea" or "devil's teat," which diminish the complexity of this organ. Imagine if a woman only focused on the head of your penis while ignoring the rest!
Section 1.2: Myth 2 - Vaginal and Clitoral Orgasms are Different
This myth irks me to no end! The false dichotomy between "clitoral orgasms" and "vaginal orgasms" traces back to Freud, who erroneously classified the former as immature and the latter as superior. In reality, the vaginal orgasm is simply the clitoral network engaged during penetration.
Think of it this way: just as food tastes good thanks to taste buds rather than the mouth itself, pleasure comes from the clitoris, not merely from vaginal penetration.
The first video, "6 G-Spot Myths Women Wish Men Would Stop Believing," addresses common misconceptions about female pleasure and anatomy.
Section 1.3: Myth 3 - The G-Spot is Separate from the Clitoris
If a woman feels sensitivity near her "G-spot," it’s again linked to the clitoral network rather than a distinct entity. The G-spot is situated on the anterior wall of this network. The ongoing debate around female ejaculation is complex, with research indicating that it originates from a combination of the Skene's glands and the urethral sponge.
It's important to distinguish between female ejaculation and "squirting," which is a different phenomenon primarily involving fluid from the bladder and urethra.
The second video, "6 Surprising Myths You Need to Know About the Clitoris," further unravels common misunderstandings about female anatomy.
Section 1.4: Myth 4 - Cervical Orgasm and Clitoral Stimulation
The cervix connects the vagina to the uterus and does have pressure nerves, but these are not touch-sensitive. Many women derive pleasure from cervical stimulation, but this is often due to the clitoral bulbs being stimulated through the vaginal walls.
Section 1.5: Myth 5 - The Clitoris Has 8000 Nerve Endings
The claim that the clitoris possesses 8000 nerve endings is often cited, but this figure originates from studies on animals, not humans. Recent research has mapped the clitoral network and indicated that it may have over 10,000 nerve endings—more than previously thought.
It's time to give the clitoris the recognition it deserves, as it plays a critical role in female pleasure. Remember, while the vagina is essential for reproduction, the clitoris reigns supreme in the domain of pleasure.
Artwork: © Carlyn Beccia | www.CarlynBeccia.com
Carlyn Beccia is an award-winning author and illustrator of 13 books. For more articles by her, visit her Table of Contents.
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