This is a great question! People who were born with female reproductive organs have a clitoris. The clitoris is a small sensory organ that is made up of nerves and erectile tissue (tissue that sends good sensations when touched). Surprisingly, the clit is the only organ in the body that is completely devoted to pleasure. It’s a pretty amazing body part!
While people often think of the clitoris as a small “button” at the top of the vulva, the clitoris actually extends 9 to 11 centimeters inside your body in a boomerang or wishbone shape. The part of the clitoris that is visible from the outside is called the “glans clitoris,” a small bundle of flesh and thousands of sensitive nerve endings. The glans is part of the vulva! But since the glans is positioned right where your fleshy inner labia meet, and ranges in size from around 1 to 2 centimeters depending on the person, it can be hard to find at first.
If you can’t see your clitoris by looking with a hand mirror, it may be hidden under the clitoral hood – a small flap of skin where the inner labia meet. First, you can try lifting up the skin at the top of your vulva, very gently. If you are in a private place and feel comfortable doing so, you can also try stimulating the area with your fingers – though it is small, the clitoris becomes erect when aroused, and may be easier to find.
If you are still having trouble finding your clitoris, you should check in with your health care provider about your concerns. Everyone’s vulva is a little bit different. Your health care provider (HCP) will be able to answer your questions in a confidential, physically safe, and emotionally safe way.
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