Here are six facts about the female clitoris:
1. The clitoris has a higher sensitivity than the penis
According to the Museum of Sex, the little organ includes roughly 8,000 sensory nerve fibers, which is near twice the quantity found in the head of the penis. “The clitoral glans have more nerve endings than any other place on the human body,” Millheiser says. That’s why direct pressure on the clitoris might seem overly forceful, even painful in certain situations, rather than enjoyable. “Women will tell you that direct stimulation is quite unpleasant,” she explains. Stimulating the hood of the clitoris (the skin covering it) may be more effective for arousal, especially beginning foreplay.
2. It’s longer than you think
The clitoris may appear to be a little knob, but it has more beneath the surface, much like an iceberg. According to Millheiser, it’s 11 cm long on average (over 4 inches), so you can’t see most of it. “What you see is the clitoral glans, but there is another 10 cm that surrounds the vagina,” she explains to SELF. “It splits into ‘legs,’ somewhat like a wishbone.” Ultrasound research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine reveals that the G-spot is part of the clitoris.
3. It should not stick out
“If women find that their clitoris is protruding out from beneath the clitoral hood in its resting condition, or if they’ve noted a recent rise in size in a non-aroused state, it might be a symptom of a cyst or benign lump, or it could be a sign of too much testosterone,” Millheiser notes. “Your doctor should look at that.”
4. It will not necessarily remain the same size throughout your life
Because of the decline in the sex chemicals estrogen and testosterone as women approach and enter menopause, some vulvovaginal atrophy is expected. As a result, the clitoris shrinks. Unfortunately, this makes climaxing more complex or takes longer. When you do, orgasms are frequently not as intense.
5. It isn’t always in the same place for all women
And where it is positioned is important. According to a 2014 research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, the further the clitoris is from the vaginal entrance, the more difficult it is for a woman to experience orgasm. The researchers discovered that women whose clitoris was 5 to 6 millimeters (2-2.5 inched) distant from the vaginal entrance reported more it was challenging to experience orgasm. This may explain why some women do not have orgasms and help their partners understand their bodies better.
6. When you’re aroused, it becomes more noticeable
Blood rushes to the clitoris when you’re turned on, causing it to expand. The clitoris is tugged up into the clitoral hood around 30 to 15 seconds before a woman experiences an orgasm. Simultaneously, the top of the vagina swells and widens. There’s a ballooning effect of the upper one-third of the vagina, most likely to provide more space for a penis.
Cosmetic gynecologist and surgeon Dr. Sue Kafali of FemSculpt Cosmetic Gynecology specializes in gynecological plastic surgery & intimate wellness, helping women from Chicago, Illinois and throughout the country improve their intimate function and confidence back. For a complimentary consultation with Dr. Sue Kafali, contact our office today!
About Dr. Sue Kafali
Dr. Sue Kafali is a highly regarded, board-certified Cosmetic Gynecologist and one of the leading labiaplasty and vaginal rejuvenation surgeons in Chicago, Illinois. With more than two decades of experience in women’s reproductive health, Dr. Kafali has helped thousands of women restore both confidence and comfort through advanced cosmetic gynecology procedures.
She is fellowship-trained and accredited in minimally invasive and robotic gynecologic surgery, which brings an unparalleled level of precision and safety to her work. Dr. Kafali is widely recognized as a trusted authority in labiaplasty, vaginal tightening, and comprehensive feminine rejuvenation, making her a top choice for women locally in Chicago as well as patients traveling from across the country.
At FemSculpt Cosmetic Gynecology, the first practice in Chicago dedicated exclusively to female intimate wellness and rejuvenation, Dr. Kafali and her team specialize in treatments that blend medical expertise with aesthetic artistry. From labia minora reduction to nonsurgical vaginal tightening and advanced PRP therapies, every procedure is tailored to a woman’s unique anatomy and goals.
Our mission is simple: to help women feel comfortable, confident, and empowered in their own bodies. Whether addressing functional issues such as vaginal laxity, incontinence, or pain, or enhancing aesthetic concerns for improved confidence and sexual wellness, Dr. Kafali provides compassionate, discreet, and expert care.
Because at FemSculpt, every woman deserves to feel good in her body, and Dr. Sue Kafali is here to help make that possible.