The clitoris is a mysterious and fascinating part of the female anatomy. This tiny yet powerful organ has been controversial and fascinated throughout history. From the first recorded description of the clitoris by Bernard de Mandeville in the 18th century to our current understanding of its anatomy by Dr. Helen O’Connell in the 21st century, the discovery of the clitoris has been a journey of discovery and understanding.
In this blog post, we will explore the history of the clitoris, from its discovery to our current understanding of its anatomy. We will examine how the understanding and perception of the clitoris have changed over time and how these changes have reflected the cultural and societal attitudes toward female sexuality.
The Journey Begins with Bernard de Mandeville
Although the clitoris had existed long before its “discovery,” it was not until the 18th century that it was first described in detail by Bernard de Mandeville. In his book, The Fable of the Bees, de Mandeville described the clitoris as an organ capable of producing sexual pleasure. He saw it as a symbol of female pleasure and power. Unfortunately, his description was met with hostility and condemnation by the medical establishment of the time.
The Great Debate of the 19th Century
The 19th century saw a great debate about the clitoris. Some medical experts saw it as a vestigial organ with no function, while others believed it had a crucial role in female reproductive health. Cultural and societal attitudes toward female sexuality primarily influenced this debate. This was a time when women’s sexuality was seen as dirty and shameful, and the clitoris was considered an unworthy topic of discussion. It wasn’t until the end of the 19th century that the French gynecologist George Papanicolaou first described the clitoris as an essential part of female anatomy.
The Rise of Female Sexual Liberation
The 1960s and 70s saw a significant shift in attitudes towards female sexuality. Women were demanding sexual liberation, and the clitoris became a symbol of this liberation. The feminist movement played a crucial role in this shift, drawing attention to the importance of female sexual pleasure. During this period, Masters and Johnson published their groundbreaking research on female sexual response, which helped dispel many myths surrounding female sexuality and the clitoris.
The Modern Understanding of the Clitoris
Dr. Helen O’Connell, an Australian urologist, played a crucial role in our understanding of the clitoris. In 1998, she published groundbreaking research that provided new insights into the anatomy of the clitoris. This research challenged many previous assumptions about the clitoris, demonstrating that it was much larger and more complex than previously thought. Dr. O’Connell’s research helped to dispel many of the myths surrounding the clitoris and has led to a better understanding of female sexual health.
While most individuals know that the clitoris is located above the vaginal opening, the anatomy of this organ is much more complex. The clitoris is an external organ containing over 8,000 nerve endings. These nerve endings make it one of the most sensitive parts of a woman’s body, instrumental in reaching orgasm during sexual activity.
The clitoris has two parts: the visible external and internal parts that lie beneath the labia minora. The visible external part of the clitoris, known as the glans, is a small protruding structure located at the apex of the labia minora. The size of the glans and the clitoris generally varies from one woman to another, with an average length of 2.5 to 4 centimeters when erect. The clitoris contains several other parts, including two glans, bulbus vestibuli, the shaft, and the pubic bone crura.
The clitoris consists of several tissues, nerves, blood vessels, and muscles. These tissues have various functions that work together to provide sexual arousal, stimulation, and pleasure to women during sexual activity. Two of the most essential structures of the clitoris are the crura and the vestibular bulbs. The crura are two hollow tubes of erectile tissue found on either side of the vaginal opening. The crura fills with blood when the woman is aroused, enlarging the clitoris. The vestibular bulbs are sponge-like structures located beneath the labia minora that contain erectile tissue, which also fills with blood during sexual activity, contributing to the swelling and firmness of the clitoris.
The clitoris, like any other organ, varies in size from woman to woman. On average, the clitoris measures about 12.5 cm². However, in some women, the clitoris is much larger, with some studies reporting the size as much as 3 inches. In these cases, not only is the visible part of the clitoris larger, but the internal part is also more elaborate. Still, the size of the clitoris should not be an issue for concern or insecurity. Every woman’s clitoris is unique, and no size is better than the other.
The Role of the Clitoris in Contemporary Erotic Literature
When it comes to female sexuality, the clitoris has been long ignored or misunderstood. Fortunately, in contemporary erotic literature, we see writers redefining the representation of female pleasure by focusing more on the clitoris, its anatomy, and how to pleasure it. Many writers are breaking down the taboo around female masturbation and allowing women the freedom to feel their pleasure.
Women’s sexuality has long been a subject of shame and taboo, and the clitoris has been at the center of this. However, contemporary erotic literature is changing that by giving recognition to the clitoris and acknowledging its importance in female sexuality. It gives a platform to women to communicate their sexual desires and preferences, which were earlier confined to male fantasies.
The clitoris is an essential part of female anatomy and sexuality. It is the only part of the human body whose sole purpose is pleasure and has thousands of nerve endings. However, it has been dumbed down and rendered invisible in the patriarchal society’s narratives. The erotic writers have taken up the responsibility to change this by presenting the clitoris front and center.
Moreover, contemporary erotic literature is also giving women a voice to express themselves, their desires, and fantasies. It is freeing women from earlier representations of being passive recipients of sexual pleasure. They are now portrayed as active agents capable of seeking and expressing pleasure for themselves. This shift is encouraging and empowering for the women who were earlier denied this agency.
The clitoris, as many writers describe, is not just a button or a tiny piece of flesh that needs to be rubbed to orgasm. The clitoris is a complex and multi-faceted female body part that can be stimulated in many ways. In contemporary erotic literature, we see writers delve deep into the anatomy, the different ways it can be stimulated, and how it can be the source of immense pleasure for women.
Furthermore, the representation of the clitoris in erotic literature is not just empowering for women but also liberating for men. It breaks down the myth of male dominance and female submission. It shows that sex is not just about penetration but the experience of pleasure and intimacy. It is opening up avenues of communication and exploration for all genders, making sex a more inclusive and pleasurable experience.
To sum up, the clitoris’s representation in contemporary erotic literature is revolutionary. It is redefining female sexuality by giving women a voice and empowering them to explore and express their pleasure. It is breaking the shackles of patriarchal and misogynistic narratives that have existed for far too long. It is an essential step in the fight for sexual liberation and equality. And most importantly, it is leading to better, more intimate, and pleasurable sex for all.
