All organs serve a purpose in the overall functioning of the human body and life in one way or another.  Right? I mean they’re organs, so they are intended to keep us alive? Well, there are those organs that keep us alive, and then there’s that one organ that gives us LIFE!

Which organ is it you ask?  Well, that organ folks is the almighty Clitoris!

You would think that I’m referring to one of the five vital organs (brain, heart, kidney, liver, lungs). Good guess, but no. Although, I’m thinking a meeting with the World Medical Association might be in order. We may need to re-evaluate how the word “vital” is defined. Because the function of this particular organ is essential to experiencing life in all its fullness. If that’s not vital, I don’t know what is.

The Clitoris

Containing nearly 8000 nerves endings, almost twice as that of a penis, sending sensation to nearly 15000 other nerve endings throughout the body, the clitoris serves one singular purpose, the provision of PLEASURE.

Much of the anatomy of the clitoris has long since been a mystery to folks. The visible part of the clitoris is just the tip of the iceberg (pun intended). Situated at the meeting place of the inner labia, within what is known as the clitoral hood, the glans clitoris is all that many folks know to identify as this power-packed pleasure center. Vulvas, external genitalia, come in all shapes, sizes, and distinguishable details,  making some clitorises more pronounced than others. Please note body positivity and acceptance should extend to the genitals as well.

My vulva is beautiful just the way it is. (Say it!, Mean it! Believe it!)

Similar to a wishbone shape the body and the roots (vestibule) of this climax concierge, extend inside the body and down both sides of the labia. This may explain its historical mystery. But so might misogyny and patriarchy but that’s another story for another time. Though utterly essential, the clitoris is consistently underrated and underutilized.

Understanding The Female Orgasm

Knowledge of the function of the clitoris is essential to understanding the female orgasm. Nearly 70% of women require clitoral stimulation to have an orgasm. 10-15% of women report never having an orgasm at all. Vaginal (internal canal) penetration alone is not the primary source of orgasm for most women. Not knowing this leads some women and/or their partners to internalize unnecessary feelings of inadequacy.  One should instead bask in the sheer essence of all this arousal assistant has to offer. If an orgasm seems to be evading you, and you have not become acquainted with the clitoris, first thing, you are not alone; next, it’s high time you schedule a meet and greet!

Believe it or not, some women have never seen or touched their clitoris. At least monthly, using a mirror (for example) women should be intentional about exploring and becoming acquainted with their vulvas, clitorises includes.  Self-exploration is a great way to identify what feels good and doesn’t feel good to your body. This way the specifics can be communicated during the partnered intimate time.

Self-knowledge Is The Key To Self-care

Self-knowledge is the key to self-care.  Additionally, knowing your vulva’s visual baseline will allow you to communicate concerning changes to your health care provider. Prioritizing your pleasure means familiarizing yourself with and taking care of your vulva. Prioritizing your pleasure also means speaking up both when it doesn’t feel good, and (depending on your personality) when it does.

Pleasure for women is too often categorized as something decadent and indulgent. I yearn for a world where the pursuit of health is synonymous with the pursuit of pleasure. Healthy and pleasurable aren’t, or at least shouldn’t be, oxymorons. We can say we have arrived when we live in a world in which female pleasure and orgasm is so normal that it’s no longer newsworthy.

You see pleasurable sex is healthy. Therefore, if the clitoris equals pleasure, and pleasure equals health, and health equals life, then girl GET YOUR LIFE!