The clitoris is the only human organ that exists solely for pleasure. Historically, the clitoris has long been ignored by medical science, countless ex-boyfriends, and even by those who have them — but why? Women’s sexual pleasure, especially the importance of clit stimulation, has been downplayed and misunderstood for centuries. In fact, it’s still largely disregarded. The full anatomy of the clitoris wasn’t even featured in anatomy texts until “A New View of a Woman’s Body” in 1981! Thankfully, in recent years, the clit has received mountains of press and is taking center stage.
People with clitorises, and those who love them, have a lot of catching up to do. The path to satisfying sex is lined with knowledge and the right tools, and understanding clitoral anatomy is essential for knowing which techniques and toys stimulate it best and, in turn, knowing what to recommend to shoppers overwhelmed by selection.
The clitoris isn't what we’ve been taught
Most people think of the clit as a pea-sized, highly sensitive bump located where the top of the outer labia meet. This is actually the glans, a pleasure powerhouse that some researchers report is equipped with more than 8,000 nerve endings. It’s also a key component for sexual enjoyment — roughly 75 percent of people with vaginas require clit stimulation, specifically stimulation of the glans, in order to orgasm.
While the glans is important, it’s only the tip of a much larger pleasure iceberg. Just 20 years ago, scientists discovered the full three-dimensional clitoral structure, most of which extends inside the body. Beneath the labia and surrounding the vaginal opening and urethra sit the cura and vestibular bulbs of the clitoris, which are made of the same spongey tissue that make up the penis — which means the clitoris engorges with blood and becomes erect just like penises do. It’s suggested that the G-Spot is at the apex of where the cura and vestibular bulbs connect inside the body, and researchers estimate that the entire clitoral structure is five inches or more in length. Looking at it head-on, the full clitoral structure resembles a wishbone!
This points to why clitoral stimulation is so important for sexual satisfaction — it’s literally connected to nearly everything “down there.” To get the most out of sex, the vast majority of people need to focus on their clitoral glans — the part of the clitoris that we can see and access from the outside.
As the clit becomes aroused, it swells both on the inside and outside, and the glans itself can become very sensitive. While overall clit sensitivity varies greatly by individual, generally the more aroused a clitoris is, the more stimulation it can receive.
There are an infinite number of ways a person may want their clit touched. Some like the glans rubbed directly while others prefer erotic touch above, below, or to either side. Stimulation over the entire vulva might feel better for some while others want just one small area concentrated on. No matter which way someone chooses to play, lube almost always makes it feel much better — never forget that add-on upsell.
The easiest and most predictable way to produce strong orgasms is with sex toys. Many people with vulvas do best experimenting with a variety of toys with different designs, vibration types, and speeds; not only is this the best way to find what works, preferred techniques can change over time or even from day to day. Having a toolbox of varied devices at your disposal is a smart way to go, so don’t forget to recommend more than one form of stimulation for shoppers to try.
What are the best tools for clitoral exploration?
For general stimulation, some of the most popular toys are vibrating clitoral massagers or “ticklers.” These tend to be quite powerful and center vibration on pinpointed areas, and they tend to be the most common form of stimulation available. Some newer stimulators are equipped with tried and true stimulation, but instead of traditional straight-on massage, they find a way to massage on and around the clitoral glans. Variety is key when choosing products to display in your stores.
Some massagers find a way to provide a surround-sound-like experience for the clitoris using finger-like extensions strategically placed around the glans instead of on top. This kind of design can help users avoid some of the discomfort that can come from pinpointed vibration while also stimulating the outer labia and other sensitive parts of the vulva.
Pussy pumps are another excellent way to make the clitoris more sensitive without requiring direct vibration. A quick session with a pussy pump can magnify every sensation. Pumps work by drawing blood into the clitoris, causing it to swell and engorge. Lightly stroking or blowing air on a freshly pumped clit can feel delicious, and a sensual vibrator lapped over the clit can mimic the feeling of cunnilingus. It can produce toe-curling orgasms when used this way. Make sure shoppers know this!
Suction and air pulsation toys have become increasingly popular over recent years and for good reason. These devices replicate the suckling sensation often performed during cunnilingus, and they can also be shockingly powerful. This class of sex toys offer sensations no other toy can and boy, do they work! Many attest to them producing climax in one minute or less. No other type of toy on the market feels quite like a suction device.
Toys that stimulate the external clit indirectly can arouse the internal portion, too. Some devices can help target parts of the internal clitoris that are typically challenging to access. Clamps that tug the entire labia from top to bottom can activate the clitoral legs underneath and spread everything open to expose the clitoral glans from beneath the clitoral hood. Using a wand-style vibrator on the entire clamped area can really kick things into high gear.
Most of what we’ve been taught about the clitoris and female sexuality simply isn’t true, and while we as industry members might know this, we can’t assume the general consumer does. Remember that penetration isn’t the end-all-be-all, and the clit is much more magnificent and powerful than many of us ever imagined. If a shopper’s goal is bigger, better orgasms, it’s important that they unlearn misconceptions and become clitoral aficionados, and shopping at your store might be their first step. As staff members, it’s essential to know your anatomy and be prepared to recommend new techniques and tools for shoppers to try. Experimenting regularly and using a variety of toys can help people break out of a sexual rut, find new pleasure routes, and spice things up with partners. Most importantly, it can bring those mind-blowing climaxes so many people have been chasing.
Rebecca Weinberg is the president of XR Brands.
