The Clitoris
Capable of producing the most intense and most pleasurable sexual responses in your body.
Anatomy of the clitoris
We were astonished to learn that it was only twenty years ago that urologist Helen O'Connell fully mapped the clitoris's anatomy and nerve pathways! That's how far behind we are in fully understanding the female body - other than reproduction.
Pleasure isn’t simply a luxury, it’s fundamental to our well- being.
There are more than 10,000 nerve endings in the tip of the clitoris alone – double the number of those in a penis.
What are Nerve endings? Nerve endings, generate, codify, store, and use information by an electrical charge. Nerve cells generate electrical signals that transmit information, based on the flow of ions across their plasma membranes.
What is released from nerve endings? A potent chemistry that heals, restores and enlivens the body.
Sex Medicine
Why is this important to know? Because with 10,000 nerve endings which produce such a potent cocktail of chemistry from the glans alone, means that the fountain of youth, vitality and longevity is found within the female body and gives rise to the sacred aspect of our sexuality, the quintessential sustenance of life.
A women in peak orgasm releases endorphins, oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin and gaba .
Let’s break this down to fully understand the value of these hormones and neurotransmitters and how sex and orgasm contribute to overall wellness.
Oxytocin - “The Love Drug” : Plays a key role in bonding and intimacy, promoting feelings of closeness and trust, regulating anxiety, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Endorphins - Natural pain relievers released during orgasm, contributing to the overall feeling of relaxation.
Dopamine - Associated with pleasure and reward, creating a sense of euphoria during orgasm.
Serotonin - Often referred to as a "feel-good" hormone, so its release after orgasm contributes to the calming and pleasurable sensations experienced.
Gaba - Is thought to play a role in the "resolution phase" by promoting relaxation.
The clitoris is the vulva's most erogenous area and generally the primary anatomical source of female sexual pleasure. It's made up of a complex network of nerves and erectile tissue that extends both inside and outside of the body. While the visible part of the clitoris looks like a small nub or button of flesh at the top of the genitals, it's actually much larger. The clitoris is made up of 18 distinct parts – a mixture of erectile tissue, muscle and nerves. Yet all the fabulous magical stuff is happening beneath the surface.
The clitoral complex: a dynamic sonographic study
In 2009 a small team of French researchers carried out the first sonographic mapping of an erect clitoris. Mostly invisible below the surface, the clitoris wraps around the vaginal tunnel and extends out towards the thighs. When at rest, the “arms”, or corpora cavernosa, of the clitoris’ body extend outwards towards the thighs. When the clitoris is engorged it can swell up to 300%. When aroused and engorged, the corpora cavernosa curl around the body and thighs activating greater electrical impulses.
Fun facts about the importance of pleasure based wellness :
Women have the same amount of erectile tissue as men, however in females it is buried like treasure within the vulva, while 5% is exposed in the clitoral structure.
Touch and sensation create new neural pathways to the brain.
Sex boosts brain cell growth in areas of the brain associated with memory, while others suggest it's because of the sexual "afterglow" that pumps us full of dopamine and oxytocin. There is a growing body of research that shows how sex improves brain power.
High levels of cortisol block oxytocin receptors thus we become more addicted to short lived dopamine dumps/experiences and less connected.
Men have higher levels of vasopressin which is associated with increased feelings of attachment, intimacy, and monogamy.
Women have higher levels of oxytocin which is similar to vasopressin in men in terms of social bonding and relationship dynamics.
The importance of understanding our bodies beyond the physical act of sex not only contributes to reduction in stress, anxiety and depression, but also cultivates deeper intimate bonds with our partners for a more fulfilling sexual experience.