The clit is the center of sexual sensation, pleasure, and orgasm for people who have vulvas. It is a pea-sized part of the genitals with an estimated 8,000 nerve-endings. It can be stimulated by rubbing, licking, or with a vibrator, either as part of masturbation or partnered sex. Experiment with various techniques to find out what works for you.

The clit might feel like a magical mystery if you don’t know where it is, but it’s not hard to find. If you draw a straight line down from the belly button with a finger, the clit is located between the legs at the top of where the labia meet, just under the pubic mound (where pubic hair grows). The head of the clitoris is protected by the clitoral hood skin.

The clitoris is part of the vulva, located between the legs at the top of where the labia meet, just under the pubic mound (where pubic hair grows). The head of the clitoris is protected by the clitoral hood skin - if you draw the clitorial hood back gently you can see the head of the clitoris underneath.

The head of the clit is oval-shaped and peas-sized. It is under a piece of skin called the clitoral hood, you need to draw back the skin to see the head underneath. The whole clit is bigger than what you can see - the internal part is three to four inches and shaped like a wishbone.

Some causes of clitoris pain include:

• Infection (eg. yeast infection).
• Irritation from soap or bath products.
• Reaction to laundry detergent.
• Friction from lack of lubrication during masturbation or partnered sex.
• Bruising from pressing hard during masturbation or partnered sex.
• Pressure from tight clothing, bike seat etc.

If pain is consistent or intense, see a health care provider.

There are a few reasons why your clit may feel itchy:

• Infection (eg. yeast infection)
• Irritation from soap or bath products
• Reaction to laundry detergent
• As blood initially flows to the clit during sexual arousal
• During pregnancy due to hormone changes

If itching is consistent or intense, see a health care provider.

Use one or two fingers on the clit and rub gently in circles or up-and-down movements. Try different speeds and pressures, and add lube for pleasure and comfort. Take it to the next level with a vibrator, or by using a tongue on the clit and doing the same motions. Note that different techniques work for different people.

There are a few ways you can rub your clit. You can try using one or two fingers on the clit and rub in circles or up-and-down movements. Start gently, and rub through the protective clitoral hood rather than directly on the sensitive glans. Try different speeds and pressures and see what feels best. Add lube to reduce friction and enhance sensations.

If you’re wondering how to lick a clit, you’ve come to the right place. Use circular or up-and-down motions with the tongue on the clitoral hood. Experiment with using a wide flat tongue, a firm pointed tongue and somewhere in-between. Try different speeds and pressures. Add some gentle sucking or humming vibrations for added sensation. As the person nears orgasm keep the rhythm consistent.

Using a clit pump brings blood flow to the clitoris and makes it swell up in size. Pumps can be used before or during sex and only enlarge temporarily. Use of testosterone or hormonal creams can enlarge the clit longer-term, but will also have masculinizing effects on the body.