With its whopping 10,281 nerve fibers, the clitoris—AKA the clit—is hands-down the most nerve-dense, ultra-sensitive pleasure zone of the body, more sensitive even than the hallowed penis—you heard it here first. For women and people with vaginas, the clitoris most often plays a frontline role in orgasm, and can be stimulated with both internal and external play. True story. Fun fact: the clit serves no known biological function other than pleasure.

The glans clitoris is the name of the external and visible part of the clitoris—the part that most people call the “clitoris.” It is part of the external and visible part of the female genitalia known as the vulva. 

Where is it, you ask? There are no stupid questions, certainly not where erotic pleasure (your birthright!) is involved. You’ll find your clit (or your partner’s clit) just above the vaginal opening and the urethra—it’s the pea-shaped structure at the apex of the two labia. It’s covered by a little hood that protects it from too much stimulation. But—that’s not all there is to it, friend. The clitoris is so oh-so-much more.

How to stimulate a clit

Stimulation of the clit can be applied directly (by touching the glans clitoris), through stimulation of other parts of the vulva (like the labia), or internally (through the vagina).

Some people find that a combination of penetration and external clitoral stimulation can result in intense orgasms. That said, direct stimulation of the glans clitoris or clitoral hood is usually needed for that final push to the big O.

Whether you're learning to do yourself right, or you’re determined to level up your partner-pleasuring ability, consider the following titillating tips:


Outside

- Start with very gentle strokes (of the glans clitoris). Then, apply more pressure/speed as your body (or your partner) asks for it.

- Use your hand, fingers, or a sex toy to slide up and down or back and forth across the clit and clitoral hood.

- Apply a gentle tapping motion on the clit and hood to help build a slow ascent to orgasm. Adjust speed as desired.

- Straddle a pillow and grind it to stimulate your clit. You don’t even have to take your clothes off—no hands required.

- Gently pinch the clitoral hood with two fingers, softly tugging up and down.

- Trace slow circles with a finger around the clit and hood, touching the labia by proxy.

- Lie on your belly (or have your partner do so) and massage other erogenous zones along with the clit—i.e., the labia, vaginal opening, inner thigh, perineum, or anus. 

- Use a vibrator to bring take any of these techniques to the next level. Always start with the lowest setting first and work your way up if desired.

Inside

- Penetrate the vagina with your fingers or a sex toy while simultaneously going for any of the above-listed external stimulation techniques for a delicious helping of blended bliss.  

- Reach about a third of the way inside the vagina and experiment with a mix of pressure and stimulation on the front or upper wall for some g-spot meets clit action.

Licking

- Trace your tongue around the outside of the clitoris. Use the flat of your tongue for more broad stimulation of the clit and labia, as using just the tongue tip can feel too pointy or intense.

- Lick it up, down, and all around, but alway be aware of the pressure of your tongue. Start off lightly and listen to your partners’ body cues and verbal feedback alike.