Victoria's Better Health Channel puts one of the key facts about female pleasure in a single sentence: "For those with female genitals, most often orgasms result from stimulation of the clitoris." The same page reminds readers that sexual pleasure can involve the whole body as well as the mind.
So what does the anatomy of female pleasure actually look like? Here is a calm, factual guide based on Australian women's health sources, plus advice on when to check in with a GP.
Quick answer: The clitoris is the centre of female pleasure, and most of it is hidden. Its visible tip sits at the top of the vulva, while two internal arms (crura) measure about 5–9cm and two bulbs about 3–7cm. It has a rich supply of nerve endings and blood vessels, which explains its sensitivity.
Why is the clitoris compared to an iceberg?
Because you only see the tip. Jean Hailes for Women's Health explains in five things you didn't know about vaginas and vulvas that there is much more of the clitoris beneath the surface. Its internal arms, the crura, measure between 5 and 9cm, and two internal bulbs extend downwards from the tip, measuring between 3 and 7cm.
Jean Hailes also notes that some researchers state the clitoris has twice as many nerve endings as a penis, alongside a rich blood supply.
What is the female genital anatomy involved in pleasure?
The external area, called the vulva, holds most of it. Better Health Channel uses vulva as an umbrella term for the external female genitals and describes the clitoris as a small organ packed with nerve endings. Jean Hailes lists the other parts as the clitoral hood, the labia, the urethral opening, the vaginal entrance and the perineum. Inside, the vagina is a muscular tube leading to the cervix.
Does everyone experience pleasure the same way?
No. Better Health Channel says not everyone orgasms during sex with another person, and lists how relaxed and happy you feel, and how you feel about your body at the time, among the things that shape pleasure. It also points out that women's sexuality can change over time, with some stretches of life feeling very sexual and others not at all.
Bodies differ too. Jean Hailes stresses that every vulva is unique and usually not symmetrical, and suggests thinking about how your body feels rather than how it looks.
Where does the vagina fit in?
The vagina is the internal tube that starts at the vulva. Jean Hailes describes it as self-cleaning and slightly acidic, which helps protect against infection. It is also where a period cup sits during your period. Healthy pelvic floor muscles matter for sex as well: Jean Hailes says pelvic floor exercises are important for every woman, every day.
When to see a GP
Pain is a signal, not something to push through. Jean Hailes' guide to painful sex (dyspareunia) says painful sex is common but not normal, and that even occasional pain counts. See your doctor if you have:
- pain during arousal, foreplay, penetration or orgasm, or after sex;
- vaginal dryness that makes sex uncomfortable;
- any change in your vulva or vagina that doesn't feel right for you.
In Victoria, Better Health Channel also points to Sexual Health Victoria clinics, the 1800 My Options line and your local community health centre as places to get help.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the clitoris?
Much longer than its visible tip suggests. According to Jean Hailes, the clitoris's internal arms (crura) measure between 5 and 9cm, and its two internal bulbs measure between 3 and 7cm. Most of the organ sits hidden beneath the skin, which is why it is often compared to an iceberg.
Is it normal not to orgasm during sex with a partner?
Yes, it is common. Better Health Channel notes that not all people orgasm during sex with another person, and that orgasm most often comes from clitoral stimulation. Relaxation and body image also play a part. If a lack of pleasure or any pain worries you, a GP can talk it through without judgement.
What causes painful sex?
Painful sex can have physical and emotional causes. Jean Hailes lists low oestrogen, vaginal dryness, infections, skin conditions and conditions such as endometriosis, as well as stress, relationship problems and past sexual abuse. Even occasional pain is worth raising, and a doctor can treat the cause or refer you on.
Can I use a period cup if sex is sometimes painful?
Talk to your GP first so the cause of the pain is checked. A period cup sits inside the vagina, so knowing your anatomy, including where the vaginal entrance is, helps with insertion. Lunette's Size 1 is made from softer silicone and is suggested for strong pelvic floor muscles or a sensitive bladder.
Read on: can you have sex with a menstrual cup? and get to know your vulva and vagina better.
Understanding your body makes switching to a reusable menstrual cup simpler. The Lunette period cup is made in Finland from 100% medical-grade silicone and lasts up to 10 years with proper care. Not sure which fits? Try our size guide.
General information only. This article is not medical advice, so please see your GP or a sexual health clinic about any personal concerns.
