THE CLITORIS: THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG

Have you ever heard that the clitoris is just that little dot visible on the vulva? Well, that's only half true. What we see is just the tip of the iceberg of a much more complex, fascinating, and powerful structure.

Get ready to dive into a fascinating story about pleasure, science, and rediscovery.

You've heard of the clitoris, but do you really know it? What we see is just the surface of a much deeper, more complex, and more powerful structure.

For centuries, this organ was ignored by science, silenced by culture and surrounded by myths.

Imagine an organ that exists solely for pleasure. It has no reproductive function, no role in urination, and no purpose other than to provoke intense sensations. Now imagine that this organ was ignored, erased from anatomy textbooks, and even considered "shameful" for centuries. This is the clitoris—the tip of an iceberg that science has only recently begun to truly explore.

🏛️ A story of erasure

The clitoris has been known since Ancient Greece. The word comes from the Greek kleitoris, which can mean "small hill" or "to rub." But even with this ancient knowledge, it was systematically ignored by Western medicine. In 1545, a French doctor called it the membre honteux—"shameful member"—and stated that its sole function was urination.

For centuries, the focus of anatomy and sexuality was the penis. Female pleasure was seen as secondary, or even nonexistent. The clitoris appeared in one edition of a medical atlas and disappeared in the next. Male-dominated science saw no reason to study an organ that didn't serve reproduction.

🔬 The modern rediscovery

It wasn't until 2005 that Australian urologist Helen O'Connell brought the complete anatomy of the clitoris to light. Using MRI and microdissection, she revealed that what we see externally—the glans—is only about 10 percent of the total structure.

The clitoris has:

• Glans: the visible, highly sensitive part.

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• Clitoral body: erectile tissue that expands with arousal.

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• Crura: “legs” that extend laterally across the pelvis.

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• Vestibular bulbs: structures that surround the vaginal entrance and swell with pleasure.

  
  

This three-dimensional structure is made of erectile tissue, like the penis, and has thousands of nerve endings. Studies indicate that it may have up to two to three times more nerve endings than the penis.

💡 Why does this matter?

Because ignorance about the clitoris directly affects the sexual health, pleasure, and self-esteem of millions of women. The idea that female orgasm must come from penetration completely ignores the central role of the clitoris. It is the true protagonist of female pleasure—not a supporting role.

Furthermore, the historical erasure of the clitoris reflects a culture that has marginalized the female body. Talking about it is an act of resistance, education, and empowerment.

🌺 Pleasure as a right

Knowing one's body is a right. Pleasure isn't superfluous—it's part of physical, emotional, and relational health. The clitoris, with its complexity and power, reminds us that the female body doesn't exist solely for reproduction. It's a source of pleasure, connection, and freedom.

🧠 Myths that need to be dispelled

• “ It’s just a little button” – No! Most of it is hidden inside.

  
  

• "It has 8,000 nerve endings" – This number comes from an old study on cows. The exact number in the human body is still debated, but we know it's highly sensitive.

  
  

• “It’s only good for orgasm” – It’s good for much more: self-knowledge, connection with the body and empowerment.

  
  

💬 Why talk about it?

Because female pleasure is still surrounded by silence, shame, and misinformation. Knowing your own body is an act of freedom. And understanding the clitoris opens the door to more honest conversations about sexuality, health, and well-being.

✨ Conclusion: far beyond the tip

The clitoris is literally the tip of the iceberg. What we see is only a fraction of its structure and history. But by delving deeper into this knowledge, we reveal much more: a journey of rediscovery, respect, and celebration of the female body.

💬 We want to hear from you!

This post is more than information—it's an invitation to conversation. What did you already know about the clitoris? What surprised you? Share your experience, question, or reflection in the comments.

Your body deserves to be known, celebrated, and discussed without taboos. Let's work together to build a space for exchange, acceptance, and freedom. ✨

👇 Leave your comment below — it might inspire other women too.