What Is the Clitoris?
The clitoris is a highly sensitive erectile organ located at the top of the vulva. Despite its small visible size, it's not just a tiny bump — it's a much larger structure that extends deep beneath the surface of the skin. The visible part of the clitoris, called the glans, contains around 8,000 nerve endings — significantly more than the head of the penis. But the glans is just one piece of a much more complex system. Internal parts like the crura (wing-like structures) and vestibular bulbs wrap around the vaginal canal, becoming engorged during arousal.
This organ exists solely for pleasure. It plays no role in urination or reproduction. In fact, the clitoris is the only human organ that evolved specifically for sexual enjoyment. According to The Cleveland Clinic, the clitoris has an estimated total length of 9–11 centimeters, most of which is internal. This internal extension is what gives depth and variation to clitoral stimulation — something that many people don’t realize. Unfortunately, the clitoris has long been left out of textbooks, medical diagrams, and sexual education programs. Even the Philippine public school system’s sex education modules often skim over female pleasure entirely, which leaves most Filipinos learning anatomy from unreliable sources — or not at all.
So, Where Exactly Is the Clit?
To locate the clitoris, it helps to understand the structure of the vulva — which includes all external parts of the female genitalia. Here’s a basic breakdown:
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Vaginal opening: The entrance to the vagina, where menstrual cups, tampons, or a penis may enter.
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Urethral opening: Just above the vagina, this is where urine exits the body.
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Clitoris: Found above the urethral opening, where the inner labia meet. Often partially covered by a fold of skin called the clitoral hood.
You won’t need any tools or mirrors to find it — though those can help during self-exploration. Gently part the inner labia, and you’ll find a small, rounded area at the top. That’s the clitoral glans. It may be very sensitive to touch, especially when aroused. Not all clits look the same. Some people have more exposed glans, while others have a clitoral hood that partially or fully covers the area. Hormonal changes, age, and individual anatomy all play a role in how it appears.
A helpful tip for partners: Think of the clitoris as a spectrum of sensitivity. What feels great for one person might feel overwhelming or underwhelming for another. Asking for feedback isn’t awkward — it’s respectful.
The Clitoris vs. the Vagina
A common misconception — especially among those raised without comprehensive sex education — is that the vagina is the center of female pleasure. While the vagina is a key part of the reproductive system, it contains far fewer nerve endings compared to the clitoris. In fact, most orgasms reported by people with vulvas are clitorally stimulated, not vaginal. According to a study published in 2017, only about 18% of women reach orgasm through vaginal penetration alone. The vast majority need some form of external or clitoral stimulation. That’s why understanding where the clit is — and how it works — isn’t just helpful, it’s foundational to intimacy. It also helps explain why some people might not feel satisfied with penetration alone.
Myths That Still Confuse Filipinos
Despite growing awareness, plenty of myths about the clitoris continue to spread — especially on social media and in pop culture. Here are a few of the most common ones that still influence Filipino sexual beliefs:
Myth: Only men have erectile tissue.
Fact: The clitoris is made of erectile tissue too. It swells, becomes more sensitive during arousal, and can even “throb” when highly stimulated — much like a penis.
Myth: The clit is hard to find.
Fact: It’s in a consistent location across all vulvas — at the top of the vulva, just above the urethra. The variation lies in size and visibility, not location.
Myth: You can hurt someone by touching the clit.
Fact: While it’s true that the clit is sensitive, gentle and consensual stimulation is both safe and pleasurable. Use fingers, your tongue, or a vibrator — but always ask what feels best.
Myth: Vaginal orgasms are better than clitoral ones.
Fact: All orgasms are valid. There’s no hierarchy. And many so-called “vaginal orgasms” actually involve indirect stimulation of the internal clitoral structure.
Shame around sexual knowledge in the Philippines is often rooted in tradition and religion, which means these myths can persist well into adulthood. Unlearning them is key to more satisfying relationships — and more open conversations with our partners.
Clitoral Stimulation
Now that you know where the clitoris is, what’s next? Whether you’re exploring solo or with a partner, effective clitoral stimulation is all about communication, comfort, and creativity. Here’s how to approach it confidently:
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Start with curiosity. Instead of “performing” sex, think of it as an exploration. What kind of touch feels good — soft, circular, rhythmic?
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Use lubrication. Friction can be painful. A natural, water-based lube can make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
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Experiment with techniques. Try indirect touch (through the clitoral hood), tapping, or using toys like handheld vibrators.
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Don’t rush it. Arousal builds over time. The clitoris becomes more responsive the longer someone is turned on.
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Check in. Asking “How does that feel?” or “Do you want more or less pressure?” builds trust and helps partners learn each other’s cues.
Solo exploration, especially for women, is still stigmatized in many Filipino households. But studies show that people who masturbate regularly often experience better body confidence, improved mood, and stronger sexual communication. If you’ve never explored your own clitoris before, doing so in a quiet, relaxed environment can be a great place to start.
Understanding the Clit in Real-World Filipino Relationships
It’s one thing to learn about the clitoris on a diagram — it’s another to make it part of real-life intimacy. In many Filipino households, sex is rarely discussed, and women are often taught to prioritize their partner’s pleasure over their own. This creates a gap not just in knowledge, but in trust. But when both partners know how the clit works — and how to engage with it — it becomes easier to:
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Ask for what you want
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Build deeper sexual satisfaction
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Improve overall relationship intimacy
This is especially helpful in long-term partnerships where routine can replace exploration. Learning how to please each other anew — starting with clitoral touch — can reignite connection.
Supporting Better Sex Education in the Philippines
Despite global progress, many Filipinos still don’t have access to accurate, shame-free information about their bodies. Some public schools include anatomy in health classes, but they often gloss over pleasure — especially for people assigned female at birth. This is why it's so important to make information accessible. Whether you're navigating your first relationship, exploring your own body later in life, or wanting to have better sex with your partner — the information you need should be easy to find and stigma-free.
The clitoris isn’t a mystery, and it’s not something to be afraid of. It’s a powerful part of the body that exists purely for pleasure — and understanding it can make sex not only more enjoyable, but more connected. If you’re new to exploring clitoral pleasure — on your own or with someone else — remember that it’s okay to ask questions, try new things, and take your time. Pleasure is a process, and it starts with knowledge. Ready to take the next step? Explore our sexual health collection to read more expert-backed guides, or talk to one of our licensed professionals if you’re facing performance issues. Your body — and your pleasure — deserves clarity, care, and confidence.
