The Historical Neglect of the Clitoris

During a recent reading of The Guardian, I stumbled upon a rather shocking revelation: it wasn't until 1998—just over two decades ago—that the clitoris received any significant scientific attention. This realization is astonishing, especially considering that research into sexuality and sexual anatomy dates back much further. For instance, even in the Victorian era, doctors would stimulate women's clitorises to induce "fits" (orgasms) as a treatment for "hysteria."

Alfred C. Kinsey's influential 1953 book, Sexual Behavior in the Human Female, thoroughly examined clitoral orgasms and outlined their various stages. In the same decade, William Masters and Virginia Johnson embarked on extensive research into human sexual response, challenging Freudian theories and emphasizing the clitoris as a key component of female pleasure.

Despite the emergence of feminist literature in the 1970s—such as Shere Hite’s Hite Report—serious scientific examination of the clitoris did not commence until 1998, when urologist Helen O’Connell from the Royal Melbourne Hospital initiated her pivotal study. Frustrated by the clitoris' relegation to a mere footnote in anatomy textbooks, which often emphasized the penis, O'Connell uncovered that the clitoris is actually twice the size depicted in textbooks and possesses a symmetrical, orchid-like 3D structure that is largely concealed within the pelvic fat and bone.

Contrary to earlier descriptions that branded it as the "poor homolog" of a penis, O’Connell revealed it to be a complex and beautiful organ. In essence, we should feel fortunate to have it available for our pleasure, as it enables the multiple orgasms that men cannot experience.

O’Connell's groundbreaking research quickly garnered public attention. It was published and discussed widely just as I entered adulthood, and I recall many references to her findings in various books and articles that celebrated the newfound understanding of female sexual experience. Most of my contemporaries are likely aware of the clitoris's size and complexity and may even sport clit-themed jewelry. Thanks to O’Connell, many of us have become more knowledgeable about our own anatomy.

Yet, despite this increased awareness, research on the clitoris remains sparse. O’Connell's investigation was initially sparked by the observation that discussions around men's prostate surgeries routinely included assurances about preserving sexual function, a courtesy rarely extended to women undergoing similar procedures. Following her research, attention to maintaining sexual sensation during pelvic surgeries for women became more commonplace—an essential development.

Still, the clitoris continues to be overlooked. O’Connell's team conducted a literature review and found that the clitoris had been mentioned merely 11 times since 1947. While there were numerous references related to repairing trauma from female genital mutilation (FGM), even these were often lacking in anatomical detail. Textbooks provided extensive illustrations of the penis, whereas the clitoris received only cursory attention.

Professor Caroline de Costa, an obstetrics and gynecology expert at James Cook University, concurs with this assessment. "It is not discussed," she stated in a Guardian interview. "I attend conferences, workshops, and read papers regularly, yet I never encounter mentions of the clitoris." She believes that medical professionals may feel uneasy discussing an organ that exists solely for sexual pleasure, reflecting a lingering prudishness and an odd sense of shame.

This ongoing neglect is not only problematic but also perpetuates the false notion that vaginal orgasms are somehow superior to clitoral ones. It enables media portrayals of sex to focus predominantly on male pleasure, often overlooking what truly satisfies women. The end result is a significant pleasure gap, with women often left wanting more. Although we understand that clitoral stimulation is crucial for achieving orgasm—since even vaginal orgasms likely require clitoral engagement—the type of sexual experiences depicted in popular culture rarely align with this understanding.

Despite the progress women have made over the past century in various areas, including workplace equality and legislative rights, the medical community still fails to treat female anatomy with the same seriousness as male anatomy. This disparity in attention is unjust; we deserve a society where women's enjoyment of sex is acknowledged and celebrated.

Ultimately, we all deserve greater recognition and appreciation for our clitorises.

For further insights related to this topic, check out the following video:

The video features Megan Thee Stallion's "HISS," shedding light on themes of female empowerment and sexuality.