Scientists have finally mapped the nerves of the clitoris, decades after mapping the nerves of the penis, in a new study that has yet to be peer reviewed.
Researchers at Amsterdam University, the Netherlands, used specialised X-ray imaging techniques to create a three-dimensional map of the clitoral nerves of two women.
Fundamentally, lead author Dr Ju Young Lee – a postdoctoral researcher at Amsterdam’s department of obstetrics and gynaecology – said the new research could help us understand how the clitoris works.
“Knowing the anatomy is a prerequisite for understanding the function,” she told BBC Science Focus. “Now that we have a better idea about the anatomy, we can start asking more questions about its physiology. That’s why the study is exciting for me as a scientist.”
The authors also said the study could help surgeons avoid damaging the clitoris during pelvic surgery, for instance during childbirth, gender-affirming surgery or reconstruction after female genital mutilation.
The maps were created from special images taken of the pelvises of two women who had donated their bodies to Amsterdam University after they had passed away.
Lee’s team used CT scans to pass extra bright X-rays through the pelvises, allowing them to trace the pathways of the clitoral nerves with unprecedented accuracy – down to a thousandth of a millimetre (25,000 times smaller than an inch).
By doing so, they revealed that the main sensory nerve, called the dorsal nerve of the clitoris (DNC), branches out in a tree-like pattern as it reaches towards the external part of the clitoris.
It was previously assumed that this nerve instead tapered off, but this study suggests otherwise. The scientists even found that the nerve extends up towards the clitoral hood and the skin above it.
Given the new research only studied the anatomy of two postmenopausal women, however, the findings may not accurately represent the nerves of every clitoris.
This research follows other studies which, together, are reshaping our understanding of the female sexual organs.
For instance, scientists recently discovered that the clitoris is at least twice as big as it was depicted in anatomy textbooks, and that its nerve density is up to 15 times greater than that of the penis.
Lee said her research marked “the starting point of clitoris science,” with many more mysteries yet to be solved. Until recently, the clitoris has had very little scientific attention.
“There are 20 times more scientific papers on penile glans than clitoral glans,” said Lee. The glans is the highly sensitive part of the penis or clitoris, rich in nerve endings.
“That’s a good indication of how little attention has been put on the clitoris.” She said she hopes the field of clitoris science expands.
“I also hope readers check their bodies,” Lee continued. “Unlike the penis, which you can see by simply looking down, you need a mirror to get a proper look at the clitoris. I would recommend doing this, to see what your own body looks like.”