Mapping the Nerves of the Clitoris

Recently, Dr. Ju Young Lee built upon the research of Dr. Helen O'Connell and created a complete 3D mapping of the nerves of the clitoris. What they found was extraordinary. 

There are several complex tree-like branching nerves that innervate the mons pubis, clitoral hood, and skin folds of the vulva. And that's in addition to the 10,000 nerve endings on your clitoral glans.

Here we see the 3D rendering of the internal clitoris. The green and pink areas - the corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum - are the erectile tissue, the areas that fill up with blood when stimulated by touch or vibration (note that we have as much erectile tissue as a penis but it's inside the body). 

The blue area - the venous network - is the vascular system - the veins, that carry the blood to the green and pink areas (the erectile tissue). Note the shape of the internal clitoris and how the wishbone shape cascades down on both sides of the vaginal opening.

The blue, red, pink, green, and yellow areas are distinct branches of the dorsal nerve that innervate different areas of the clitoral glans. If you look at section A, you see the complex nature of each nerve branch. Nothing peeters out; in fact, the nerve branches out and reaches more area.

This is my favorite part of the research. These orange strands cascading down past each side of your internal clitoris (the legs and bulbs of the clitoris) innervate your inner and outer labia. They start above the clitoral glans and extend down on either side of the vaginal opening. 

My Bodysex Research

During lockdown, I took Bodysex virtual and worked with 400 women in 40 countries. These are my findings crunched by the Kinsey Institute.

Lost All Feeling in My Clitoris

Dear Dr. Betty,

Okay, I really need help! When I was younger I had orgasms that when they came they were off the charts, they were so intense that I cried. Now I don't have orgasms, and rarely with masturbating. I try to fantasize about all kinds of naughty things, but nothing. I'm not comfortable using a vibrator either.

Why Don't I Enjoy Clitoral Stimulation?

First off, THANK you for living and breathing! This site has helped me realize that I am not alone in wanting to explore and own my sexuality as a woman!

The first and most important question I have is as follows:

I can only cum by stimulating the areas around my clitoris. I've tried stimulating it before, but any kind of pressure feels tender and hurts. Likewise, I find that after I cum (when using a vibrator) I have to quickly remove it or it hurts almost immediately. What is going on?!

Dear L,

Masturbation Goes From Pleasure to Pain Very Quickly

Dear Dr Betty,

First of all, let me tell you that you really helped my cousin out a lot in discovering her sexuality. (She's the one who recommended you). She didn't know anything about female anatomy and sexuality before discovering you. She still hasn't had a boyfriend, but now embraces her sexuality and regularly masturbates happily.

About me:

Can a Person Use a Vibrator Too Much?

Hi Dr. Betty -

I am almost 31 yo and about 9 months ago, I decided to explore my sexuality and started exploring masturbation. I learned that I can have orgasm (yes!) but I can only do it watching porn and using a strong vibrator. I use my vibrator several times a week (I have a lot of time to make up).