The clitoris is the only part of the body that has no other function but to provide pleasure.
WHAT IS A CLITORIS?
You probably know the clitoris is important for an orgasm, but do you know what it is and where to find it?
Let’s get clinical for a minute. There are two visible parts of the clitoris: the clitoris hood, the flap of skin that retracts during arousal, and the glans clitoris, a nub of sensitive spongy tissue with over 8,000 nerve endings. This visible portion is about the size of a Q-tip and is located at the top of your vagina opening. But the clitoris is much larger with an internal spongy tissue shaped like a wishbone or upside-down Y making the entire clitoris about 3 ½ to 4 inches long. When you get aroused, parts of the clitoris swell with blood and become stiff and swollen, much like a penis, and the thousands of super-sensitive nerve endings being stimulated bring an intense sensation of pleasure.
The parts of the clitoris have important and different roles in orgasms. The legs of the internal wishbone rest against your vaginal wall and can be stimulated by penetrative sex and lead to an orgasm. In reality, between 50% and 75% of women cannot achieve orgasm through vaginal intercourse alone and need more direct stimulation of the visible (outer) clitoris to reach orgasm. So, all those women screaming in movies during sex is pretty much a romantic fiction!
HOW TO BOOST SENSITIVITY FOR AN OLDER CLITORIS
As with other body parts, your clitoris ages and changes as you get older. But it doesn’t disappear and doesn’t mean your sex life is over!
The primary change is the clitoris can become less sensitive due to both the decrease in hormones and normal aging processes. The decrease in estrogen and progesterone can cause a thinning of the vaginal walls and the tissues around the clitoris, as well as vaginal dryness. Reduced blood supply to the clitoris and lower vagina is also common. All of this may mean diminished sensation of the clitoris and can impact orgasms. For example, even with direct stimulation of the clitoris, it may take longer to achieve orgasm, the orgasm may be less intense, an orgasm may not be within reach no matter how hard you try, or stimulation and/or intercourse may be painful.
Here are some things you can do to maintain a sensitive clitoris:
Lubricants. Lubricants reduce friction and dryness during sexual activity which can increase sensitivity of the clitoris. By reducing potential discomfort, they make orgasms easier. Look for lubricants without fragrances or flavors and with few chemicals. Water based lubricants are a good choice as are silicone lubricants that will usually last longer without reapplication.
Different Sensations and Positions. Experiment with different levels of touch and vibration on the clitoris ranging from strong and rapid to slow and gentle touch or vibrating force. Also, try out different positions during your partnered or solo sexual activity to find out what feels best to you.
A Vibrator in Partnered and/or Solo Sex. You can turn on the vibrator and cycle through the different speeds and rhythm settings and see what best stimulates your clitoris. You and/or your partner can move the vibrator around to different spots on your clitoris to boost sensations in newly discovered places.
Clitoral Suction Toy. Designed to imitate oral sex, clitoral suction toys can improve blood circulation to the clitoris which is vitally important. This is one way to both stimulate the clitoris and provide intense pleasure.
Regular Sexual Activity, Partnered and/or Solo. Frequent sexual activity of any type that includes stimulation of the clitoris will help maintain its sensitivity. Think of your sexual activity like exercise for the clitoris that stimulates the thousands of nerve endings and promotes intense sensations and a pleasure capable clitoris. Studies find that “use it or lose it” applies to keeping a sensitive clitoris.
Talk with your Doctor. There are several. medical conditions related to sexual health and various treatments that are available which you can discuss with your doctor.
Conscious care of your clitoris and trying new things to figure out what works best for you can go a long way in keeping clitoris sensitivity and orgasms a part of your life. Remember, sex can be exciting and fun at any age.
(Featured Image: Sivabalachandar03)
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