The Male Clitoris

The Male Clitoris a blog by certified Sexological Bodyworker Aleena Aspley who has a Somatic Sex Education studio located in North Brisbane Queensland Australia.

THE MALE CLITORIS

SEX ORGAN EMBRYOLOGY 101

The male and female genitals share remarkable similarities, particularly during the early stages of embryonic development. In the initial weeks, the external genitals are essentially identical.

The presence of testosterone, the male sex hormone, plays a crucial role in the differentiation of the external genitalia. The genital tubercle, a midline swelling, transforms into the penile shaft and head in the presence of testosterone. The urogenital folds, two vertical tissue folds below the genital tubercle, fuse to form the urethra and part of the penile shaft. Additionally, the labio-scrotal swellings, two bulges outside the urogenital folds, fuse to become the scrotum. The timely influence of the right hormone miraculously converts the default model into male sex organs.

On the other hand, in the absence of testosterone (as in the female embryo), the genital tubercle develops into the clitoris. The urogenital folds become the inner lips (labia minora), and the labio-scrotal swellings become the outer lips (labia majora). Consequently, the female serves as the default model.

The Male Clitoris

THE PENIS AND THE CLITORIS

Essentially, the male penis and the female clitoris share the same fundamental structure, differing primarily in size. The male model contains the urethra within, while the female model has a separate urethra located below the clitoris.

THE SCROTUM AND THE OUTER LABIA

Similarly, the male scrotum and the female outer labia are essentially identical, differing mainly in the male model being fused in the midline to house the testes, while the female model remains split off the midline, with the ovaries located internally within the pelvis. These similarities underscore the shared origins of male and female genitalia during early embryonic development.

Despite these early differences, there’s more overlap between male and female genitalia than one might expect. Both men and women have a clitoris, but it is generally larger in women than it is given credit for.

THE FEMALE CLITORIS (THE CROWN) IS LARGER THAN YOU THINK!

The visible part of the clitoris, often referred to as the crown, is just the tip of the iceberg, while the rest of the structure, measuring between 2.75 to 5 inches, remains hidden. The clitoris in women is shaped like a Y, with the visible crown leading to the body and then splitting into two legs that hug the urethra and vagina canal.

THE PENIS

In men, the penis contains two types of tissue: the thin corpus spongiosum, which envelops the urethra and constitutes the head of the penis, and the two sandwiched strips of corpora cavernosa, which make up the bulk of the shaft and are responsible for erections. Like the clitoris in women, the male corpora cavernosa also has a Y-shaped structure with three parts – crown, body, and legs.

The Male Clitoris

THE EXTERNAL GENITALS

The male external genitalia consist of the penis, the male urethra, and the scrotum, while the female external genitalia comprise the clitoris, the labia majora, and the labia minora, collectively known as the vulva. These external genitalia can vary significantly in appearance among different individuals.

THE NERVE ENDINGS DISTRIBUTION

THE CLITORIS IS MORE SENSITIVE

One notable difference between the penis and the clitoris is their nerve endings’ distribution and sensitivity. The glans of the clitoris contains nerve endings packed into a volume approximately one-tenth the size of the glans penis.

The glans of the clitoris exhibits greater variability in cutaneous corpuscular receptor density, ranging from 1 to 14 per 100× high-powered field, compared to the glans penis, which typically has 1 to 3 per 100× high-power field. This higher concentration of nerves makes the glans of the clitoris more sensitive than the head of the penis.

Essentially, the clitoris in women and the male corpora cavernosa share the same tissue forming the same structure in the same location. This has led to the realization that a penis is essentially a clitoris that has been partially pulled out of the body and grafted onto a smaller piece of spongiosum containing the urethra.

CHEMISTRY OF ERECTIONS 101

The process of achieving an erection involves the release of certain chemicals that play a crucial role in relaxing and constricting smooth muscles in the penis and clitoris.

In an erotic situation, the nerves in the penile and clitoral regions release a chemical called nitric oxide. Nitric oxide triggers the release of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). When cGMP is released, it acts to relax the smooth muscles in the arterial and erectile chambers of both the penis and clitoris. This relaxation allows blood to flow freely into the erectile chambers, leading to engorgement and expansion of these chambers. As a result, an erection occurs in both the penis and clitoris.

After sexual activity is complete, an enzyme called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) comes into play. PDE5 breaks down cGMP, reducing its levels in the tissues. With lower cGMP levels, the smooth muscles in the arterial and erectile chambers constrict once again. This constriction leads to a decrease in blood flow, causing the penile and clitoral anatomy to return to their flaccid state.

This chemical process involving nitric oxide, cGMP, and PDE5 is essential for the functioning of erections in both males and females. It allows for the necessary blood flow and muscle relaxation required for sexual arousal and satisfaction.

DO MALES HAVE A CLITORIS?

The realization that men have clitorises has been an intriguing revelation in the field of human anatomy and sexuality. While the credit for this discovery is often attributed to psychologist-anatomist-sexologist Josephine Lowndes Sevely in 1987, it was science writer Catherine Blackledge who further expanded on this concept in 2004. Their work shed light on the shared structures and similarities between male and female genitalia, challenging traditional notions and encouraging a more holistic understanding of human anatomy and development.

By acknowledging the presence of a clitoris in men, we gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of the human body. It highlights the fact that, in the early stages of embryonic development, the external genitals of both males and females are essentially identical. It is only through the influence of hormones like testosterone that differentiation occurs, leading to the development of distinct male and female genitalia.

Understanding the shared aspects of male and female genitalia fosters a sense of unity among individuals. It reinforces the idea that human beings, regardless of gender, share common biological foundations. This recognition of shared experiences can contribute to greater empathy and compassion, fostering a more inclusive and accepting society.

Moreover, this knowledge encourages a more comprehensive approach to sexual health and education. By recognizing the similarities between male and female genitalia, we can promote a broader understanding of human sexuality, breaking down gender stereotypes and promoting open discussions about sexual health and pleasure.

QUESTIONING THE NOTION OF A MALE CLITORIS

The notion of male clitorises prompts us to question preconceived notions and encourages a deeper understanding of our bodies and sexual experiences. Embracing diversity and promoting open discussions about sexuality can contribute to a more inclusive and informed society.

In the end, whether men have a clitoris or not, the most important aspect is to approach these discussions with empathy, respect, and a commitment to learning and growing.

Written on August 4th, 2023 by Aleena Aspley, who is a Certified Sexological Bodyworker. Aleena’s bodywork studio is located in North Brisbane, Queensland Australia.