What is clit masturbation?
Well, for many people with vulvas clit masturbation is masturbation - the clitoris is key during masturbation for over two thirds of us*. Stimulating this powerful sex organ is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and what feels good differs from day-to-day, let alone from person-to-person. So, we’ve pulled together some inspiration on how to touch your clitoris when masturbating.
Some clitoris education
The clitoris is often described as “a little button at the junction between the labia, above the vaginal entrance”. However, it is much bigger. The external ‘button’, that can be more, or less, prominent from one vulva owner to the other, is only the visible part of the clitoris.
This is the glans of the clitoris. It is extremely sensitive, as it has the same structure as the glans of the penis and even more nerve endings. Both the clitoris and the penis swell upon stimulation, and both have a prepuce. This little fold of skin protects this external part of the sexual organ.
Credit: Sexocorner
Yep, that’s right - the penis and clitoris have more in common than we’re led to believe: the internal part of the clitoris is made of two roots and two bulbs, that have similar structures as the cavernous and spongious bodies of the penis.
Those structures have erectile tissues. It means that they swell as we become aroused. The clitoral parts, external and internal, become bigger or puffier when stimulated. This can increase the sensitivity of the vulval and vaginal areas, such as the labia and vaginal wall.
If the clitoris is in such close contact with the vagina, does that mean vaginal and clitoral pleasure is much of the same thing? Well, the orgasms might be much of the same thing. The more the clitoris gets aroused and swollen, the more it will be sensitive to the pressure of penetrative stimulation. Thus, all the orgasms would be clitoral, even the ones that some of us feel as internal.
So much big clit energy!
5 facts to remember when thinking about clit masturbation
- The clitoris is the only organ in the human body that’s only purpose is pleasure.
- It’s ever changing in size and sensitivity. As we grow, but also as we go through different life experiences.
- No two are the same. Just like every vulva is different, every clitoris is different.
- The clit has 10,000 nerve endings and interacts with another 15,000.
- There’s more than meets the eye. The average size is 10cm, think about how that would sit in our hands.
Ways to stimulate the clitoris
Like anything in life, the more we know about something, the easier it is to navigate. When we’re aware of the pleasure potential the clitoris has, the more fun it can be to discover ourselves. So, what do lessons about the clitoris anatomy teach us about clitoral stimulation?
- Clitoral stimulation is not exclusive to external action on the vulva.
- Clitoral stimulation can feel different to each of us as every clit is unique.
And the best way to really get to know our own clitoris? Well, solo sex of course. Trying different types of clit masturbation alone can guide us on sensitivity boundaries and preferred techniques. Let’s go…
Clit stim with our hands
Clit rubbing is very effective form of clitoral stimulation, and there are lots of ways to touch yourself with your hands and fingers. With the tips of one or two fingers, try orbiting round and round the external part, long strokes in both direction or tracing a figure-8 over the hood and glans. You can play with pressure by using different parts of your fingers, or even the palm of your hand with different wrist movements.
Rubbing the clitoris may cause friction. As we get aroused, natural lubrication often occurs. If not, don’t worry, it’s completely normal and doesn’t mean your clit stim isn’t working. There are many reasons why we might need extra wetness, and in our humble opinion there’s no such thing as too much water-based lube. Your hands will glide over your clitoris smoothly, without and discomfort (only pleasure) hopefully!
Clit stim with sex toys
Getting hands on is great, but clit toys can up the playfulness. That, and it can save your wrist from getting achy during long, fast, or frequent masturbation sessions. Thank us later.
The sex toys that are considered clit vibrators are often designed for external stimulation both on and around the clitoris glans. A bullet is the ultimate introduction to vibrators for clitorises. The classic, pocket-sized shape is a great way to upgrade your session from finger masturbation to using a toy. Its precise stimulation on the clitoris is well-known for packing a pleasure punch. Intended for direct and focused vibration on the clitoral glans, bullet vibrators provide an opportunity to play with speeds and pulsations impossible to reach with a finger or two.
Using a toy on your clit can be less about rubbing, but more about varying the sustained sensations instead.
To Simulate oral sex
If you enjoy the feeling of cunnilingus, there are ways to simulate lips between your lips without a partner too. The tentative caressing of clit with a tongue can be super appealing for those that want to feel a soft, firm pressure that’s a bit more flexible. Enter, a tongue vibrator plus plenty of lube – the best way to recreate clit licking solo.
A clit-oral technique that doesn’t technically touch the glans directly is clit sucking. Instead of creating friction, a sucking motion pulsates air on and around – kind of like the breath of a partner between your labia.
For very sensitive clits
A clit sucking motion is a go-to technique for many of us that have sensitive clitorises. Air pulsation is a more gentle, indirect way to stimulate the area, and toys like clit suckers have mouths that sit around the glans rather than on top.
Sensitivity can be immediate, or become more intense as we become more aroused, or even after we have climaxed once when experiencing multiple orgasms. A masturbation technique called layering can decrease the impact of stimulation so that pleasure feels more broadly sustainable rather than highly concentrated. Use a vibrator through underwear or over a bed sheet to create a clitoris cushion!
For not-so sensitive clits
Of course, many of us may not feel oversensitive at all – and might require more vigorous or direct stimulation to the clitoris glans. Very small but repetitive motions can build pleasurable sensitivity, as well as cycling through different speed modes whilst holding a vibrator in one place on top of the glans.
Remember, lubricant helps with sensation as much as it does friction. If you find clit sensitivity dull, try adding lashings of lube.
Clit and vulval stimulation
As the clitoris gets aroused, the internal part becomes erect and causes the labia to become puffier and more susceptible to touch. An all-encompassing stimulation of the clitoris that covers the vulva, not just the glans, can be achieved with a wider surface area: a palm of hand, or a vulva-shaped vibrator. Think of it like cupping the vulva, a real sensual embrace that feels like a clit massage!
Clit and penetrative stimulation
More a fan of penetration? Remember that the clitoris can still be stimulated via the vaginal walls, aim for the G-zone for optimum feels. Internal stimulation of the clit is all about pressure as opposed to friction, sustained penetration versus fast thrusting.
Double-up masturbation techniques with both a penetrative vibe and your hand or clit vibe; it’s a very fulfilling feeling. Masturbating like this can help you discover the ways you can reach orgasm with a penetrative partner if that’s something you’re keen to explore.
See how clit-tastic solo sex can be? Over 70% of us vulva owners need clitoral stimulation to reach orgasm, so knowing how we like it alone might help us close that infamous orgasm gap!
*According to the Smile Makers Sexual Wellness Report of 7000 vulva owners in 2020.
Written with expert advice from sex therapist Charlotte Creplet.
