There is a concerning phenomenon in the field of sexology involving the emergence of a nearly militant insistence that the clitoris is the ONLY source of female orgasm. This viewpoint not only dismisses the lived experiences of millions of women but is also simply anatomically incorrect.
Proponents of “Clit Only” Theology point to something called the clitorourethrovaginal (CUV) complex. The CUV complex is a vast internal network of erectile tissue that is interconnected with other pleasure structures, including the paraurethral sponge and the anterior vaginal wall. This region has the potential to produce several distinct types of orgasms, most notably clitoral, U-spot, and G-spot orgasms. Some sources also mention the A-spot orgasm, although the structures responsible for A-spot pleasure remain less well understood.
While the clitoris and its surrounding structures are indeed extraordinary, they are not the only sources of orgasm. Orgasms can vary significantly and can originate from various parts of the body, the brain, and even the energy body.
After over a decade of teaching people how to expand their orgasmic capacity, we’ve discovered that orgasms come in many variations, influenced by a broad range of factors—physical, psychological, emotional, intellectual, and energetic.
Many types of orgasmic pleasure do not originate from the CUV complex. For example:
- Cervical and uterine orgasms
- P-spot orgasms
- Anal orgasms
- Breast and nipple orgasms
- Orgasms from stimulation of the skin, ears, or feet
- “Throatgasms”
- Exercise-induced orgasms or coregasms
Some people can even achieve orgasm through unexpected means, such as tooth brushing. In a notable study, women with complete spinal cord injuries were able to reach orgasm through cervical stimulation. This happens because the cervix is innervated by the vagus nerve, which bypasses the spinal cord and, importantly, does not innervate the CUV. This research challenges the notion that the clitoral complex is the only pathway to orgasm.
In the “Pleasure Consciousness” module in the Holistic Sexology Certification Program, we explore the full spectrum of orgasmic capacity and types of orgasms.
Learn the methods we teach to access, activate, and awaken your full orgasmic potential in our Sacred Art of Self-Pleasure Workshop Dec. 9th
Cliterate History Lesson
Western (European/USA) Historical Context
The clitoris has a complex and often troubled history in the West, characterized by neglect, misinformation, and controversy. While it remains one of the most reliable sources of orgasm for many vulva owners, its significance has been repeatedly undermined throughout Western history.
– Ancient Greece: Female anatomy was viewed as an inversion of male anatomy, with the clitoris considered an “unfinished penis”—a belief that persisted for over a millennium.
-15th Century Witch Trials: The clitoris was labeled “the devil’s teat,” and Heinrich Kramer and Jacob Sprenger (authors of the *Malleus Maleficarum*) associated clitoral arousal with witchcraft. Clitoral stimulation was even suggested as a test for identifying witches.
– 1545 (First Dissection): A French physician dissected the clitoris for the first time, referring to it as *membre honteux*—”the shameful member.”
– Sigmund Freud: He described the clitoris as an “infantile organ” and promoted the vaginal orgasm as the hallmark of mature femininity. He claimed that a failure to achieve vaginal orgasm indicated mental illness and introduced the notion of “penis envy,” viewing the clitoris as a failed penis.
Things Began to Change…
– 1960s (Masters & Johnson): They identified clitoral stimulation as central to female orgasm, debunking many enduring myths about female sexuality.
– 1990s–2000s (Helen O’Connell): O’Connell was the first to study sexually aroused, living women using MRI technology. She discovered that the clitoris is ten times larger than previously thought, demonstrated its connections to the urethra and vagina, and clarified that the clitoris is structurally distinct and not merely a smaller version of the penis. Her work significantly advanced our understanding of female sexual anatomy.
We Are Still Learning…
How does this relate to the sexual anatomy of the vulva, vagina, and surrounding structures? Following increased recognition of the clitoral system’s complexity and its role in pleasure, the clitoris has become a symbol of celebration and reclamation within feminist, scientific, and sex education circles. However, some have gone so far as to claim that the clitoris—or the CUV complex—is the sole source of all orgasms in people with vaginas. This narrative represents a pendulum swing: a reaction to the clitoris’ prolonged history of neglect and disdain, highlighting how historical bias and reactions can influence our perceptions of our bodies.
A study examined how women with complete spinal cord injuries (SCI) at or above the T10 level could experience vaginal-cervical sensations and orgasms. Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and found that during self-stimulation, the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS)—a brainstem region that receives input from the vagus nerve—was activated. This suggests that the vagus nerve provides a pathway for genital sensory information to reach the brain, bypassing the spinal cord.
Notably, three women in the study experienced orgasms during stimulation, with various brain regions associated with sexual arousal and orgasm showing increased activity, including the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, medial amygdala, anterior cingulate, and insular cortices. These findings indicate that the vagus nerve can mediate sexual pleasure even when spinal cord connectivity is absent.
**Reference**: Komisaruk, B. R., Whipple, B.,
