Patient's question:
I really want to touch the clitoris when I'm masturbating.Doctor's answer:
The clitoris is the female equivalent of the penis, also known as the glans clitoridis.It is located at the point where the labia minora meet. Its sole function is to provide women with pleasure during sexual intercourse. The clitoris consists of a bulbous head and a cylindrical shaft, which is often hidden beneath the labia minora for protection. When unstimulated, the clitoris is the size of a cherry pit. Its length typically ranges from 1/8 to 1/2 inch.
If further stimulation is applied to the clitoris, women will reach orgasm. At this point, the clitoris retracts beneath the labia minora. If stimulation stops, it will emerge again. Within about ten minutes after orgasm, the clitoris returns to its original size.
If a woman does not reach orgasm, the blood that has flowed into the clitoris during stimulation will remain stagnant for several hours, causing the clitoris to remain swollen. Many women may feel discomfort as a result. If this occurs, masturbation can help achieve orgasm, allowing the blood to flow away from the clitoris.