Ladies, We Need To Talk Clitoris 101
Jul 13, 2020
Helen O'Connell, Australian urologist who first mapped the full clitoral anatomy, and Emily Nagorski, sex educator and author on women's sexual wellbeing, unpack why the clitoris is far larger and more central to pleasure than commonly thought. They cover anatomy beyond the visible nub, cultural erasure and shame, parenting language around genitals, practical steps to explore your body, and why accurate education matters.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Clitoris Is Much Bigger Than The Visible Nub
- The clitoris is a large internal organ, not just the visible nub at the vulva.
- Dr Helen O’Connell mapped body, two crura, two bulbs and glands, showing most of it sits inside and can extend along the pubic bone up to ~9 cm.
Language Encoded Shame Around Female Genitals
- Cultural silence framed female genitals as shameful, affecting language and care.
- Emily Nagorski ties the Latin pudendum (to make ashamed) to historical norms that hid female anatomy and discouraged discussion.
Tiny Moments Teach Shame Or Ownership
- Childhood reactions shape lifelong relationships with genitals through simple parent responses.
- Emily Nagorski contrasts a dad saying "don't touch that" to a mom affirming "that's your clitoris," showing how tone teaches shame or ownership.
