Are you Cliterate Take the quiz & test your cliteracy Explore cliterate Are you Cliterate? Vulva Basics Labia Diversity Sexual Arousal Pathways History of the Clitoris

Are you Cliterate Take the quiz & test your cliteracy Explore cliterate Are you Cliterate? Vulva Basics Labia Diversity Sexual Arousal Pathways History of the Clitoris

Cliterate's spherical, pull-apart design explains the relationship between the clitoris, vulva and pelvis. Are you Cliterate?  Are you Cliterate? Are you Cliterate? Vulva Basics Scroll over the images and learn about vulva anatomy. Click on the labels for more info. Explore Labia Diversity Unique as fingerprints, distinct as faces. There’s no such thing as “normal”. Explore Psychogenic and Reflexogenic Pathways Learn more about the Sexual response system's psychogenic and reflexogenic pathways. Explore Psychogenic and Reflexogenic Pathways Learn more about the Sexual response system's psychogenic and reflexogenic pathways. Explore The History of the Clitoris – a timeline The clitoris has a very interesting past. It’s been discovered, misunderstood and forgotten many times. What’s the story? Explore Are you Cliterate? Take the quiz and test your cliteracy. So much to learn! So little people don't already know. What do you know about the clitoris? Find out now by taking our Quiz. Start Quiz Now The History of the Clitoris – a timeline The clitoris has a very interesting past. It’s been discovered, misunderstood and forgotten many times. What’s the story? Explore

Meet Cliterate: an interactive model teaching vulva anatomy through its unique, pull-apart design. Explore our education resources and discover Cliterate In Practice. Say hello to Cliterate, an interactive model for teaching all bodies and brains about vulva anatomy. Cliterate's spherical, pull-apart design explains the relationship between the clitoris, vulva and pelvis. Are you Cliterate? Learn more Want to become more Cliterate? Our community is hungry for information so we’ve collated some education bites for you to watch, read and listen. Explore Wondering how Cliterate can support your work? We’ve created some resources to explain Cliterate In Practice. Learn more Learning for all brains Cliterate is a 3D education resource because we know that brains are wired differently and some 2D teaching resources can be confusing. Interactive learning Cliterate is unique and approachable. This enables more engaging learning in clinical settings and classrooms. Overcome 'awkward' Cliterate is a conversation starter and enables respectful discussions about vulva anatomy. Inclusive People of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities can learn from Cliterate. Our resources consider and celebrate the needs of all people. Get Cliterate Cliterate supports health professionals & educators worldwide. Get yours now. Buy now Cliterate Fun Stuff Browse our shop for unique educational tools & quirky gifts today. Shop now Why Cliterate? Read about the design process & meet our award-winning team. Our Story Join the Cliterate Community Become a Cliterate member and gain free access to resources and updates from our global community. Join now Are you Cliterate? Take the quiz and test your cliteracy. So much to learn! So little people don't already know. What do you know about the clitoris? Find out now by taking our Quiz. Start Quiz Now

Since launching in 2023, the Cliterate model is now used in numerous education settings, including medical clinics, allied health clinics, sexual health and family planning centres, schools and universities. In Practice Downloads and Courses Sexual Health Labia Diversity Free Labia Diversity PDF Download Cut-out Activity: History of the Clitoris Timeline Free Activity Sheet Download Non-engorged Clitoris Illustration Sheet Free Sheet to display to clients – draw on it, colour it! Download Engorged Clitoris Illustration Sheet Free Sheet to display to clients – draw on it, colour it! Download Schools & Universities Labia Diversity Download the free Labia Diversity PDF Download Cut-out Activity: History of the Clitoris Timeline Download this free Activity Sheet Download Non-engorged Clitoris Illustration Sheet Download this free Sheet to display to clients – draw on it, colour it! Download Engorged Clitoris Illustration Sheet Download this free Sheet to display to clients – draw on it, colour it! Download Allied Health Labia Diversity Download the free Labia Diversity PDF Download Cut-out Activity: History of the Clitoris Timeline Download this free Activity Sheet Download Engorged Clitoris Illustration Sheet Download this free Sheet to display to clients – draw on it, colour it! Download Non-engorged Clitoris Illustration Sheet Download this free Sheet to display to clients – draw on it, colour it! Download Medical Practitioners Labia Diversity Download the free Labia Diversity PDF Download How Cliterate supports Patients and Medical Practitioners Read about how other practitioners use the model in pratice. Download Cut-out Activity: History of the Clitoris Timeline Download this free Activity Sheet Download Non-engorged Clitoris Illustration Sheet Download this free Sheet to display to clients – draw on it, colour it! Download Engorged Clitoris Illustration Sheet Download this free Sheet to display to clients – draw on it, colour it! Download Perimenopause Perimenopause Checklist – Large Image Format This checklist can be used as a guide to identify whether you might be experiencing symptoms of perimenopause. Download Perimenopause Checklist – Condensed Format This checklist can be used as a guide to identify whether you might be experiencing symptoms of perimenopause. Download Perimenopause Checklist – Small Image Format This checklist can be used as a guide to identify whether you might be experiencing symptoms of perimenopause. Download Since launching in 2023, the Cliterate model is now used in numerous education settings, including medical clinics, allied health clinics, sexual health and family planning centres, schools and universities. Cliterate can help educate patients and students about: Vulva anatomy education Sex education Sex therapy Pelvic pain Self-collected pap smears Perinatal Care Menopause and perimenopause Skin conditions affecting the vulva STI’s and STD’s Participate We will continue to create resources to support the model in practice including downloadable guides and short courses. Please contact us if you have any suggestions. Suggestions ‘Often patients can’t conceptualise what’s going on with their own anatomy because they don’t know what their anatomy looks like, so then the unknown can be scary. I use the model to show the distribution of the dermatitis and explain: “this is where you put the ointment”. General Practitioner, Melbourne Australia

The sexual response system is fascinating and incredibly complex. It has been somewhat researched and is subject to ongoing research which we will continue to follow with interest. Sexual Arousal Pathways The sexual response system is fascinating and incredibly complex. It has been somewhat researched and is subject to ongoing research which we will continue to follow with interest. We are not attempting to explain the whole system here! In this section, we are focussing on the Psychogenic and Reflexogenic Sexual Arousal Pathways as a means of explaining how these neural pathways coordinate the body's response to stimuli. Psychogenic Pathway The psychogenic pathway in sexual response is all about how the brain and emotions influence arousal—without any direct physical touch. It’s different from the reflexogenic pathway, which kicks in when there’s actual physical stimulation. How it works 1. It Starts in The Mind Thoughts, fantasies, and memories can trigger the arousal process. Sensory input from all five senses—things you see, hear, touch, taste, and smell— also play a big role (like noticing an attractive person, watching a steamy scene in a movie or eating a food that reminds you of a positive sexual experience). A person’s emotional state—feeling relaxed, excited, or turned on—also plays a big role. 2. The Brain Gets to Work The limbic system (the brain’s emotional centre) processes those emotional and sensory signals. The hypothalamus , especially a part called the medial preoptic area (MPOA) , helps turn mental arousal into a physical response. The dopamine system (the brain’s pleasure and reward network) releases dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone, which drives continued attention or engagement. 3. Signals Travel Down Spine The brain sends messages through the nervous system (T12 to S1 region of the spinal chord) to the genitals. This happens through both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems , which control things like blood flow and sensitivity. 4. The Body Responds For people with vulvas: The clitoris and vaginal tissues get more blood flow, causing swelling, lubrication, and increased sensitivity. For people with penises: More blood flows into the erectile tissue of the penis, leading to an erection. Why it matters Thoughts, fantasies, and memories can trigger the arousal process. Sensory input from all five senses—things you see, hear, touch, taste, and smell— also play a big role (like noticing an attractive person, watching a steamy scene in a movie or eating a food that reminds you of a positive sexual experience). A person’s emotional state—feeling relaxed, excited, or turned on—also plays a big role. The animation below illustrates the Psychogenic Pathways Response, where seeing, thinking, smelling, touching or tasting sends information from the brain down the spinal cord and results in engorgement of the clitoris. Reflexogenic Pathway The reflexogenic pathway is all about how physical touch and stimulation trigger the arousal process. Unlike the psychogenic pathway, which starts in the brain, this one happens automatically when certain areas of the body are touched—especially the genitals. How it works 1. Touch Sends Signals When the genitals or surrounding area are touched, the skin’s nerve endings pick up on it. This can include sensations like light touch, pressure, temperature, vibration or any other physical stimulation. Internal sensations can also send signals, such as movement of internal organs such as the uterus or ligaments during intercourse or pressure from the bladder. 2. The Spinal Cord Steps In The nerve signals don’t go straight to the brain first. Instead, they go to the S2 to S4 region of the spinal cord, which acts as a relay centre. The sacral spinal cord (in the lower back) plays a key role here—it processes the touch and immediately sends signals back to the genitals to trigger an automatic response. 3. The Body Reacts For people with vulvas: The clitoris and vaginal tissues swell, lubrication increases, and sensitivity heightens. For people with penises: The erectile tissue of the penis fills with blood, leading to an erection. 4. The Brain Can Join In (But It Doesn’t Have To) This process happens without conscious brain involvement—it’s a built-in reflex of the body. The brain can sometimes enhance or partly inhibit the response. If a person’s emotional state allows for psychogenic arousal to occur at the same time, the arousal process can become stronger. Emotions like stress of anxiety may partially inhibit the body’s automatic arousal. The brain’s ability to shut this reflex down is limited, and it is completely normal for the body to automatically respond to touch, including non-consensual touch. Why it matters It shows that the sexual response of the body isn’t just psychological —it can be an automatic reaction to touch. This explains why people with spinal cord injuries can still experience physical arousal, even if they’ve lost sensation. In non-consensual experiences of touch, it’s important to understand the body’s automatic arousal reflex, which is separate to conscious choice or enjoyment. The animation below illustrates the Reflexogenic Pathways Response, which takes place at the S2 to S4 part of the spinal cord. In response to someone being touched on the vulva, a message is sent to the spinal cord returning an immediate reflex response directly back from the S2–S4 region to the area, starting the engorgement process. This is an automatic response to sensation in the genital area – without involvement from the brain. The response is not under voluntary control and is not linked to consent or enjoyment. (Sexual non-concordance). An important note regarding consent: The physical arousal response of the body (an erect penis or wet vulva/engorged clitoris) does not require nor imply consent to be touched. This is super important for all people to understand. The only way to know if there’s consent is to ask and communicate. We encourage everyone to learn more about practicing consent, to ensure it’s present in all interactions. Content warning! This video mentions sexual assault and we know this can be distressing for some viewers and listeners. If you need resources or support go to beyondblue.org or for 24 hour free counselling in Australia, the number for Lifeline is 13 11 14. Please look after yourself. Arousal Non-Concordance Arousal non-concordance can happen when the brain finds something sexually appealing, but the body doesn’t respond by becoming physically aroused. This can be due to multiple factors such as stress, hormonal imbalances, trauma or shame. It can also happen during a reflexogenic arousal pathway, if the body becomes aroused automatically whilst the mind isn’t turned on. Research has shown that the concordance between genital response and subjective arousal within the brain to be different between people assigned male at birth (AMAB) and people assigned female at birth (AFAB). Arousal Concordance in People Assigned Male at Birth (AMAB) There is approximately a 50 percent overlap between what AMAB people’s genitals respond to as ‘sex-related’ and what their brains respond to as ‘sexually appealing’. Arousal Concordance in People Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB) There is approximately a 10 percent overlap between what AFAB people’s genitals respond to as ‘sex-related’ and what their brains respond to as ‘sexually appealing’. References: Elliott, S. L. (2008). Neurophysiology of sexual spinal reflexes. Springer EBooks, 2820–2823. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-29678-2_3936 Komisaruk, B. R., Whipple, B., Crawford, A., Grimes, S., Liu, W.-C., Kalnin, A., & Mosier, K. (2004). Brain activation during vaginocervical self-stimulation and orgasm in women with complete spinal cord injury: fMRI evidence of mediation by the Vagus nerves. Brain Research, 1024(1-2), 77–88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2004.07.029 Krassioukov, A., & Elliott, S. (2017). Neural Control and Physiology of Sexual Function: Effect of Spinal Cord Injury. Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, 23(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1310/sci2301-1 Rees, P. M., Fowler, C. J., & Maas, C. P. (2007). Sexual function in men and women with neurological disorders. The Lancet, 369(9560), 512–525. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(07)60238-4

In a world fuelled by online opinions and more misinformation than we’ve ever seen before, looking to evidence based research is essential. It’s alarming to learn that “in Australia, between January 2011 and December 2021, 23.5% of vulvoplasty and labiaplasty procedures were performed on girls and women aged 25 years and under”. 1 Let’s talk about Labia Diversity Media representation of “normal” Societal pressures, fuelled by media and cultural taboos, often turn this natural diversity into a source of insecurity. Media rarely represents labia realistically, and when they do appear, they’re often altered to fit a narrow, unrealistic standard. In fact, Australian media laws (Guidelines for the Classification of Publications 2005 3 ) state the following for unrestricted publications: Realistic depictions of sexualised nudity should not be high in impact. Realistic depictions may contain discreet genital detail but there should be no genital emphasis. Prominent and/or frequent realistic depictions of sexualised nudity containing genitalia will not be permitted. Cultural silence adds to this issue, leaving many to question if they’re “normal.” Cosmetic procedures like labiaplasty have further reinforced harmful ideas about how labia should look, perpetuating the idea that some appearances are preferable over others. The result? Some people feel self-conscious or dissatisfied with their anatomy, even when there’s nothing medically or functionally wrong. This can impact body image, intimacy, and overall confidence. But we can change this narrative by embracing education, challenging societal norms, and celebrating the natural diversity of our bodies. Further info The Labia Library The Labia Library is an initiative of Women’s Health Victoria (WHV), an independent, feminist, not-for-profit women’s health promotion, advocacy and support service with a proud history of more than 30 years. Visit website The Vagina Museum The world's first bricks and mortar museum dedicated to vulvas – founded with the intention of busting the stigma of the gynaecological anatomy and be part of a societal shift from bodily shame to celebration. Visit website References: 1. Australian Government, Department of Health, Medicare Item Report, accessed June 2022. 2. Hayes, Jennifer A., and Meredith J. Temple-Smith. “What is the anatomical basis of labiaplasty? A review of normative datasets for female anatomy”. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (2020). 3. Australian Government, Federal Register of Legislation. In a world fuelled by online opinions and more misinformation than we’ve ever seen before, looking to evidence based research is essential. It’s alarming to learn that “in Australia, between January 2011 and December 2021, 23.5% of vulvoplasty and labiaplasty procedures were performed on girls and women aged 25 years and under”. 1 So, what is the labia minora? Labia minora comes in countless shapes, sizes, colours, and textures. This body part is as unique as a fingerprint and as distinct as a face. Labia minora 2 Can be long or short, wrinkled or smooth, dark or light More common to protrude More common to be asymmetrical Has a role in sexual pleasure (it has erectile tissue) Protects the vagina from drying out and funnels the urine stream from the urethra

Contact – Cliterate is a world-first working model created to support educators and health practitioners in explaining the interaction between the clitoris, vulva and pelvis. This anatomically accurate, pull apart sphere and supporting education resources will empower people to understand their own anatomy, the anatomy of others and enjoy improved health outcomes. Contact Us First name Last name Email Phone Message Submit Thanks for submitting! We welcome all comments, suggestions and feedback. Please contact The Cliterate Team by filling out the form below:

Our Story – Cliterate is a world-first working model created to support educators and health practitioners in explaining the interaction between the clitoris, vulva and pelvis. This anatomically accurate, pull apart sphere and supporting education resources will empower people to understand their own anatomy, the anatomy of others and enjoy improved health outcomes. Our Story Why Cliterate? The idea for Cliterate sparked from a clear absence of resources to support body, sex and intimacy education within the disability population. The existing diagrams and models in the education sector are inaccurate and unrelatable to many people. We know our brains can be wired differently so we need helpful resources that consider multiple learning needs. The resources should be accurate and based on the latest available research. And let’s not forget the big “awkward”. The daily use of anatomical language is not a comfortable space for most people, including health professionals and educators. We tend to use slang and fall into humour despite the importance of being empowered with knowledge about our body. Our aim is to help everyone overcome the awkward and to talk about this area…and talk a lot! The Design Process Access to accurate information about the vulva and clitoris was surprisingly challenging. We are incredibly grateful to pioneering Urologist, Dr. Helen O’Connell and her colleagues at the University of Melbourne for their support in answering our questions and offering insights from their many years of ground-breaking research. We are very grateful to the International Cliterati for their input and passion to interpret the available medical research. This global group continues its mission to increase knowledge and understanding about vulva anatomy. Our respect and gratitude to Dr. Judith Glover and her talented team from RMIT’s Industrial Design Program, namely Charlie Richardson and Cara Jordan-Miller. The skill and commitment to translating medical research and anatomical images into a 3D model is truly astonishing. Lastly, a huge thank you to Pete Hvala from X-Product who meticulously translated the design files into production-ready format. We are so excited about Cliterate and the conversations it will enable for everyone. Our hope is that Cliterate and our education resources will support your work in teaching others about the vulva and in the process, create a more Cliterate community. Anita Brown-Major She/Her OT & Founder Anita Brown-Major is an Occupational Therapist who is passionate about the recognition of all people as sexual beings. Anita has worked for over 25 years in neurological rehabilitation and founded Thrive rehab in 2016. She has completed extensive research into the importance sexuality - not just sex, but relationships, intimacy and self-esteem - for people living with different abilities and bodies, ensuring a focus on quality of life. She is a respected presenter, advocate and an engaging storyteller. Cliterate is Anita’s passion project and the journey from inception to launch demonstrates her commitment to empowering all people. Lucy MacDonald She/Her Consulting Sexologist & Occupational Therapist Lucy is passionate about breaking down stigmas and supporting individuals to express who they are as sexual beings. Combining her occupational therapy and psychosexual therapy skills, she supports her clients with sexuality-based development, including sexual activity in the disability space and people post-disease or living with functional decline. Lucy has provided accessible sex education for individuals requiring a more unique or tailored approach. Her empathy and communication skills have been invaluable in developing resources to support Cliterate in the health and education sectors. Fi MacRae She/Her Consumer Advocate & Community Liaison Fi is a Content Creator and Consumer Advocate living with severe, chronic pain and Endometriosis. She has a passion for sexual health, intimacy, and disability. Fi thrives on creating a space for others to share their lived experience, educate each other and challenge societal norms. She is founder and host of the online community and web-series ‘Private Parts’, documenting lives of those living with invisible chronic conditions. Fi creates contemporary and engaging content and her warmth makes her a magnet for fantastic humans. She brings incredible empathy, curiosity, creativity and fun to the Cliterate team. Jane Molphy She/Her Marketing & Operations With an extensive background in branding, product management and general business operation, Jane loves creating plans to bring great ideas to life. Supporting the passion projects of great humans is the stuff of her dreams. The Cliterate environment provides ample fodder for her love of community, creative challenges and curating interesting research and content. Within the Cliterate team, Jane enjoys the opportunity for continuous learning, creative project management and developing resources to encourage more open conversations. Charlie Richardson They/Them Design Team Charlie is an accomplished industrial designer with a passion for hands-on innovation. Their expertise in product design, coupled with proficiency in cutting-edge technologies such as 3D printing and CAD, allows them to transform ideas into tangible realities. Charlie excels in human-centered design and creative direction, prioritising genuine people's experience in their projects. Beyond their professional accolades, Charlie is deeply committed to community building. Actively involved in Melbourne's vibrant queer music and arts scene, you'll often find them immersed in local gigs and events. Cara Jordan-Miller She/Her Design Team Cara is a human-centered product designer and a believer that design should only be used to make beautiful things that make people’s live’s easier. With a passion for projects that explore pleasure, intimacy and body positivity, she works across physical and digital product design projects. She’s currently realising her dream as part of the Cliterate design team - using design to support the education of sexual health wellbeing. Eve Donnelly She/Her Education and Research Coordinator Passionate about education and health advocacy, Eve is dedicated to creating resources that empower individuals to take control of their health, ensuring everyone has access to the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. Eve's role at Cliterate ensures that the latest medical research is translated into accurate, accessible educational resources, bridging the gap between complex science and practical content for a diverse audience. With a Bachelor of Science from The University of Melbourne, Eve takes a holistic approach, considering individuals' experiences within their bodies, communities, and society. Brad Welsh He/Him Graphic Design Brad has been a designer for over 25 years working with various clients to help create connection and resonance between the services and products they offer and the people they serve. Becoming a part of the Cliterate Team has been both rewarding and a privilege – to be part of a movement that aims to bring knowledge and more comfortable conversations and learning. Our Team

Quiz

The sexual response system is fascinating and incredibly complex. It has been somewhat researched and is subject to ongoing research which we will continue to follow with interest. Sexual Arousal Pathways The sexual response system is fascinating and incredibly complex. It has been somewhat researched and is subject to ongoing research which we will continue to follow with interest. We are not attempting to explain the whole system here! In this section, we are focussing on the Psychogenic and Reflexogenic Sexual Arousal Pathways as a means of explaining how these neural pathways coordinate the body's response to stimuli. Psychogenic Pathway The psychogenic pathway in sexual response is all about how the brain and emotions influence arousal—without any direct physical touch. It’s different from the reflexogenic pathway, which kicks in when there’s actual physical stimulation. How it works 1. It Starts in The Mind Thoughts, fantasies, and memories can trigger the arousal process. Sensory input from all five senses—things you see, hear, touch, taste, and smell— also play a big role (like noticing an attractive person, watching a steamy scene in a movie or eating a food that reminds you of a positive sexual experience). A person’s emotional state—feeling relaxed, excited, or turned on—also plays a big role. 2. The Brain Gets to Work The limbic system (the brain’s emotional centre) processes those emotional and sensory signals. The hypothalamus , especially a part called the medial preoptic area (MPOA) , helps turn mental arousal into a physical response. The dopamine system (the brain’s pleasure and reward network) releases dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone, which drives continued attention or engagement. 3. Signals Travel Down Spine The brain sends messages through the nervous system (T12 to S1 region of the spinal chord) to the genitals. This happens through both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems , which control things like blood flow and sensitivity. 4. The Body Responds For people with vulvas: The clitoris and vaginal tissues get more blood flow, causing swelling, lubrication, and increased sensitivity. For people with penises: More blood flows into the erectile tissue of the penis, leading to an erection. Why it matters Thoughts, fantasies, and memories can trigger the arousal process. Sensory input from all five senses—things you see, hear, touch, taste, and smell— also play a big role (like noticing an attractive person, watching a steamy scene in a movie or eating a food that reminds you of a positive sexual experience). A person’s emotional state—feeling relaxed, excited, or turned on—also plays a big role. Back to Quiz The animation below illustrates the Psychogenic Pathways Response, where seeing, thinking, smelling, touching or tasting sends information from the brain down the spinal cord and results in engorgement of the clitoris. Reflexogenic Pathway The reflexogenic pathway is all about how physical touch and stimulation trigger the arousal process. Unlike the psychogenic pathway, which starts in the brain, this one happens automatically when certain areas of the body are touched—especially the genitals. How it works 1. Touch Sends Signals When the genitals or surrounding area are touched, the skin’s nerve endings pick up on it. This can include sensations like light touch, pressure, temperature, vibration or any other physical stimulation. Internal sensations can also send signals, such as movement of internal organs such as the uterus or ligaments during intercourse or pressure from the bladder. 2. The Spinal Cord Steps In The nerve signals don’t go straight to the brain first. Instead, they go to the S2 to S4 region of the spinal cord, which acts as a relay centre. The sacral spinal cord (in the lower back) plays a key role here—it processes the touch and immediately sends signals back to the genitals to trigger an automatic response. 3. The Body Reacts For people with vulvas: The clitoris and vaginal tissues swell, lubrication increases, and sensitivity heightens. For people with penises: The erectile tissue of the penis fills with blood, leading to an erection. 4. The Brain Can Join In (But It Doesn’t Have To) This process happens without conscious brain involvement—it’s a built-in reflex of the body. The brain can sometimes enhance or partly inhibit the response. If a person’s emotional state allows for psychogenic arousal to occur at the same time, the arousal process can become stronger. Emotions like stress of anxiety may partially inhibit the body’s automatic arousal. The brain’s ability to shut this reflex down is limited, and it is completely normal for the body to automatically respond to touch, including non-consensual touch. Why it matters It shows that the sexual response of the body isn’t just psychological —it can be an automatic reaction to touch. This explains why people with spinal cord injuries can still experience physical arousal, even if they’ve lost sensation. In non-consensual experiences of touch, it’s important to understand the body’s automatic arousal reflex, which is separate to conscious choice or enjoyment. The animation below illustrates the Reflexogenic Pathways Response, which takes place at the S2 to S4 part of the spinal cord. In response to someone being touched on the vulva, a message is sent to the spinal cord returning an immediate reflex response directly back from the S2–S4 region to the area, starting the engorgement process. This is an automatic response to sensation in the genital area – without involvement from the brain. The response is not under voluntary control and is not linked to consent or enjoyment. (Sexual non-concordance). An important note regarding consent: The physical arousal response of the body (an erect penis or wet vulva/engorged clitoris) does not require nor imply consent to be touched. This is super important for all people to understand. The only way to know if there’s consent is to ask and communicate. We encourage everyone to learn more about practicing consent, to ensure it’s present in all interactions. Arousal Non-Concordance Arousal non-concordance can happen when the brain finds something sexually appealing, but the body doesn’t respond by becoming physically aroused. This can be due to multiple factors such as stress, hormonal imbalances, trauma or shame. It can also happen during a reflexogenic arousal pathway, if the body becomes aroused automatically whilst the mind isn’t turned on. Research has shown that the concordance between genital response and subjective arousal within the brain to be different between people assigned male at birth (AMAB) and people assigned female at birth (AFAB). Arousal Concordance in People Assigned Male at Birth (AMAB) There is approximately a 50 percent overlap between what AMAB people’s genitals respond to as ‘sex-related’ and what their brains respond to as ‘sexually appealing’. Arousal Concordance in People Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB) There is approximately a 10 percent overlap between what AFAB people’s genitals respond to as ‘sex-related’ and what their brains respond to as ‘sexually appealing’. References: Elliott, S. L. (2008). Neurophysiology of sexual spinal reflexes. Springer EBooks, 2820–2823. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-29678-2_3936 Komisaruk, B. R., Whipple, B., Crawford, A., Grimes, S., Liu, W.-C., Kalnin, A., & Mosier, K. (2004). Brain activation during vaginocervical self-stimulation and orgasm in women with complete spinal cord injury: fMRI evidence of mediation by the Vagus nerves. Brain Research, 1024(1-2), 77–88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2004.07.029 Krassioukov, A., & Elliott, S. (2017). Neural Control and Physiology of Sexual Function: Effect of Spinal Cord Injury. Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, 23(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1310/sci2301-1 Rees, P. M., Fowler, C. J., & Maas, C. P. (2007). Sexual function in men and women with neurological disorders. The Lancet, 369(9560), 512–525. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(07)60238-4

Scroll down the page to discover the different layers of the Cliterate model. Click on the labels to reveal further information about each anatomical element. Scroll down the page to discover the different layers of the Cliterate model. Click on the labels to reveal further information about each anatomical element. Vulva Basics Clitoral hood Clitoris Labia majora Labia minora Urethra Vagina Pubic hair Perineum Anus Click the labels Mons Pubis Pelvic bone Clitoris Urethra Vagina Click the labels Clitoris Body Glans Bulbs Crura Click the labels