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

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

The history of the clitoris is quite the story. It’s marked by periods of discovery, misinformation, and deliberate omission from medical texts. The 'hysterical' History of the Clitoris 460 BC Hippocrates referred to the clitoris as "columella" or "little pillar." Hippocrates 40 AD Galen theorised that female anatomy is an inverted version of male anatomy, ignoring the existence of the clitoris as a distinct anatomical structure. Aelius Galenus 110 AD Rufus of Ephesus identified the clitoris and noted its link to female pleasure. Rufus of Ephesus 1487 The clitoris was labelled the "devil's teat" in a witch-hunting manual, tying it to superstition. The 'devil's teat' 1543 Anatomist Andreas Vasalius denied the significance of the clitoris, considering it as a rare anomaly not found in healthy women. A rare anomaly 1545 Charles Estienne described the clitoris as a “shameful member” in one of the earliest dissections. Charles Estienne 1559 Realdo Colombo claimed to have "discovered" the clitoris, calling it "the seat of female delight". Realdo Colombo 1672 Reginer De Graff published early illustrations of the clitoris. Reginer De Graff 1800s Women diagnosed with "hysteria" were subjected to clitoridectomies (removal of the clitoral glans). What's all this 'hysteria'??? 1844 Geog Ludwig Kobelt published an accurate description of the function of the clitoris, as well as accurate illustrations. Geog Ludwig Kobelt 1948 The clitoris, which had previously been minimally mentioned, disappeared from medical textbook Gray’s Anatomy, only to conservatively reappear decades later during the 1960s. The clitoris goes missing! 1960s-70s Feminists studied their own bodies, challenged anatomy texts, and emphasized the clitoris in works like 'Our Bodies, Ourselves'. Feminists challenge anatomy 1963 A worm-like, unlabelled part of the body assumed to be the clitoris reappears in the 27th edition of Gray’s Anatomy, incorrectly depicted. Inaccurate and unlabelled 1994 Professor Helen O’Connell became Australia’s first female urologist and discovered a lack of accurate information about the clitoris, raising concerns about the implications for pelvic surgery. Cue the groundbreaking Professor Helen O'Connell 1998 Melbourne-based urologist, Professor Helen O’Connell mapped the entire clitoris and its nerve endings, via cadaveric dissections. Professor Helen O’Connell maps the entire clitoris 2005 MRI reveals detailed evidence Professor Helen O’Connell used Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans to map blood flow in the clitoris, revealing further detailed evidence of the structure. 2008 Gray's Anatomy – 40 editions to get it right The first fully labelled clitoris since 1947 appears in the 40th Edition of Gray’s Anatomy. 2009 Another 3D view The first 3D ultrasound of the engorged clitoris was conducted. 2022 International Cliteratti was formed International Cliteratti was formed. This global group includes leading medical professionals, academics and vulva and clitoris model makers who have a shared aim of translating medical knowledge into accessible format for all people 2022 Erection? We think not Research showed the suspensory ligament keeps the clitoris bent, challenging the idea of clitoral "erection". 2023 (woohoo!) Cliterate model is launched The Cliterate model was launched. 2023 A lot of nerve! The number of clitoral nerves was found to be 10,280, not 8,000 as previously believed. 2025 More P's than C's - not very PC! A January, 2025 PubMed search yields 2,780 published studies on the clitoris, versus 56,443 on the penis. Despite progress, the clitoris is still omitted or largely underrepresented in medical and anatomical texts. The history of the clitoris is quite the story. It’s marked by periods of discovery, misinformation, and deliberate omission from medical texts. From ancient anatomical drawings to the suppression of its significance in the 19th and 20th centuries, the clitoris has often been shrouded in mystery and taboo. The good news? Recent decades have seen a resurgence of research and recognition, the mapping of its anatomical structure and function and a growing understanding of the role of the clitoris in sexual health and pleasure. Fair warning: There’s a lot of white men with beards in this timeline. References: Boston Women's Health Book Collective. (1973). Our bodies, ourselves: A book by and for women. Simon & Schuster. Blechner, M. J. (2017). The clitoris: Anatomical and psychological issues. Studies in Gender & Sexuality, 18(3), 190–200. https://doi.org/10.1080/15240657.2017.1349509 Botter, C., Botter, M., Pizza, C., Charpy, C., Pineau, V., La Padula, S., Meningaud, J. P., & Hersant, B. (2022). The suspensory ligament of the clitoris: A new anatomical and histological description. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 19(1), 12-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.10.002 Charlier, P., Deo, S., & Perciaccante, A. (2020). A brief history of the clitoris. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 49(1), 47–48. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-020-01638-6 De Graaf, R. (1672). De mulierum organis generationi inservientibus [On the organs of generation in women]. Ex Officina Hackiana. Foldes, P., & Buisson, O. (2009). The clitoral complex: A dynamic sonographic study. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 6(5), 1223–1231. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01231.x Gray, H. (1948). Gray’s anatomy: Descriptive and applied (25th ed., revised by T. B. Johnston & J. Whillis). Longmans, Green & Co. Gray, H. (1963). Gray’s anatomy: Descriptive and applied (D. V. Davies, Ed.). Longmans. Laqueur, T. (1990). Making sex: Body and gender from the Greeks to Freud. Harvard University Press. Mazloomdoost, D., & Pauls, R. N. (2015). A comprehensive review of the clitoris and its role in female sexual function. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 3(4), 245–263. https://doi.org/10.1002/smrj.35 O’Connell, H. E., Hutson, J. M., Anderson, C. R., & Plenter, R. J. (1998). Anatomical relationship between urethra and clitoris. The Journal of Urology, 159(6), 1892-1897. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5347(01)63188-4 O’Connell, H. E., Sanjeevan, K. V., & Hutson, J. M. (2005). Anatomy of the clitoris. The Journal of Urology, 174(4), 1189-1195. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ju.0000173639.38898.cd Sprenger, J., & Kramer, H. (1487). The Malleus Maleficarum (M. Summers, Trans.). Dover Publications. (Original work published 1487) Standring, S. (Ed.). (2008). Gray’s anatomy: The anatomical basis of clinical practice (40th ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier. Stringer, M. D., & Becker, J. M. (2019). Colombo and the clitoris: An anatomical renaissance. The Lancet, 393(10171), 1464-1465. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)30547-6 Uloko, M., Isabey, E. P., & Peters, B. R. (2023). How many nerve fibers innervate the human glans clitoris: A histomorphometric evaluation of the dorsal nerve of the clitoris. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 20(3), 247-252. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdac027 Vesalius, A. (1543). De humani corporis fabrica libri septem [On the fabric of the human body]. Johannes Oporinus.

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 Back to Quiz 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 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

Quiz

Cliterate's spherical, pull-apart design explains the relationship between the clitoris, vulva and pelvis. Are you Cliterate?  Vulva Basics Scroll over the images and learn about vulva anatomy. Click on the labels for more info. Explore Are you Cliterate? Are you Cliterate? 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 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 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

The history of the clitoris is quite the story. It’s marked by periods of discovery, misinformation, and deliberate omission from medical texts. The 'hysterical' History of the Clitoris 460 BC Hippocrates referred to the clitoris as "columella" or "little pillar." Hippocrates 40 AD Galen theorised that female anatomy is an inverted version of male anatomy, ignoring the existence of the clitoris as a distinct anatomical structure. Aelius Galenus 110 AD Rufus of Ephesus identified the clitoris and noted its link to female pleasure. Rufus of Ephesus 1487 The clitoris was labelled the "devil's teat" in a witch-hunting manual, tying it to superstition. The 'devil's teat' 1543 Anatomist Andreas Vasalius denied the significance of the clitoris, considering it as a rare anomaly not found in healthy women. A rare anomaly 1545 Charles Estienne described the clitoris as a “shameful member” in one of the earliest dissections. Charles Estienne 1559 Realdo Colombo claimed to have "discovered" the clitoris, calling it "the seat of female delight". Realdo Colombo 1672 Reginer De Graff published early illustrations of the clitoris. Reginer De Graff 1800s Women diagnosed with "hysteria" were subjected to clitoridectomies (removal of the clitoral glans). What's all this 'hysteria'??? 1844 Geog Ludwig Kobelt published an accurate description of the function of the clitoris, as well as accurate illustrations. Geog Ludwig Kobelt 1948 The clitoris, which had previously been minimally mentioned, disappeared from medical textbook Gray’s Anatomy, only to conservatively reappear decades later during the 1960s. The clitoris goes missing! 1960s-70s Feminists studied their own bodies, challenged anatomy texts, and emphasized the clitoris in works like 'Our Bodies, Ourselves'. Feminists challenge anatomy 1963 A worm-like, unlabelled part of the body assumed to be the clitoris reappears in the 27th edition of Gray’s Anatomy, incorrectly depicted. Inaccurate and unlabelled 1994 Professor Helen O’Connell became Australia’s first female urologist and discovered a lack of accurate information about the clitoris, raising concerns about the implications for pelvic surgery. Cue the groundbreaking Professor Helen O'Connell 1998 Melbourne-based urologist, Professor Helen O’Connell mapped the entire clitoris and its nerve endings, via cadaveric dissections. Professor Helen O’Connell maps the entire clitoris 2005 MRI reveals detailed evidence Professor Helen O’Connell used Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans to map blood flow in the clitoris, revealing further detailed evidence of the structure. 2008 Gray's Anatomy – 40 editions to get it right The first fully labelled clitoris since 1947 appears in the 40th Edition of Gray’s Anatomy. 2009 Another 3D view The first 3D ultrasound of the engorged clitoris was conducted. 2022 International Cliteratti was formed International Cliteratti was formed. This global group includes leading medical professionals, academics and vulva and clitoris model makers who have a shared aim of translating medical knowledge into accessible format for all people 2022 Erection? We think not Research showed the suspensory ligament keeps the clitoris bent, challenging the idea of clitoral "erection". 2023 (woohoo!) Cliterate model is launched The Cliterate model was launched. 2023 A lot of nerve! The number of clitoral nerves was found to be 10,280, not 8,000 as previously believed. 2025 More P's than C's - not very PC! A January, 2025 PubMed search yields 2,780 published studies on the clitoris, versus 56,443 on the penis. Despite progress, the clitoris is still omitted or largely underrepresented in medical and anatomical texts. The history of the clitoris is quite the story. It’s marked by periods of discovery, misinformation, and deliberate omission from medical texts. From ancient anatomical drawings to the suppression of its significance in the 19th and 20th centuries, the clitoris has often been shrouded in mystery and taboo. The good news? Recent decades have seen a resurgence of research and recognition, the mapping of its anatomical structure and function and a growing understanding of the role of the clitoris in sexual health and pleasure. Fair warning: There’s a lot of white men with beards in this timeline. Back to Quiz References: Boston Women's Health Book Collective. (1973). Our bodies, ourselves: A book by and for women. Simon & Schuster. Blechner, M. J. (2017). The clitoris: Anatomical and psychological issues. Studies in Gender & Sexuality, 18(3), 190–200. https://doi.org/10.1080/15240657.2017.1349509 Botter, C., Botter, M., Pizza, C., Charpy, C., Pineau, V., La Padula, S., Meningaud, J. P., & Hersant, B. (2022). The suspensory ligament of the clitoris: A new anatomical and histological description. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 19(1), 12-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.10.002 Charlier, P., Deo, S., & Perciaccante, A. (2020). A brief history of the clitoris. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 49(1), 47–48. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-020-01638-6 De Graaf, R. (1672). De mulierum organis generationi inservientibus [On the organs of generation in women]. Ex Officina Hackiana. Foldes, P., & Buisson, O. (2009). The clitoral complex: A dynamic sonographic study. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 6(5), 1223–1231. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01231.x Gray, H. (1948). Gray’s anatomy: Descriptive and applied (25th ed., revised by T. B. Johnston & J. Whillis). Longmans, Green & Co. Gray, H. (1963). Gray’s anatomy: Descriptive and applied (D. V. Davies, Ed.). Longmans. Laqueur, T. (1990). Making sex: Body and gender from the Greeks to Freud. Harvard University Press. Mazloomdoost, D., & Pauls, R. N. (2015). A comprehensive review of the clitoris and its role in female sexual function. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 3(4), 245–263. https://doi.org/10.1002/smrj.35 O’Connell, H. E., Hutson, J. M., Anderson, C. R., & Plenter, R. J. (1998). Anatomical relationship between urethra and clitoris. The Journal of Urology, 159(6), 1892-1897. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5347(01)63188-4 O’Connell, H. E., Sanjeevan, K. V., & Hutson, J. M. (2005). Anatomy of the clitoris. The Journal of Urology, 174(4), 1189-1195. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ju.0000173639.38898.cd Sprenger, J., & Kramer, H. (1487). The Malleus Maleficarum (M. Summers, Trans.). Dover Publications. (Original work published 1487) Standring, S. (Ed.). (2008). Gray’s anatomy: The anatomical basis of clinical practice (40th ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier. Stringer, M. D., & Becker, J. M. (2019). Colombo and the clitoris: An anatomical renaissance. The Lancet, 393(10171), 1464-1465. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)30547-6 Uloko, M., Isabey, E. P., & Peters, B. R. (2023). How many nerve fibers innervate the human glans clitoris: A histomorphometric evaluation of the dorsal nerve of the clitoris. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 20(3), 247-252. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdac027 Vesalius, A. (1543). De humani corporis fabrica libri septem [On the fabric of the human body]. Johannes Oporinus.

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 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 Back to Quiz 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.

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

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:

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