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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! What do you know about the clitoris? The vulva? Find out now by taking our Quiz. Start Quiz Now

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. Cliterate Team 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. 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. 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. Design Team Dr Judith Glover She/Her Industrial Designer Dr Judith Glover is a design researcher, educator and Industrial Design practitioner at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia. Her research explores new products and services under the umbrella of Design and Sexual Health Innovation (DaSHI) using industrial design methods and processes. She led the design team for the Cliterate project and continues to be our valued R+D consultant. Charlie Richardson They/Them Industrial Designer 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 Product Designer 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. Consultants 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.

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 Pelvic bone Clitoris Urethra Vagina Click the labels Back to Quiz Clitoris Body Glans Bulbs Crura Click the labels

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

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.

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.

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

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! What do you know about the clitoris? The vulva? 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

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

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