You know how in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare famously wrote, “And though she be but little, she is fierce”? Yeah, that basically sums up your clit. Just the glans of the clitoris—which is often only about two centimeters wide—has over 8,000 nerve endings, more than any other part of the vulva. In other words, clit stimulation is a must when it comes to next-level sex.
In fact, clitoral stimulation is a necessity for most vulva owners to have an orgasm, says Erica Marchand, PhD, a licensed psychologist specializing in couples therapy in Los Angeles, California: “It feels really good, helps [someone] get turned on, can help with lubrication, and in general, makes for a much more pleasurable sexual experience.”
Making clit action a regular part of your carnal routine can make orgasms all the more powerful, but it’s also an important game-changer for people who usually don't orgasm from penetrative sex, whether that's because they find penetration painful or they simply don't get off from it.
It's safe to say the clitoris is basically the sexual organ equivalent of the little engine that could. But if you've just become acquainted with the clit or would like to get to know it better, here's the low-down on what it is, where to find it, and how to stimulate your partner's clit (or your own!) like a pro, according to experts.
What is the clitoris?
Fun fact: The clitoris is the only organ on the human body that exists solely for sexual pleasure, says Wendasha Jenkins Hall, PhD, a sexual educator and researcher based in Atlanta, Georgia. In total, it contains over 10,000 nerve endings, according to 2023 research published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine.
“The piece that we see at the top of the vulva is only one portion of the clitoris,” says Donna Oriowo, LCSW, CST, a certified sex therapist and owner of Annodright. “It also has internal structures, which can be stimulated internally." In its entirety, Oriowo adds, the clit is basically a person with a vulva’s equivalent to a penis.
Where is the clitoris?
The external part of the clitoris is located right under the apex of the labia minora, about four centimeters above the vaginal entrance. It's a small nub (often described to be the shape and size of a pea), and usually covered by a protective hood. Internally, the clitoral structure spans the length of the vulva, with legs that surround the vaginal canal.
Oh, and speaking of...
Got it. So, what’s the anatomy of the clitoris?
The part of the clitoris you can really see—that is, the external part—is the glans, or the nub. There’s also the clitoral hood, which covers and protects the glans from irritation, harm, and unpleasant overstimulation. (Remember all those nerve endings? The glans is a delicate thing.)
Internally, the clitoris is a structure made of erectile tissue that fills with blood and expands when stimulated. It’s shaped like a wishbone, with two “legs,” called crura, that surround the vaginal canal, and bulbs that rest between the crura and the vaginal wall.
Wait, so is the G-spot actually just the internal part of the clitoris?
Kind of! Over the years, there’s been a lot of conflicting research on the G-spot, but it’s generally considered to be located a few inches inside the vagina along the front wall. Some researchers believe that this spot feels so good because it’s right where the clit’s bulbs touch the vaginal wall—meaning that, perhaps, a G-spot orgasm is a clitoral orgasm, too.
How much do you know about your vagina? Put your knowledge to the test:
How can I stimulate my own clitoris?
Although the clitoris is small, there are many, many ways to stimulate it and experience that coveted clitoral O. That's why the best technique is exploration.
"Figure out what type of stimulation you like," says Rachel Wright, MA, LMFT, a psychotherapist and sex therapist based in New York City. "Do you like light pressure, firm pressure? Buzzy vibrations, rumbly vibrations? Outside of underwear, inside of underwear?"
The best way to do this is by taking the time to masturbate, with fingers or a clitoral vibrator. Experiment with different patterns and amounts of pressure, then try to identify which sensations relax you and get you in the mood—and whether those same sensations bring you to orgasm, Wright suggests.
How can I stimulate my partner's clitoris?
Everyone's body is different, and everyone's clit is different, too. "It's unbelievably common for different people that have clitorises to like different things," Wright says. She compares clitoral stimulation to massages: generally speaking, many people like it, but what works wonders for one person could be blah or even painful for another. Because of this, the best thing you can do is ask your partner what feels good to them, Wright explains.
But that doesn't mean there aren't any pro tips. Here are a few moves to try, whether you're stimulating someone's clit with your fingers, mouth, or both.
1. Safety first.
If you're using your fingers, make sure your hands are clean and your nails are smooth, says Oriowo. It's also never a bad idea to use lube, even if you're focusing on external stimulation.
2. Start gentle and light.
Remember: The clitoris can be sensitive! “Start with a light touch [to] build up anticipation. Starting with too much pressure can be painful,” Oriowo says. Once you’ve got a rhythm going, you can slowly increase the pressure. “You can also use a small tap—tapping on the clitoris, side to side or in a circle.”
3. Don't go straight for the clitoral hood.
Some people might wrongly assume that clitoral stimulation is all about finding the clit, and then directly touching it. But really, "a lot of people who have clitorises are overstimulated by too much direct stimulation," Wright says. "Generally speaking, giving the clitoris stimulation around the main area that's showing is really important."
As your partner's arousal builds, you can work your way in and increase pressure, adds Jess O'Reilly, PhD, host of the Sex with Dr. Jess podcast. "With fingers, rub the entire length of the vulva—don’t focus on the head of the clit alone,” O’Reilly says. She suggests a move called the Pussy Pocket: “Press your palm against their pubic mound and wrap your fingers around the length of their lips. Press and rub slowly, sensually, and gently to begin, and then increase the pressure as their arousal builds.”
4. If you're using your mouth, start with a flat tongue—and see what your partner likes.
Once again, everyone's different, and there are tons of different ways to perform oral sex on someone with a clitoris. As a jumping-off point, O’Reilly suggests firmly pressing against your partner’s clit with “a wide, flat tongue” and moving side by side and up and down.
“You can also roll your tongue into a tube and slide it over the head of their clit, or right inside the vagina,” she adds. “Obviously, the most important part of sex involves open communication, so check in to see what feels good for them before and during any sexual encounter.”
How can I incorporate external clitoral stimulation into penetrative sex?
While there are positions that can help create some natural feel-good friction—more on that in a minute—Oriowo first suggests putting an intentional focus on the clit, instead of just choosing a position that happens to lend itself to clitoral stimulation.
“I personally believe that if you want your clitoris to be stimulated, do it on purpose,” she says. “In general, a lot of the positions that we already have sex in, we can make more clitoris-friendly by moving around in circles or pushing back and forth so that the clitoris is also engaged. But more than anything, I say let someone reach out and touch.”
There are also clitoral vibrators designed for use during penetrative sex. Wright recommends Eva by Dame ($140) or We-Vibe's Chorus ($209), both of which are designed to stay on your body during sex. "There are also vibrators like Zumio, which is designed to be held—either easily on your own, or while in a penetrative position," Wright says.
We-Vibe Chorus
With all of this in mind, there are some positions that will give your clit some extra TLC. If your sexual routine typically centers around penetration, these 13 expert-approved positions will help you incorporate clitoral stimulation into all your go-to sexcapades.
1. Table Top
The Table Top position provides easy access to the clitoris, says Jenkins Hall. "Either partner can stimulate the clitoris with their hands or a toy during strokes. Also, the clitoris can be gently pushed down to receive stimulation during the stroking motion." Plus, this position ups the intimacy, as there's plenty of opportunity for eye contact.
How to do it: You don’t have to do this one on a table—any surface that hits the penetrating partner at crotch height will do. The giving partner enters the receiver while they’re sitting or lying at the edge of a table, counter, or maybe even a bed.
Modifications: If the position gets uncomfortable, Jenkins Hall recommends placing a pillow underneath the receiving partner.
2. Scoop Me Up
Want to feel every inch of your partner? Try this one. "This side-lying position is great because it provides skin-to-skin contact and the clitoris is readily available," says Jenkins Hall. "Either partner can provide stimulation to the clitoris while thrusting by simply wrapping their arms toward the front since both are lying and facing the same direction."
How to do it: Both of you lie on your sides, facing the same direction. The receiver brings their knees up slightly while the giving partner slides up behind them and enters them from behind, in the spooning position.
Modifications: Since the position may make the clitoris a little harder to reach, the receptive partner should spread or widen their legs to make it more accessible, suggests Jenkins-Hall.
3. Pretzel Dip
You already know pretzels taste good, but contorting your bodies into one can make for explosive pleasure. Deviate from the thrusting norm, and focus on friction for maximum results. “This position is about persistently connecting and grinding against each other,” says sex therapist Ian Kerner, PhD, author of She Comes First. That grinding action will help make your clit very happy.
How to do it: The receiver lies on their right side. The penetrating partner kneels, straddling their right leg and curling the receiver's left leg around their own left side. From there, the penetrating partner enters. This will provide deep penetration and easy clit access.
Modifications: Not feeling enough pressure? Have the giving partner lean back. "If they lean forward, it’s easier to manually stimulate you," says Kerner. "But leaning back offers the best angle to press into each other."
4. Face-Off
This romantic position has a lot of added focus on the clitoris—plus, it provides extra support, which is helpful for long sex seshes. You can give yourself a hand, or you can close the distance between your two bodies to go hands-free. “Rub yourself against them to get the stimulation you need,” says Kerner.
How to do it: The giving partner sits on a chair or the edge of the bed. The receiver faces them, straddling their lap. From here, the receiving partner can control the angle and depth of the entry and thrusts.
Modifications: The giving partner supports the receiver's weight, then leans back for more clitoral contact against their body. “Think of it as them dipping you during a dance," says Kerner. "With that support, you can get a good rhythm going."
5. Leap Frog
Get more bang for your buck. While this position is a natural for G-spot stimulation, it can be a winner for your clitoris, too. “When [your partner] is in a comfortable enough position, they can try to reach under you and provide clitoral stimulation,” says Kerner.
How to do it: This is a modified doggy style. To do this variation, the receiver gets on their hands and knees; then, keeping their hips raised, they rest their head and arms on the bed. The giving partner enters from behind, while holding the receiver's hips for extra thrusting support. The penetrating partner can rub the recipient's clit from this position, or the receiver can take matters into their own hands.
Modifications: If the thrusting makes it hard for the giving partner to keep their hand on target, they can grind against the receiver in circles instead. Less in-and-out motion can make for a more consistent connection.
6. Missionary
It’s an oldie and a goodie for a reason. “This can be nice if [you're] able to focus less on thrusting and more on connecting,” says Kerner. If you need a stronger touch, feel free to grab the penetrating partner's butt and pull them deeper inside of you so that their pelvic area presses harder against your clitoris.
How to do it: The receiver lies on their back while the giving partner lies facedown on top of them. Then, they enter the receiver, pressing close together so their penis or strap-on can rub up against the clit. From here, play around with the position a bit—the receiver can shift the angle of their legs to change the sensation for both of you. Oriowo suggests adding a slight body roll.
Modifications: O’Reilly recommends the coital alignment technique, a popular twist on missionary in which the partner with a penis or strap-on “slides slightly upward,” allowing for additional grinding.
7. Doggy Style
This move is great if you want to have your partner stimulate your clitoris for you. “It may be hard to stimulate yourself because you’re on both hands, but they can lean over and reach under to touch your clitoris,” says Kerner.
How to do it: The receiving partner gets on all fours. The giving partner kneels behind them, with their upper body straight up or slightly draped over. Again, this position allows for deep penetration and easy access to the clit. The receiver can either stimulate their own clit with one hand, while balancing on the other, or ask their partner to take total control.
Modifications: The giving partner can lean over even more so their hand can stay pressed up against the receiver's clitoris, or transition from thrusting into smoother grinding motions. That way, the receiver might also have enough support to get the job done on their own.
8. Reverse Scoop
Feeling intimate? This position offers the best of both worlds: ultimate closeness to your partner and plenty of clitoral stimulation. “Once you’re both comfortably positioned, you can get into a great grinding rhythm against their leg,” says Kerner.
How to do it: From missionary position, without pulling out, turn together onto your sides, using your arms to support your upper bodies. From here, you get the same full-body press (good news for your clit!). You can also try intertwining your legs for extra stimulation.
Modifications: One of you can slip a hand down south to get the most out of this position. “Since you’re on your sides, you have enough support to easily provide some manual stimulation,” says Kerner.
9. The Seashell
Opening up is a good thing when you’re trying to get off. “When your vulva is very exposed, there’s a lot of clitoral and inner labial stimulation,” says Kerner. The receiver can go to town with their hands, and focus on the visual of their partner sliding in and out if they need some erotic fuel.
How to do it: The receiver lies back with their legs raised all the way up and their ankles crossed behind their own head. Then, their partner enters from a missionary position.
Modifications: Do away with the hand action. The giving partner can simply reposition their body a bit higher so that their pelvis is right against the receiver's clitoris, says Kerner.
10. The Pinball Wizard
Does it look like the dirty version of a move you’d do in barre class? Yes. Does it provide awesome sensations for your nether regions? Absolutely. Another perk Marchand points out: This position is perfect for watching. "The Pinball Wizard is great for being able to watch your partner do their thing! And also for the potential for G-spot stimulation, depending on the angle of thrusting, as well as for manual clitoral stimulation by either partner," she says.
The key here is getting really close, then changing up the direction of your movements. Instead of regular thrusting, the penetrating partner moves their body up and down against the receiver's.
How to do it: The receiver gets into a partial bridge pose, with their weight resting on their shoulders. Then, their partner enters from a kneeling position. If you're receiving, you can adjust your height by lifting your hips higher, or going up on your tip-toes. You can also try throwing one leg up against your partner's shoulder for deeper penetration.
Modifications: If you're the receiving partner, you can stabilize yourself (you may have to come down from the balls of your feet unless your partner can support you with one hand), and have your partner touch your clitoris just the way you like. “If [they] have the strength for it, that could definitely work,” says Kerner.
You can also use pillows for support, Marchand adds: "To make clitoral stimulation easier in this position, I'd add a stack of pillows or a foam support underneath your partner, so both participants can relax more and focus less on holding the other up and more on their movements and consistency of clitoral stimulation."
11. The Om
If you need long-lasting clitoral stimulation, you can settle into this comfortable position and stay awhile. Get extra close and grind against your partner, says Kerner: “It’s really about their pelvis and your clitoris making contact.”
How to do it: The giving partner sits cross-legged, and the receiver sits on their lap facing them, then wraps their legs around the giver's waist. Together, you hug each other for support. Rather than thrusting, try rocking to really make the most of this position.
Modifications: Switch up your movements, says Kerner. Try rubbing up and down against the giving partner, or rolling your hips in mini circles until you find what feels best.
12. The Valedictorian
This easy transition from missionary may not seem like a clitoris pleaser, but a tweak makes it work. “Have them ride high and focus on pressing down on your body,” says Kerner. “It’s a great position for a lot of contact and grinding.”
How to do it: From missionary position, the receiver raises their legs and extend them straight out, forming a “V” shape. They can also try grabbing their own ankles for stability, and an added stretch.
Modifications: Instead of having the giver do all the work, the receiving partner can slip their arms around their back, hold their partner close, and rub both bodies together. The added pressure might be just what you need to reach the big O.
13. Cowgirl
“Cowgirl is great for clitoral stimulation,” says Oriowo. “Because you’re facing forward and you’re able to lean over a little bit more, you can create additional friction on the clitoris in that way.”
How to do it: The penetrating partner lies down on their back. All while staying face to face, the receiver straddles and rides them, sliding up and down at their own pace.
Modifications: Because the receiver is on top, they have tons of control over the speed and depth of penetration, yes, but also the exact position. If you're receiving, find an angle that works for you, and try leaning forward to grind your clitoris against your partner’s pubic bone as you go up and down.
Meet the experts: Erica Marchard, PhD, is a licensed psychologist specializing in couples therapy in Los Angeles, California. Wendasha Jenkins Hall, PhD, is a sex educator and researcher based in Atlanta, Georgia. Jess O'Reilly, PhD, is a sexologist and host of the Sex With Dr. Jess podcast. Ian Kerner, PhD, is a sex therapist and author of She Comes First. Donna Oriowo, LICSW, CST, is a certified sex therapist and owner of Annodright. Rachel Wright, LMFT, is a psychotherapist and sex therapist based in New York.
Jasmine Gomez is the Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she cover the best product recommendations across beauty, health, lifestyle, fitness, and more. When she's not shopping for a living, she enjoys karaoke and dining out more than she cares to admit. Follow her @JazzeGomez.
Lydia Wang is the love & life editor at Women’s Health, where she writes and edits articles about sex, relationships, identity, and pop culture. She lives in New York and spends way too much of her free time reading romance novels in coffee shops and tweeting about her favorite dating shows.
