Introducing: The Clitoris
It’s been a fun sociological experiment to ask people (particularly men, but even women) if they know what this cute crocheted bit of anatomy is. If this is your first introduction, no shade. Because while its male counterpart has been studied and mapped for decades, the entire underground structure of the clitoris was just recently discovered in 2005 by Australian urologist and femme explorer Helen O’Connell (a woman, of course). We got our first nerve mapping this year, 2026. And surprise, surprise: the clitoral complex is 10 times the size we thought it was, and has 2 to 3 times as many nerve endings as the penis. So what could it mean for childbirth?
“There’s nothing quite like the shape of the clitoris.”
And the shape is important, because as the above video explains, the pink bulbs at the bottom (which are spongy, erectile tissue) wrap around the birth canal. Think of the possibilities!!
If you’d like to learn more, this website by French independent researcher Odile Fillod who is '“particularly known for having designed a stylized model of the clitoris that can be printed in 3D”, is a fantastic, user-friendly guide for a deeper dive.
From the homepage there are links to history, anatomy, tools like the 3D print file and Ted Talks, and “Detox”— age old myths dispelled.
For more info about the possible role of the clitoris in childbirth:
Orgasmic birth: the anatomy of pleasure in childbirth by Debra Pascali-Bonaro
“A great deal of research has additionally found that using upright and/or hands-and-knees (all fours) birthing positions can impact the pressure imposed on the clitoris and can promote the release of oxytocin, which is ideal for pain relief.”
Are you a Clitorite? by Margaret Jowitt
“It says a lot for our birth culture that it has taken so long to work this out – and not just birth but male dominated science in general. It probably says even more for our birth culture that textbook physiology has absolutely nothing to say on the subject. I wonder whether all that engorgement and lubrication protects women against tearing?”
Why yes, I DO sell them!
We should all be shouting the truth about the clitoris from every rooftop. Hark ye, and spread the good news, far and wide!
Whether you’re a childbirth educator, sex educator, doula, health teacher, or just a general enthusiast, you should have a little model for your lesson!! These plushie ladies are about 7 inches tall, full of love, and crocheted by me. I’m bias, but I also think I’m objectively correct: my clitoriii (clitorises) are the best looking on the web.
Pattern by @jusMarrieCrochet
Crochet Clitoral Complex
Merlot
Crochet Clitoral Complex
Flamingo