Is it possible to enjoy sex after clitoris is removed?

Dear Reader,  

It’s true that the clitoris is commonly considered the “pleasure zone” for people with vulvas. So, it makes sense to wonder about whether people who have had it cut will enjoy sex. Many people think that the clitoris is only the part you can see outside of the body. However, the clitoris is made up of tissue and nerves both inside and outside of the body. Cutting any part of the clitoris can have lasting effects on a person’s physical, mental, and sexual health.  

However, sexual pleasure means something different to each person. Clitoral stimulation is just one way that people can enjoy sex. With that in mind, it may help to first explore the different procedures that can involve the removal of part or all the clitoris and how they may affect the body. 

What kinds of procedures remove the clitoris? 

There are two common procedures that remove female genital organs: 

• Female genital mutilation (or FGM) is done in parts of the world as a cultural practice, social norm, or rite of passage. FGM is typically done on people with vaginas before the age of 15. It’s estimated that over 230 million people worldwide have experienced it. There are different types of FGM, and some are more invasive than others. FGM typically involves partial or complete cutting of the external genitalia, particularly a part of the clitoris called the glans. FGM has no medical benefits and can lead to severe physical and emotional trauma. For that reason, FGM is recognized internationally as a human rights violation.  
• Intersex surgery is another procedure that may involve removing, cutting, or reshaping a clitoris. This surgery is typically done in hospitals on intersex infants whose genitals, chromosomes, or reproductive organs differ from the male-female binary. These surgeries are often controversial. Infants don’t have the ability to consent to these surgeries, and they’re often done without medical necessity. Activists advocate for people to make personal decisions about surgery when they’re older. They also advocate for the acceptance of healthy bodies, even if they don’t easily fit into a gender binary.  

How could these procedures affect sexual enjoyment? 

Overall, research shows that both FGM and intersex surgeries can have negative impacts on sexual health and satisfaction. This may include:  

• Decreased rates of sexual desire  
• Difficulty becoming sexually aroused 
• Challenges with self-image and self-confidence  
• Pain during sexual intercourse 
• Lower rates of orgasm 

List adapted from Feminist Theory and The Journal of Sexual Medicine 

However, qualitative studies show that people who have gone through both procedures are able to find ways to have fulfilling sex lives. Although their sensation may change, many people discover new sources of intimacy, arousal, and pleasure over time. 

What does sexual pleasure look like without clitoral stimulation? 

What it means to enjoy sex is different for each person. What’s enjoyable for one person may be uncomfortable for another. Similarly, sexual pleasure for people with vulvas can be more than just clitoral stimulation and orgasm. For example, sexual pleasure can come from increased confidence, a feeling of safety, strong intimacy, or experiences of exploration and novelty. 

The clitoris isn’t the only “pleasure zone” on the body. Other common areas include the breasts, nipples, anus, thighs, vaginal opening, and more. It may take some time and exploration to figure out what feels good (and what doesn’t). Honest, safe, and open communication between sexual partners can help people find their own meaning of sexual enjoyment. 

If you or someone you know needs support around this topic, a health care professional may be able to speak to you about sexual health and well-being. 

Ultimately, no two people experience sexual pleasure in exactly the same way. While procedures involving the clitoris can affect sensation, they don’t automatically eliminate a person’s ability to experience pleasure, intimacy, or sexual satisfaction. Understanding the range of experiences and the factors that influence sexual response can help move the conversation beyond assumptions and toward a more nuanced understanding of sexuality.