Episode 451: The Surprising Science Of The Clitoris (Essential Listen)

Nov 21, 2025

Dr. Maria Uloko, a board-certified urologist and founder of VULVAi, dives deep into the often-misunderstood world of the clitoris. She reveals the historical neglect surrounding its anatomy and highlights Dr. Helen O'Connell's groundbreaking work mapping its true 3D structure. Uloko discusses the staggering number of nerve endings—over 10,000—and the implications for sexual health and pleasure. She also explores the differences between clitoral and vaginal orgasms, and the significant role of testosterone in clitoral wellness.

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INSIGHT

Science Isn't Fully Objective

Scientific interpretation reflects researcher bias; anatomy can be documented then ignored due to culture.
Helen O'Connell used MRI mapping to redefine the clitoris and expose past scientific blind spots.

INSIGHT

Anatomy Mapping Improved Surgical Safety

Mapping the clitoris changed surgical safety by revealing internal anatomy previously unknown.
Knowing full anatomy prevents inadvertent injury during procedures like labiaplasty.

ANECDOTE

Research Born From Challenge

Maria Uloko describes starting a nerve-count study after being challenged at a pelvic pain summit.
She formed a cross-disciplinary team and launched research despite scarce funding.

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Many parts of female sexual anatomy have long been misunderstood, but the clitoris is chief among them. Throughout history, the clitoris is something that has repeatedly been discovered, described, and then forgotten. In today’s show, we’re going revisit one of my favorite conversations from the archives and talk all about the history and science of the clitoris.

My guest is Dr. Maria Uloko, a board certified urologist specializing in comprehensive sexual health, reconstruction and prosthesis. A former clinical professor at the University of California San Diego, Dr. Uloko is now the CEO of MUMD Sexual Medicine Consulting and the founder of VULVAi, an innovative patient advocacy tool that employs AI to aid patients grappling with vulvovaginal issues.

Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include:

Why has it taken so long for us to gain a solid scientific understanding of the clitoris?
How many nerve endings are actually in the clitoris?
How can a better understanding of clitoral anatomy help to improve sexual health and pleasure?
Is there really a difference between clitoral and vaginal orgasms?
What is the role of testosterone in clitoral health and wellness?

You can visit Maria’s website to learn more about her work.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology.

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Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.