PDF Summary:Becoming Cliterate, by Laurie Mintz

Women have fewer orgasms than men in casual sexual encounters due to unrealistic expectations, poor communication about sexual needs, and the priority placed on male pleasure. In Becoming Cliterate, Laurie Mintz aims to close this "pleasure gap" by providing detailed facts about female anatomy and physiology, particularly the clitoris. She explores the history of stigmatization surrounding female sexuality and orgasms, dispelling cultural myths. Mintz advocates for equality and open discussion of women's pleasure, arguing it enhances intimacy for all.

Mintz's guide covers female arousal and response, explaining the role of structures like the labia, vagina, and pelvic floor during orgasm. She encourages women to learn their own bodies' preferences, emphasizing every woman has unique experiences of gratification. Overall, Mintz's goal is to celebrate female sexuality, empowering women to feel pride and prioritize their pleasure.

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History of Women’s Sexuality as Shameful, Sinful, or Inferior

Mintz delves into the historical context surrounding female sexuality, revealing a long-standing pattern of dismissing, demonizing, and suppressing women's enjoyment and desires. She argues that this deeply ingrained prejudice, spanning centuries, has shaped our current perceptions and continues to influence sexual dynamics even today.

Ancient Greek and Roman Beliefs That the Clitoris Was a "Failed Penis"

Mintz examines early Western perceptions of female sexuality by delving into ancient Greek and Roman perspectives on the clitoris. While acknowledging that these civilizations recognized the clitoris, she underscores that they viewed it as inferior to the penis. One Roman doctor, she reveals, went so far as to label the clitoris an "unsuccessful try at forming a penis," reflecting a deep-seated bias that prioritized male anatomy and pleasure. This, Mintz argues, highlights the early origins of a worldview that dismissed women's enjoyment and laid the foundation for the subsequent marginalization of female sexuality.

Context

• Ancient medical theories, such as those by Galen, often viewed male anatomy as the standard. Female anatomy was sometimes seen as an inverted or lesser version of male anatomy, reflecting broader societal views that valued male characteristics more highly.
• Philosophers like Aristotle posited that women were naturally inferior to men, which reinforced societal norms that dismissed the importance of female pleasure.

Other Perspectives

• The interpretation of ancient texts can be influenced by the translator's own cultural biases, potentially leading to misrepresentations of the original authors' views.
• The Roman doctor's view is an example of cultural and historical bias, not an objective biological assessment.

Female Desire and Witchcraft in the Medieval Era

To further illustrate the historical oppression of women's sexuality, Mintz explores the medieval period, a time when it was demonized and associated with evil. She presents a chilling example from this era: a guide to hunting witches that deemed a clitoris that was aroused to indicate demonic influence. This, Mintz argues, exemplifies the extreme lengths to which societies have gone to suppress women's enjoyment and reveals the deeply rooted fear and misogyny underlying such attitudes.

Context

• The witch hunts peaked between the 15th and 18th centuries, resulting in the persecution and execution of thousands, predominantly women, across Europe and North America.
• Women's sexuality was often controlled to ensure lineage and inheritance remained within patriarchal structures, reflecting broader economic and power dynamics that prioritized male authority.
• Women who were independent or did not conform to traditional roles could be seen as threats to the economic and social order, leading to accusations of witchcraft as a means to control or eliminate them.

Other Perspectives

• Some medieval texts and records indicate that there were also positive portrayals of female sexuality, suggesting a more complex societal view than solely demonization.

Problematic Language Discussing Women's Bodies and Sexual Pleasure

Mintz tackles the issue of how language shapes our understanding of female sexuality, calling for a linguistic revolution that prioritizes accuracy, inclusivity, and respect for women's pleasurable experiences.

Cultural Use of "Vagina" for Female Genitalia

Mintz criticizes the cultural tendency to use "vagina" as a blanket term for all female genitalia, arguing that this practice reflects the prioritization of male sexual gratification in our language. She explains that this mislabeling linguistically erases the primary source of pleasure for most women, further marginalizing its importance and contributing to a lack of awareness regarding female arousal.

Context

• Mislabeling can contribute to feelings of shame or confusion about one's body, as women may not have the language to accurately describe their experiences or advocate for their sexual needs.

Other Perspectives

• The use of "vagina" to represent all female genitalia could be seen as a reflection of a lack of detailed sexual education rather than an active effort to prioritize male sexual pleasure.
• The prioritization of male sexual gratification in language could be a symptom of broader societal issues, such as patriarchy, rather than the cause of those issues.

Discomfort and Stigma Surrounding "Clitoris"

Mintz explores societal discomfort with the term "clitoris," highlighting the awkwardness many people experience when employing this anatomically accurate word. She attributes this discomfort to the societal stigmatization of women's sexual gratification, explaining that the lack of comfortable language surrounding the clitoris reflects a broader cultural aversion to openly discussing female sexuality.

Context

• The discomfort with the term is also reflected in medical and scientific communities, where research on female sexual health and the clitoris has historically been underfunded and understudied.
• Different cultures have varying levels of openness regarding discussions of sexuality, with some being more progressive and others maintaining strict taboos, affecting how female sexuality is perceived and discussed globally.

Cultural Myths and Biases Suppressing Women's Sexual Needs Discussion

Mintz confronts the entrenched myths and biases surrounding female sexuality, emphasizing their role in suppressing open and honest conversations about women's sexual needs.

The Myth That Women Should Only Come From Penetrative Sex

Mintz debunks the pervasive myth that women should achieve orgasm solely through intercourse, emphasizing that this harmful misconception fuels the pleasure gap and leaves countless women with a sense of inadequacy and dissatisfaction. She attributes this myth to the prioritization of male pleasure in our culture, explaining that intercourse, the primary method men use to orgasm, has been falsely positioned as the ultimate goal for women as well.

Context

• Movies and television often depict sex as primarily penetrative, reinforcing the idea that this is the standard or most fulfilling form of sexual activity for all genders.
• The myth can lead to feelings of inadequacy in women who may feel abnormal or broken if they do not orgasm through penetration.
• Some religious and moral teachings have historically emphasized procreation as the primary purpose of sex, which can devalue other aspects of sexual pleasure and intimacy, particularly for women.

Gender Bias In Judging Sexual Behavior

Mintz reveals the double standard driving judgments regarding female sexual behavior, arguing that this bias discourages women from owning and expressing their sexuality. She highlights the societal tendency to negatively label women who enjoy noncommittal sexual encounters, while simultaneously applauding men for the same behavior. This, she asserts, creates a climate of shame and makes women hesitant to have sex freely and without fear of judgment.

Practical Tips

• Create a visual mood board that represents your sexual empowerment, using images, quotes, and symbols that resonate with your understanding of your sexuality. This can be a collage on paper or a digital collection. Seeing a visual representation daily can reinforce a positive association and help internalize a sense of ownership over your sexuality.
• Create a personal journal to reflect on your own biases and experiences with gender and sexuality. Write down instances where you've witnessed or experienced the double standard, and consider how these situations made you feel and why. This self-reflection can help you understand the societal pressures at play and how they influence your own perceptions.
• Create a "Double Standard Jar" at home or work, similar to a swear jar, where you contribute a small amount of money each time you recognize a double standard being applied. This tangible action serves as a constant reminder to be mindful of your words and actions. You could use the collected funds to donate to an organization that supports gender equality, turning a negative habit into positive action.

Other Perspectives

• Some women may not feel hesitant to have sex freely, as individual experiences and attitudes towards sexuality can vary widely.

Female Sexual Anatomy, Biology, and Physiological Response

Mintz embarks on a detailed exploration of female anatomy and physiology, providing a comprehensive and accessible guide to understanding the clitoris, labia minora and majora, mons pubis, and vagina. She emphasizes the complexity and variability of women's anatomy, highlighting the individual differences in nerve endings, sensitivity, and overall preferences. Mintz aims to empower women by equipping them with accurate knowledge of their anatomy and encouraging them to view their bodies with pride and appreciation.

An Overview of Clitoris Anatomy and Women's Orgasms

Mintz dedicates a significant portion of the book to educating readers about the clitoris, emphasizing its primary importance to female enjoyment and climax. She meticulously unpacks clitoral anatomy and function, highlighting its sensitivity, which varies across women.

The Clitoral Glans, Hood, and Internal Structures

Mintz carefully guides readers through the various components of the clitoral anatomy, including the visible external parts—the tip and covering—and the internal structures: the body and roots. She explains that the clitoral glans, the tip, boasts a remarkable concentration of nerve endings, making it incredibly sensitive to touch. She further describes the hood as a protective covering for the glans, akin to the foreskin in males.

Moving inward, Mintz details the internal clitoris, consisting of the body and crura, emphasizing that they too contribute significantly to arousal and pleasure. She underlines that, like the penis, all clitoral structures swell with blood during arousal, becoming larger and more sensitive.

Context

• The high concentration of nerve endings in the clitoral glans means it is one of the most sensitive areas of the human body, which is why it is a primary focus during sexual stimulation.
• The clitoral hood is a fold of skin that covers the clitoral glans, similar to how the eyelid protects the eye, providing a barrier against friction and irritation from clothing or movement.
• The crura are made of erectile tissue, similar to the tissue found in the penis, and they engorge with blood during sexual arousal, contributing to the sensation of fullness and pleasure.
• The process of swelling with blood is known as vasocongestion, a physiological response that occurs in both male and female genitalia during sexual arousal, leading to increased sensitivity and readiness for sexual activity.

Clitoral Receptivity and Successful Stimulation

Mintz stresses the incredible sensitivity of the clitoris, explaining that its high density of nerves means even light touch can be extremely pleasurable. However, she also acknowledges the variability of clitoral sensitivity across women, noting that some may find direct stimulation of the head excessively intense or outright painful. She advocates for mindful exploration and experimentation, encouraging women to identify the forms of contact, pressure, and pace that best suit their individual needs.

Context

• The clitoris extends beyond the small external portion visible at the top of the vulva; it has internal structures that are shaped like a wishbone, which also contribute to sexual pleasure.
• Past sexual experiences, including any history of trauma or positive reinforcement, can influence current sensitivity and preferences.
• Some women may experience heightened sensitivity due to conditions like vulvodynia or other medical issues, which can make direct contact uncomfortable.
• Understanding one's own body can also aid in identifying any health issues or concerns, allowing for timely consultation with healthcare professionals.
• Techniques such as using different parts of the hand, varying the rhythm, or incorporating sex toys can provide diverse sensations, aiding in the discovery of personal preferences.

Women's Genitals: Inner/Outer Lips, Mons Pubis, Vagina

Mintz expands the discussion beyond the clitoris, providing a detailed overview of other components of female genitalia, including the inner and outer labia, mons pubis, and vagina.

Nerve Endings and Sensitivity Differences in Front vs. Back Vagina

Mintz dedicates considerable attention to debunking the myth that the primary source of sexual pleasure for women is the vagina. While acknowledging that the vagina possesses nerve endings, she clarifies that they are concentrated near the entrance and the initial third of the canal. She explains that the deeper parts of the vagina primarily contain pressure-sensitive nerve endings, which differ from touch-sensitive nerve endings.

Importantly, Mintz clarifies that this anatomical difference has functional implications. While the nerve endings near the vaginal opening that are sensitive to touch contribute to pleasurable sensations during stimulation or penetration, the pressure-sensitive nerve endings deeper inside the vagina primarily respond to the presence of a penis or other object, rather than to delicate touch.

Context

• The vagina is a muscular tube that connects the external genitals to the uterus. It plays a role in sexual intercourse, childbirth, and menstruation.
• Pressure-sensitive nerve endings are designed to detect changes in pressure or force, which is different from touch-sensitive nerve endings that respond to light contact or texture. This distinction is crucial for understanding how different types of stimulation are perceived.
• From an evolutionary standpoint, the ability to sense pressure might have developed to aid in reproductive processes, ensuring that the body can respond appropriately during intercourse and childbirth.

Other Perspectives

• The concept of a "primary source" of sexual pleasure is overly simplistic, as it does not account for the complex interplay of sensations and experiences that contribute to sexual satisfaction for women.

Vaginal "Tenting" and Lubricating During Arousal

Mintz emphasizes the dynamic nature of vaginas, explaining how they transform during arousal. She notes that, as a woman becomes sexually aroused, the vagina undergoes two critical changes. Initially, it produces lubrication, preparing for penetration. Next, it undergoes "tenting," a process where its inner walls extend and enlarge.

Mintz explains that these transformations, occurring naturally in response to arousal, enhance sexual enjoyment for each partner. The elongated vagina comfortably accommodates a phallus or other object, while lubrication reduces friction and makes penetration smoother and more comfortable.

Context

• The extent and speed of these changes can vary significantly among individuals, influenced by factors such as age, hormonal levels, and overall health.
• Similar to how a penis becomes erect, tenting is a physiological change that prepares the body for potential sexual activity.
• Proper lubrication and tenting are important for sexual health, as they help prevent discomfort or injury during intercourse, reducing the risk of microtears or irritation.
• Vaginal lubrication consists of water, electrolytes, and proteins, which create a slippery texture that facilitates smoother movement.

Other Perspectives

• Some individuals may have conditions such as vaginismus or insufficient lubrication that can cause pain or discomfort despite arousal, which does not enhance sexual enjoyment.

Understanding the Physiology of the Female Sexual Response

Mintz guides readers through the physiological processes underlying women's arousal and climax, demystifying the intricate interplay of engorgement, muscle contractions, and sensory experiences.

Enlargement and Contractions in Climax

Mintz explains that the clitoral bulbs and the clitoris, along with the labia minora—all rich in tissue that swells with arousal—engorge with blood during arousal, growing larger and more sensitive. She further delves into the function of pelvic floor muscles, which surround the openings of the vagina, urethra, and anus. She explains that these muscles contract rhythmically during orgasm, creating the intensely pleasurable sensations associated with climax.

Context

• Understanding these physiological responses can contribute to better sexual health and awareness, helping individuals communicate their needs and preferences more effectively.
• Factors such as stress, diet, and exercise can affect blood circulation and, consequently, the engorgement process during arousal.
• Strengthening these muscles through exercises, known as Kegel exercises, can enhance sexual pleasure and improve control over these muscles during sexual activity.
• Strong pelvic floor muscles can also contribute to better bladder and bowel control, reducing the risk of incontinence.

Differences in Women's Experiences of Orgasm

Mintz stresses that women experience orgasms in a multitude of ways, contending that there's no single "right" method for achieving orgasm. She describes the wide range of sensations women report, from intense and localized pulsating contractions to a more diffuse feeling of stress release.

Furthermore, Mintz emphasizes that a woman's experience of orgasm may differ each time, influenced by factors such as her level of arousal, emotional state, and type of stimulation. She encourages individuals to embrace this variability, dismissing notions of a singular ideal and fostering a sense of acceptance and appreciation for their unique experiences.

Context

• Psychological elements, including stress levels, self-esteem, and past experiences, can significantly impact the nature and intensity of orgasmic sensations.
• Emotions such as anxiety, happiness, or comfort can impact the ability to focus on physical sensations. A positive emotional connection with a partner can enhance the experience, while negative emotions might inhibit it.
• Encouraging acceptance of diverse experiences can empower women to explore their own bodies and preferences without judgment.
• Believing in a singular ideal can lead to feelings of inadequacy or failure if one's experiences don't match perceived norms, potentially affecting self-esteem and sexual satisfaction.
• Many sex education programs lack comprehensive information about female sexual pleasure, which can perpetuate myths and misunderstandings about orgasms.