The Clitoris MRI study is a collaboration with Dr. Stephanie Both, head of the department of Sexology at the Amsterdam University Medical Center, Nienke Helder and Seksueel Welzijn Nederland (Sexual Wellbeing Netherlands). The goal of this study is to make a series of MRI scans of the clitoris in erect and non-erect state. This will lead to the development of the first ever anatomically correct and science backed animation of the erection of the clitoral complex.

Why
The study aims to address the limited understanding of the clitoris, despite its sexual importance, by conducting new research through MRI imagery and translating the outcomes to the first ever evidence based, anatomically correct animation of the clitoral erection. Despite the first description of the clitoris in Western literature in 1559, there is still a lack of knowledge about this crucial organ. The research intends to explore the three-dimensional structure and size of the clitoris, inspired by the groundbreaking work of Australian urologist Helen O’Connel in 1998.

Importance and Innovation
The study will significantly contribute to scientific knowledge about clitoral anatomy and its correlation with sexual functioning. Beyond scientific implications, it aims to contribute to societal concerns related to women’s empowerment and gender equality. The research addresses the lack of awareness about the clitoris’s three- dimensional structure, its size variations during sexual arousal, and its role in preventing sexual issues and pain during intercourse. The innovative aspect lies in bridging the gap in scientific understanding and promoting societal awareness through the development of animations.

How and what
In this study, a total of 24 women will be included, comprising 12 premenopausal and 12 postmenopausal women. Both groups will undergo MRI scans without contrast to examine clitoral size in both unaroused and aroused states, utilizing erotic audiovisual content. Estrogen and testosterone levels will be measured, and subjective levels of sexual arousal after stimulation will be obtained through a self- report questionnaire. Additionally, current sexual functioning will be assessed through a self-administered questionnaire.

We hypothesize that the increase in clitoral volume during sexual arousal positively correlates with subjective levels of sexual arousal. Expectations include
the differential influence of estrogen and testosterone levels on clitoral blood flow, leading to the hypothesis that the increase in clitoral volume in postmenopausal women will be smaller than in premenopausal women. Finally, we anticipate that the increase in clitoral volume during sexual arousal is positively related to current sexual functioning.

Animation
To maximize societal impact, the study plans to share its findings not only through scientific publications but also by creating a three-dimensional anatomical animation accessible online. This animation, accompanied by supporting information, can be used for sexual education, medical training, and further research

The results of this study are to be expected in the second half of 2024.
This project is ongoing and will also have an exciting implementation phase. To be continued.

Supported by Kunstloc, COST European Sexual Medicine Network and private donations via Seksueel Welzijn Nederland
This project was initiated in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Ellen Laan, since her passing in 2022, Dr. Stephanie Both has taken over her duties, as it was one of Ellens long wishes to see this project come to life.

The 3D images are developed in collaboration with fffunction.studio