The Clitoris – A History of Shaming Female Pleasure and the Power of Liberation

The Doctrine of Shame

Church doctrine taught us for centuries that female sexual intercourse is acceptable only for the purpose of procreation – but pleasure? That was not part of the equation. In the Middle Ages, even doctors believed that a 'decent' woman did not have a clitoris at all!

Systematic Control Over the Female Body

This ignorance of female anatomy and pleasure was not just a matter of not knowing; it was deeply rooted in the systematic control over the female body. Women were rarely naked in front of men, even their own husbands. Among pious couples, women wore special nightgowns with a small opening at the front that allowed for minimal physical contact during the sexual act – just enough to enable conception. Any other use of sexuality was sinful and rejected.

The 'Devil's Nipple' and Witchcraft

To understand the absurdity of this suppression of female pleasure, it is enough to look at court cases from the past. In 1953, a married jailer discovered a woman's clitoris in court and declared it the 'devil's nipple.' This was one piece of evidence used to accuse the woman of witchcraft! Yes, you read that right – the clitoris, a part of the female anatomy exclusively for pleasure, was literally treated as something demonic.

Cruel Punishments

Women who showed any interest in their bodies often experienced cruel punishments. In the past, girls were punished by having their clitoris removed or their labia sewn together to prevent them from touching and enjoying their own bodies. These horrific procedures were not limited to the past – the last documented case of clitoris removal as a 'treatment' for masturbation occurred shockingly recently, in 1948!

The Path to Healing

How can a woman be expected to relax and fully enjoy her sexual life if, throughout history, her sexuality has been a source of shame and fear? We women were taught that pleasure is something shameful, dirty, and impure. This deeply ingrained fear of judgment or even punishment has had a profound impact on women's self-awareness and relationship with their bodies.

But today's times bring an opportunity to heal these wounds. It is time for women to take control of their sexuality and free it from the shame that history has placed upon it. Of course, this is not easy and requires a lot of work – but above all, self-love and compassion for one's own experiences. We are more than just 'tools' for procreation; we are beings who have the right to pleasure without feeling guilty or inferior.

A Symbol of Liberation

In a society where women are still often faced with inequality and pressure, the clitoris has become a symbol of liberation. A symbol that women's pleasure is just as important as men's pleasure. And this is a fact that we must no longer deny or hide.

If we remember the past, we see how far we have come – but the road ahead is still long. It is important that we are aware of the history that tried to silence us, and at the same time, build a future where we will be completely free with all our senses and feelings.

Why should our bodily experiences be less valuable? The clitoris is no longer demonized as in the past – today it is a symbol of female liberation. Let this be a reminder that we have the right to pleasure and self-love, no matter what history has tried to impose on us.