The G-spot is an area about one to three inches inside wall of the vagina, toward the front. It's often described as having a “spongy” texture. For some women and other people with vaginas, stimulating this area with a curved toy or a finger making a "come hither" motion can result in orgasm and possibly squirting. The name “G-spot” comes from Dr. Ernst Gräfenberg, the doctor who is credited with discovering this area's importance to the female orgasm.
However, the “spot” part of the name is rooted in outdated misunderstanding of anatomy. Modern research has shown that, for women and people with vulvas, the pelvic region contains something called the clitourethrovaginal (CUV) complex which is made up of the clitoris, urethral sponge, and vagina, all of which are interconnected, with a shared network of nerves. What has long been known as the “G-spot” is part of that interconnected, nerve-packed, sensation filled area.
The interconnectedness of the entire clitourethrovaginal complex means that it’s not really accurate to say people are getting sexual pleasure from stimulating a single “spot," like the G-spot. It's also why the idea that there are different kinds of orgasms is a little flawed. While orgasms may feel different when different areas are stimulated, the way the CUV complex works means the same parts are typically involved.
“For people with a vulva, virtually all orgasms involve the clitoris. So 'clitoral orgasm' is a bit of a misnomer," explains August McLaughlin, author, sex educator and Girl Boner Radio host/producer
Discrediting of the G-spot
Long before current research, the existence of the G-spot was hotly debated. Researchers couldn’t dissect a cadaver and find its G-spot. If you were trying to label the G-spot in an anatomical drawing with our current knowledge you would draw the above mentioned CUV complex and then maybe some arrows. The area that creates the sensation is there but it is not like trying to identify a bone or organ.
Since the G-spot is not an actual body part that one could find on a dissected cadaver, researchers argued that it couldn't really exist. And, of course, the experiences and pleasure of people who are not cisgender heterosexual men has historically been devalued and dismissed. So, nobody cared enough about women's actual experiences of pleasure to find the G-spot (sound familiar?).
While it is true that what we know as the G-spot can't be located like a bone or organ, it's also true that many people experience sexual pleasure when the area we call the G-spot is stimulated. Understanding the complicated system of nerves involved in the CUV complex and how the entire area can respond to stimulation can help us understand why this happens.
G-spot Orgasms
The idea that G-spot orgasms, as a whole, are different from or better than other orgasms is just incorrect. While the phenomenon of people experiencing pleasure stimulating the inner front wall of the vagina is real, this isn’t a universal experience. The CUV complex connects the entire pelvic region, meaning all of the same parts are contributing to all orgasms.
“G-spot orgasms, also often called ‘internal’ or ‘vaginal’ orgasms, are considered the most pleasurable and powerful, and they can be!” says McLaughlin “But there is no orgasm or pleasure hierarchy. Don't sweat it at all if you aren't experiencing the most mind-blowing erotic bliss every time you have sex or climax.”
If you want to explore the area commonly thought of as the G-spot, McLaughlin has some tips:
“Since every body is unique, exploring with various toys or your fingers can help you determine where heightened sensations stem from in your own [body]. Take your time, use lube and allow your body to enjoy the arousal process as you explore the area with curiosity versus just inserting a finger and expecting an instant orgasm (which isn't generally a thing). For some people, riding your partner and lowering your torso enough to stimulate your external clit as you move is a good path to G-spot fun. Making out with lots of kissing can set the stage, too, by getting blood flowing to all the right places."
