That hit the Spot! Exploring the G-Spot
Most people have heard about the G-spot, but have unanswered questions about this “mysterious” pleasure spot in women. Doin’ It Well decided to explore the history, mystery, and controversy of the G-spot.
About 400 years ago, a Dutch anatomist, Regnier DeGraaf identified the glands and ducts around the urethra in the female and claimed they were analogous to the male prostate. Early on, these tissues that surrounded the urethra, what’s known as the “urethral sponge”, were referred to as the female prostate. In a rare female oriented shift in language, the male prostate is now referred to as the male G-spot!
In 1950, Dr. Ernst Grafenburg identified the urethral sponge as an erogenous zone that enlarges when stimulated. Later, renowned sex researchers Master’s and Johnson - in an attempt to increase “clitoral awareness” - asserted that the clitoris was the only source of female sexual pleasure. Thus, the controversy over orgasm and pleasure for women began. Much later (1981), the urethral sponge was named the G-spot to honor Dr. G.
Finding It
The G-spot is a cushion of tissue wrapped around the urethra. It is parallel to the vagina about 3-5 centimeters inside the vagina toward the front of the body (belly button). The spongy tissue of the G-spot is dense with blood vessels, which makes it sensitive. Fingers, sex toys or penises can be used to stimulate the G-spot. Many vibrators and dildos now come in curved shapes designed to maximize G-spot stimulation.
Women’s reaction to G-spot stimulation varies from indifference, irritation, to extreme pleasure. What’s important to remember is that some women find G-Spot stimulation highly arousing, while others don’t. Both responses are normal and OK. Women vary, and the kinds of stimulation they enjoy also vary.
Exploration during masturbation can help you discover responses and pleasure. You can insert a finger or two and put pressure toward the front of the body. Using a “come here” motion with the hand or fingers feels very pleasurable to some women. When stimulation first occurs, a woman may feel like she needs to urinate. Shortly, this feeling usually gives way to pleasurable sensations. But remember, responses to G-spot stimulation vary widely, and all of these are normal.
Many women do not find their G-Spot on the first try. Don’t pressure yourself; if it is something you want to continue to explore, keep trying. If not, just keep pleasuring yourself in the ways you enjoy. Remember, pleasure, not pressure!
The G-Spot Orgasm
For women who respond to G-spot stimulation, some report a distinct orgasm from what they experience with clitoral stimulation. Women describe G-spot orgasms as “different”, “more intense” but “not necessarily better than clitoral orgasms.” Keep in mind that in general, it’s still much easier for women to experience orgasm through clitoral stimulation than G-spot or vaginal stimulation.
Just like with clitoral stimulation, orgasms through G-spot stimulation usually become easier to achieve the more you have them. Remember, an orgasm is an orgasm - the rhythmic contraction of muscles accompanied by a release of tension and pleasurable sensations - regardless of where stimulation takes place. The stimulation of the G-spot may cause contractions in slightly different parts of the body, which may cause a different feeling.
Involving Partners
Partners can stimulate the G-spot or help a woman find and explore her G-spot. Explore different angles and positions that feel the most pleasurable, noting new sensations without “expectations.” Women can guide their partners with words or with their hands, explaining where to put pressure, how fast or slow to thrust, when to stop stimulation, etc. It may be easier to guide a partner if you’ve explored G-spot stimulation by yourself first. Partners: ask for guidance and remember that your partner knows her body best and what feels good to her. Allow her to dictate her interest in exploring her G-spot and respect her boundaries.
Squirting
Stimulation of the G-spot can lead to a slight sprinkle or a gush of fluid released from the female known as “squirting” or female ejaculation. This fluid is not urine! It is released from the urethra or the glands surrounding the urethra. Not all women who experience G-spot stimulation will release this fluid and not all the time. Those who do experience ejaculation are usually excited by it and proud that they “did it.” Partners of those who ejaculate are also usually very turned on by the experience. But for those who aren’t expecting it, the worry that they urinated can be a turn-off.
It can be disappointing to a woman, or her partner, if the G-spot isn’t found, or if stimulation of the tissue does not increase pleasure. Women should explore additional sources of pleasure for her enjoyment, sharing this enjoyment with her partner, and not simply to please a partner. As always, finding different sources of pleasure from our bodies should be fun and exciting and not demanding.
Sex 411: A Good Education
Check out Maximizing G-spot Pleasure (2007), produced by the Sinclair Intimacy Institute (www.bettersex.com). It is a great educational video showing women and couples experimenting with G-spot pleasure, female ejaculation and the use of sex toys - our only critique is that all the couples are male/female.
Kim Rice and Ross Wantland are professionals in the fields of sexuality and violence prevention. Email them at buzzdoinitwell@yahoo.com
