6 fascinating facts about the G-spot, including how to find it

No one has ever doubted the existence of your elbow or left pinky toe. Even internal body parts that can’t be readily seen enjoy universal acceptance; you take it on faith that your kidneys are there.

But the G-spot is different precisely because people, including experts, don’t agree on whether it actually exists. But those who do say it’s the key to some powerful orgasms.

Here’s what you need to know about this hotly contested issue to help you make up your own mind about your own body.

No. 1: G-zone might be more accurate than G-spot.

In the 1940s, the German doctor Ernst Grafenberg said he found an area of the vagina that felt different to the touch and was important to female orgasms. Years later, sexologist Beverly Whipple named it the “G-spot” after him, but that might not be fair since the area was first described in 11th century Indian texts.

Researchers also question whether the term is accurate because there is no one spot in the vagina that could be given this name. A 2022 article suggested that we call it the G-zone because there are actually “five separate erotogenic tissues that function in a similar way to the G-spot.”

No. 2: It’s most likely part of the clitoris, but researchers still aren’t sure.

The original theories about the G-spot were that it might be analogous to the male prostate gland or possibly the head of the penis because it consists of erectile tissue and swells when aroused. Since then, we’ve learned a lot about the clitoris (which also contains erectile tissue) and have begun to understand that the pearl-like button nestled in your vulva is only the tip of a complicated root system that runs deep under the vaginal walls. Many experts believe that the G-spot ties into that clitoral root system.

But the clitoris may only be part of the picture (granted, an important one) as to why stimulating the G-spot can feel good. Debby Herbenick, director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at Indiana University and author of Read My Lips, tells Yahoo Life: “My own reading of the literature suggests that the reason stimulation of the G-spot area feels good to so many people is that people are stimulating the clitorourethrovaginal (CUV) complex” — a larger area that includes “dynamic interactions” between the clitoris, urethra and uterus. “These parts are all closely configured,” she says. “There’s an interplay or a dance, if you will, and it can be beautiful and feel really good to some people.”

No. 3: Researchers and women do agree on where to find it.

Luckily, there is agreement on where to look for your G-spot: the front wall of the vagina about two inches in. Amy Levine, sex coach and founder of Ignite Your Pleasure, suggests that fingers are a great tool for exploring this erogenous area, especially the first time.

“If you lie on your back, you or your partner can insert two well-lubed fingers into your vagina facing the belly button side of your body, then curl the fingers in a come-hither motion.”

This area is near the urethra, and some say pushing on it makes them feel like they have to pee. Take that as a sign that you’re in the right place and keep applying gentle pressure, if comfortable.

The area swells up when you’re aroused, making it easier to find, so you can also wait until you’re a little turned on to start exploring. And, as Levine says, don’t forget the lube, which makes all penetration feel better.

No. 4: A G-spot orgasm will probably feel different from the classic clitoral climax.

Women often describe G-spot orgasms as more intense and deeper in the body than orgasms from other types of stimulation. This is backed up by MRI studies that show different areas of the brain lighting up when the vagina is being stimulated versus the clitoris.

It’s also likely that G-spot orgasms are the source of female ejaculation and squirting, which is when liquid comes out of the urethra before or during orgasm. While it’s a staple of porn, there’s a lot of debate about what squirting is and how many women experience it.

No. 5: Certain toys and positions can help you explore your G-spot.

Whether you’ve found your G-spot and want to explore further or you’re still looking, there are many ways to play. Those having penis (or strap-on) in vagina sex, can try positions that put pressure on the front wall of the vagina like doggie style or straddling your partner in a cowgirl position. If you’re on top, you can circle your hips to find the zone.

There are also tons of sex toys that are specifically designed for G-spot stimulation. Look for dildos and vibrators that are curved and insert them with the curve facing up toward your belly button.

No. 6: Don’t worry if you can’t find your G-spot or don’t like the orgasms it provides

There’s no pressure to find your G-spot or to enjoy how stimulating it feels. As Herbenick reminds us, “G-spot exploration is just one of many, many ways that people can explore their own or their partner’s body. If it’s not someone’s particular turn-on, that’s OK.”