The Secret to Unlocking a G-Spot Orgasm

The G-spot's existence has been up for debate since it was first discovered in the 1950s. Some have considered it to be an elusive erogenous zone known for providing bouts of pleasure, others have deemed it a completely made-up body part. Unfortunately, no one can really know for sure.

"Like so much of reproductive health, research hasn't turned up a clear answer for what exactly the G-Spot is," says Sara Lyon, a certified doula and sexual health expert for Rhythm. "The three prevailing theories are that the G-spot is an extension of the clitoris, a part of the female prostate, or simply a bundle of nerve endings that, when stimulated, can bring sexual pleasure, orgasm, and female ejaculation for some people."

Because every person's body looks different, it's very likely that some people are able to experience a G-spot orgasm, while others may not be able to — and that's OK. Experiencing an orgasm is not the end all, be all of sex, so long as you're enjoying the sensations.

So to better help you understand how to stimulate the G-spot — whether to experience an orgasm or simply a lot of pleasure — we spoke with experts who explain what the G-spot is, how to find the G-spot, and the best sex positions for a G-spot orgasm.

Known officially as the Gräfenberg spot, the G-spot was named by Beverly Whipple, MD, after Ernst Gräfenberg, who is the German researcher who originally discovered what he called a "small bean" in the 50s. Whipple put a name to this "small bean" after finding that using a "come here" finger motion along the upper side of the vaginal wall resulted in a physical response in vulva-owners.

Though the G-spot implies it's a spot on the body, it's actually not a stand alone "spot" or "body part" at all. Instead, it's a part of a larger zone of interconnected structures. In a study published this year by the Sexual Medicine Reviews Journal, researchers found that the G-spot is made up of the clitoral crura, the clitoral bulb, the peri-urethral glands, the urethra, and the anterior vaginal wall.

For women who experience a G-spot orgasm, Nicole Prause, PhD, a sexual psychophysiologist, says it's possible they're feeling the stimulated nerves all along the anterior vaginal wall. Yet because every body is anatomically created differently, this is what makes it hard to pinpoint where exactly these clusters of nerves are located.

Bottom line: "The G-spot is not just one small spot; it's the general area inside a vagina that produces extra stimulation contributing to vaginal orgasm," says sex and relationship coach Tara Suwinyattichaiporn, PhD.

According to Planned Parenthood, the G-Spot is located about an inch inside the vaginal opening on the upper vaginal wall. Think about it being under the belly button or right behind the pubic bone. The G-spot is sexually sensitive and swells slightly during arousal and can feels "raised or bumpy" like a walnut. It's also been described as feeling "spongy."

The best way to learn about your body is by exploring it with your own fingers and toys. "Many women and people with vaginas believe that it is the partner who can help you find that 'spot' — which is not really a spot but more like a whole area — with their fingers," says sexologist Anka Grzywacz. "I teach my clients to take their pleasure into their own hands."

You can do this by starting with your fingers. Keep in mind that a vaginal orgasm is hard to achieve without clitoral stimulation, so Dr. Suwinyattichaiporn suggests stimulating your other erogenous zones first. Then, when you're ready to aim for the G-spot, experts recommend inserting your finger one to two inches inside of your vaginal wall and creating a "come hither" motion with your fingers. Stay in that position until you eventually feel a sponge-like pressure point.

Another way to find this spot is by using a slightly curved dildo. Insert it into your vagina — Dr. Reed recommends in a shallow-thrusting way — then angle it toward your upper vaginal wall. "The trick is not to get too deep at first," says Grzywacz. "The area starts where you can see it, right around your urethra."

She also adds that "you don't need to thrust it too much. It's more like a pulsating movement that usually does the trick."

Here are a few of the best sex positions that can increase your chances of achieving a G-spot orgasm:

Doggy Style. Dr. Tara says doggy style has been reported to be optimum sexual positions for massaging the G-spot because your partner can stroke the G-spot with every thrust. Also, it's great for period sex if you're using a menstrual disc so there's less clean-up afterwards, adds Lyon.

Cowgirl. The cowgirl position angles the penis or dildo/strap-on to rub against the upper vaginal wall, Dr. Tara says. It also gives the vulva-owner more control of the speed, angle and depth.

Missionary. "Missionary can work well when the receiver is putting their legs up in the air or the person on top is straddling the bottom person, allowing for that intense penetration," says Carmel Jones, a sex and relationships expert and founder of The Big Fling.

Warm-up with Foreplay. The G-zone, as Grzywacz prefers to call it, likes it when you're already aroused, so go ahead and play with your clitoris first — even if it brings you to orgasm. "You'll get that blood flowing and may notice the front wall of your vagina engorged."

Use Pressure. Curve your finger or dildo upward to apply pressure. "The G-spot is not on the exact surface of the vagina, so pressing inwards is a good idea," says Dr. Reed.

Use a Pillow. Putting a pillow under the hips can help find the G-spot area, says Searah Deysach, sex educator and founder of Early to Bed. "If you want to hit the G-Spot during penetrative sex, try lifting the hips up on a positioning wedge or some firm pillows so the penis or dildo is making a lot of contact with the front wall of the vagina."

Understand that you may squirt — and that's OK. The G-spot can (not always) have an ejaculation of about one teaspoon of fluid – from the urethra – not the vagina, says Chelsie Reed, PhD, LPC, author of "Sexpert: Desire, Passion, Sensations, Intimacy, and Orgasm to Indulge in Your Best Sex Life." She suggests emptying your bladder prior to sex so that you feel comfortable releasing the muscles in the pelvic floor, and thus, easing orgasm in general.