G-Spot: Fact or Fiction?
Many women believe it exists, but science begs to differ.
By Connie BrichfordMedically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH
The G-spot — a highly sensitive place in the vagina that supposedly creates a highly intense orgasm when stimulated — is often discussed in popular culture, and many women seem to believe that it exists. Advertisers believe it, too, judging by the wealth of Internet ads that offer to teach you how to find your own or your partner’s G-spot. But what, exactly, is the G-spot, and do all women have one?
"The medical community is skeptical about the existence of the G-spot because the science isn’t there," says Edwin Huang, MD, medical director of gynecology at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Most evidence for the G-spot is anecdotal, and the studies that do find evidence for it are so small as to be statistically insignificant.
So, is the G-spot a myth, or does it really exist? Here is the background 411.
What is the G-Spot?
The G-spot is believed to be an extremely sensitive area inside the vagina, less than halfway up the front wall from the vaginal opening. Also referred to as the urethral sponge, stimulation of this spot is said to cause powerful vaginal orgasms.
The idea of the G-spot has been gaining popularity since the early 1980s, when it was the focus of a popular book about human sexuality called The G Spot (by Ladas, Whipple, and Perry, and published by Holt, Rinehart, Winston in 1982). The spot itself is named after Ernest Grafenberg, MD, who was credited by the authors for first speculating about a highly sensitive area in the vagina in a paper published in 1950.
What is the Evidence for a G-Spot?
“There is not a lot of research on the existence of the G-spot, and so far anatomical studies have not found any evidence," says Dr. Huang. "There is not more nerve tissue concentrated in one area of the vagina than another."
The most sensitive parts of our bodies contain more nerve endings per square inch than the less sensitive areas. Think about your fingertips compared with the soles of your feet. Your fingertips have significantly more nerves per square inch.
If the G-spot exists as it is described, then we should expect to find an area in the vagina that contains a higher concentration of nerve endings. So far, scientists have not found an area like this.
Why is the G-spot important?
A review of the evidence for and against the G-spot also reported that, despite a lack of evidence, the existence of the G-spot is widely accepted by many women around the world. However, the reviewer worries that widespread belief in the G-spot may ultimately be psychologically damaging for women looking to improve their sex lives. Women who can’t find their G-spots may feel inadequate if they are unable to have “better” orgasms. This idea is especially troubling considering that genital enhancement surgeries, including "G-spot augmentation," are on the rise, according to a recent Time magazine article.
Huang says that, with the exception of the location, descriptions of the G-spot sound a lot like descriptions of the clitoris, located above the vaginal opening. If you’re looking for a highly sensitive anatomical structure in the vagina that leads to orgasms when stimulated, the clitoris is a good place to start.
While there is little evidence to support the existence of an actual G-spot, there is plenty of evidence — both scientific and anecdotal — that indicates that women enjoy and can achieve orgasm, with either clitoral or vaginal stimulation. And discovering what feels best to you, either alone or with a partner, is the key to a healthy and satisfying sex life.
Learn more in the Everyday Health Sexual Health Center.
Just thought that this article may be of use to some or all, and I am sharing it.
Happy hunting
Elle xox
Yes I feel like crying a lot, I try not to let it get a hold and I ignore the 'depression' that can be lurking to grab me at any given moment.