G Spot

The G-spot has always been controversial - some women say it's essential for orgasms while others say it's non-existent. Lets look at how to find it, what to do with it - and why it doesn't matter if you haven't got one.

If you have one (and that's a big if), it's 2.5cm to 5cm (1in to 2in) inside the vagina on the front wall. You should be able to feel it with your finger. If you're not sexually aroused it may be no bigger than a pea; once you're aroused it increases to the size of a 2p piece.

It's actually more a of a zone than a spot. If you want to explore and find out whether you have one, feel for an area that's rough, a bit like a walnut, rather than smooth and silky like the rest of the vaginal wall.

Originally known as the Grafenberg Spot, the G-Spot was named after the gynaecologist Ernst Gräfenberg, who first described it in 1944.
Practitioners of tantric sex have been talking about this 'sacred spot' for over 1,000 years.

For many women, it's a highly sensitive, highly erotic area that provides hours of pleasure. For others it's a knobbly bit that, when touched too much, creates an overwhelming sensation of needing a wee. And some women don't seem to have one at all.

The most popular theory about the origin of the G-spot is rather complicated. The early developing foetus has the potential to develop either male or female sex organs depending on the presence or absence of the Y chromosome. If you've got XX chromosomes you'll develop as a girl, with a vagina, clitoris, ovaries and other female characteristics. If you've got XY chromosomes, those same cells will develop into boys' genitals, a scrotum, penis and testes.

Remembering that both sexes start life with the same cells, scientists reckon the G-spot develops from girls' unused prostate tissue. This would account for its sensitivity and responsiveness (the male prostate is highly sensitive). It would also account for the huge variation in size; some tissue deposits are so small that they're unnoticeable.

Once you've established whether you've got one or not, you need to discover whether you have one that gives you pleasure or just feels a bit annoying. Stroking is usually the most enjoyable form of stimulation.

Sexual virtuosos recommend inserting the forefinger to about the second knuckle and making a 'come here' motion towards the front vaginal wall. You'll need to experiment with pressure and length of stroke to find out what feels best for you. It's important that you're sexually aroused first, and also worth noting that many women say sensitivity varies throughout the month.

During stimulation, the first sensation might be the need to go to the loo, possibly because the G-spot is on the front wall so your bladder is being pushed. You can check this out by making sure your bladder's empty first then seeing how it feels. The first couple of times it might be a bit odd, but many women say a little perseverance is more than worth it.

Depending on the size and exact location of your G-spot, you may or may not be able to feel stimulation during intercourse. You're most likely to feel something if you have your pelvis raised.

Another popular position is to be on all fours or bending over from a standing position and allowing penetration from behind. You'll need to experiment.

Some women say they ejaculate when their G-spot is stimulated. A group of scientists examined some of this ejaculatory fluid and discovered prostatic enzymes, fuelling the theory that the G-spot is the equivalent of the male prostate. However, another group of scientists examined the fluid and declared it to be urine. The research continues.

Remember, we're all unique. You may have a sensitive G-spot or you may not. If you want to explore, do it light-heartedly. Don't turn it into the Holy Grail; there are many, many ways to enjoy your sexuality, and the G-spot is just one of them.