Back to Basics: The Erogenous Zones of the Vulva

Contrary to popular myth, the vagina is not an infinitely complex, mysterious part of the body that's nearly impossible to pleasure. But because women's health and sexuality — and that of those assigned female at birth — are criminally under-researched, this is still something many people believe. There's just not a lot of science-backed information out there about female orgasms or pleasure in general.

Sex education in the United States is also a mess, so it's no surprise that the way we even talk about our bodies is off. For example, when some people refer to the "vagina" (the internal canal that connects the vulva to the cervix and uterus, or, in other words, where most people put sex toys, fingers, or penises during sex), what they actually mean is the "vulva," what Planned Parenthood defines as the "outer" part of the genitalia, including the clitoris, labia, vaginal opening, and the opening to the urethra.

But knowing how to adequately get yourself off is just as important (and, for some, just as elusive) as knowing the basics of your anatomy. Because only a quarter of women are able to orgasm by vaginal penetration alone, one of the best ways to level up sex and self-pleasure is to familiarize yourself with the erogenous zones, or the many (sometimes surprising) parts of the body that can help maximize pleasure. Considering the majority of people need varied stimulation to access orgasm — and of course, if you have one, lots of attention to the clitoris — there's never a bad time to learn more about the erogenous zones.

The Vulva's Erogenous Zones, Explained

G-Spot

Outside of the clitoris, the G-spot spot may be the most familiar erogenous zone because it's referenced a lot in media (and there's been lots of heady debate about whether or not it even exists). This spot — which actually isn't really one specific "spot" at all, contrary to its name — is located inside the vagina, about a couple inches on the inside wall, closest to your belly button.

Though it's sometimes been portrayed like an orgasm button you can push that will bring a woman to climax on demand, the G-spot is more of a general area inside the vagina that can contribute to vaginal orgasm when stimulated.

The best way to find the G-spot is to explore the area with your fingers and feel around for a spongy texture. (Some describe it like running your fingers over the surface of a walnut.) The best way to stimulate the G-spot is to use a "come hither" motion with one or two fingers. If you're aroused, the area will likely swell a bit upon your touch.

Once you've found the G-spot, using fingers or a curved sex toy is best. Experts recommend looking for something like Smile Makers's The Tennis Pro, which has a bulbed, angled head that's perfect for accessing the G-spot. As for the best sex positions to stimulate the G-spot, doggy style or missionary can both be great.

A-Spot

Once you find your G-spot, it's time to introduce the A-spot — sort of like the G-spot's erogenous cousin. Formally known as the anterior fornix erogenous zone, the A-spot is a pleasurable patch of sensitive tissue located at the inner ends of the vaginal tube between the cervix and the bladder.

The best way to find the A-spot is to first locate the G-spot, then move up an inch or two and apply a bit of pressure. You probably won't feel anything texturally different about this area, so pay attention to any feelings of increased pleasure or sensitivity.

You can also pay attention to how wet you feel, since one study from the 1990s found that stimulating the A-spot had a positive effect on vaginal lubrication. It noted that after 10 to 15 minutes of stimulation, "around two-thirds of women who presented with chronic complaints of dryness and pain or discomfort during intercourse noted a significant positive physiological response," while another 15 percent responded with orgasm and "copious" amount of lubrication. So basically, the A-spot can help you get really wet — and may even help you access vaginal orgasm.

Use a sex toy or vibrator that's long enough to reach the A-spot, though a sex toy for the G-spot also works great here, too. As for positions, doggy is a great option, as is any position that allows for deep access to the vagina.

U-Spot

The U-spot stands for "urethra" and is located on the vulva as an external part of the genitalia. The urethra is where you urinate from, and generally, it's a super sensitive area that responds to external stimulation — though nothing should be inserted into the urethra.

Sensitivity is the name of the game with the U-spot, so experiment with a gentle touch, light pressure, tapping, a small vibrator on a low setting, or even oral stimulation here. Try missionary or your favorite oral-sex position for this erogenous zone. It's important to only touch any part of the genitalia with clean, washed hands or toys, but especially the U-spot; otherwise, you could find yourself with a UTI.

Other Erogenous Zones

The vulva — and genitalia more widely — aren't the only areas of the body that deserve a lot of attention. Most people have an array of erogenous zones, and discovering them is a big part of the fun. If you're interested in finding out what nongenital areas turn you on, practice some patience and spend time with the rest of your body before jumping right to your vulva or vagina.

Massaging, kissing, licking, playing with different pressures, and tickling can all help you find out what brings sexual pleasure. For many people, the neck, nipples, low back, and inner thighs are all deeply pleasurable areas.

You might also consider the anus (or butt play in general), though that doesn't always mean penetrative anal sex. Spanking, kissing, massaging, or exploring sensation and temperature play (like using a warming lotion, a ticklish feather, or an ice cube on your thighs and ass) are all great ways to feel sexy and introduce new feelings and experiences during sex.

If you're still craving deep internal sex, cervix play (sometimes referred to as the C-spot or O-spot) involves touching the cervix with your fingers, penis, or a toy.

Just remember, not all of these suggested areas will work for you or your lover and that's OK. Erogenous zones are there for exploration and discovery — and with a little patience, you'll find out exactly what turns you on.

— Additional reporting by Nicole Yi

Nicole Yi is the former associate editor at PS.

Sara Youngblood Gregory was a contributing staff writer for PS Wellness. She covers sex, kink, disability, pleasure, and wellness. Her work has been featured in Vice, HuffPost, Bustle, DAME, The Rumpus, Jezebel, and many others.