Jokes from befuddled lovers about needing a map to find the clitoris are a tired cliché—and not even a particularly useful one. If you’re looking for help stimulating the vagina—a partner’s or your own—conceptualize less a map with one destination and more a guide for an easter egg hunt. Vaginal anatomy has multiple pleasure zones waiting to be unearthed. There’s the clitoris and the G-spot, of course, but also so much more—including the A-spot.
Experts in This Article
sexologist and relationship expert
An expert on sex and intimacy, this professional relationship coach brings her body-positive, real-talk approach to stadiums full of women as the pleasure director of a show in Las Vegas called Magic Mike Live.
That’s right, another letter of the alphabet has been tapped to help us discover a pleasure point inside the vagina. There’s no clear reason why this area is somewhat of a hot button, says sexologist and sociologist Jennifer Gunsaullus, PhD. However, it is known as a region with greater sensitivity—meaning, stimulating the A-spot can lead to more pleasure.
“There’s a lot of controversy on whether it’s a ‘real’ spot,” Gunsaullus says. The A-spot has no distinct anatomical structure—don’t expect to feel anything different. But it does potentially have more nerve endings.
Overall, Gunsaullus advises that you should think of trying to locate the A-spot as an endeavor that can help you explore what feels good. There are nerve endings throughout the vulva, vagina, and anus, so experimenting with new spots can help you figure out what you like and continue to bring a sense of novelty and play to sex.
“Realize that there are various pathways to pleasure, especially for women,” Gunsaullus says. “Think outside the box. If you’re looking to stimulate things in new ways or feel pleasure in new ways, I think it’s helpful.”
So where is the A-spot, and how do you unlock its potential? Here’s the 411 from sex and intimacy coach Lila Darville, as she previously told Well+Good about how to have better orgasms.
What is the A-spot?
Short for anterior fornix, the A-spot is the innermost point deep within the vagina, right in front of the cervix.
How do you find the A-spot?
The A-spot is deeper inside the front (or anterior) wall than the G-spot. If the rule for finding your G-spot is slipping a finger about two inches inside your vagina and making a “come-hither” motion, the same goes for the A-Spot, except insert your finger (or his or her finger, their penis or a sex toy, you get the idea) more deeply.
The best positions for the A-Spot
During missionary sex, pull your knees up toward your chest—this shortens the vagina for easier access. Or, angle your body back while on top of a partner with a penis—making for deeper penetration and tilting their penis upward toward the A-spot.
Why A-spot orgasms are A-plus
With the A-spot, you’re fully penetrated and the sensation’s deeper within the body than the G-spot. Energetically, it can be more of a full-body experience than the explosive G-spot orgasm. Plus, a lot of people aren’t actually comfortable with G-spot stimulation—with the urethra right near it, it can feel like a mild sensation of needing to pee.
Other A-spot tips from sexologist Jennifer Gunsaullus
Get aroused first
Arousal is what gets the blood flowing, elongating the vagina and making it soft and pliant. Don’t try to access A-spot pleasure without that engorgement or it might not actually feel so great.
A hook shape works best
A dildo or vibrator with a curve on the end (like the Le Wand XO), or fingers in a hook position, will allow for deep penetration that also gives that necessary “up and in” pressure on the vaginal wall.
Combine A-spot and clitoral play
Don’t expect the same orgasmic sensations—be open to feeling something new. Gunsaullus suggests playing with pressure and vibration on both the inside via the A-spot, and the outside via the clitoris, for some sandwiched stimulation. Check out these rabbit vibrators for some toys up to the task.
It may not work for everyone
Vaginal anatomy varies from person to person. Additionally, what feels good to one person might be too much or not enough, or just not quite right for someone else. If your A-spot adventures don’t pan out, don’t panic. Focus on what feels good and not on searching for something you “should” have.
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