WTF is the A-Spot (and Is It Worth Searching For)?

You may already know about the elusive G-spot, the intensity of nipple play or that little area behind the ear, but what about that other pleasure point? It’s not as well-known as some erogenous areas, but it deserves some recognition. The A-spot, also known as the “deep spot,” is a nickname for the anterior fornix erogenous zone, an area at the deepest point of the front wall of the vagina.

The A-spot is actually thought to be part of the internal clitoris, which extends well into the abdomen. The exterior area we see is just the beginning of a much larger clitoral structure. This sensitive zone is at the very end of the anterior vaginal wall, right in front of the cervix.

In a 1997 study conducted by the Malaysian sexologist and doctor Dr. Chua Chee Ann, A-spot stimulation was used as a clinical treatment for cisgender women suffering from “chronic complaints of dryness and pain or discomfort during intercourse.” His results? More than three-quarters of his study’s participants had a marked increase in vaginal lubrication after just 10 to 15 minutes of A-spot stimulation, and 39 percent of those surveyed actually had an orgasm.

What does A-spot stimulation feel like?

Many people describe A-spot pleasure as warm, deep, satisfying and euphoric—as opposed to clitoral stimulation, which can feel more shallow and localized to one area, or G-spot stimulation, which can be overwhelmingly and uncomfortably intense for some people. A-spot pleasure can lead to orgasms that feel more full-bodied and gratifying.

As with every erogenous zone, stimulating the A-spot is pleasurable for some people, but not all. If you prefer other types of stimulation, that doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you or that you’re missing out on something life-changing. Everyone’s body operates and responds differently. It’s all about finding the pleasure that works best for you.

OK, so how do you stimulate it?

In order to find this sensitive spot, use one or two fingers or a toy to locate your G-spot, the spongy area located about 2 to 3 inches inside the vagina, on the front wall. Then slide a few inches deeper until you’re nestled into the nook right in front of your cervix. Push firmly, and that’s it—that’s the A-spot.

Reaching your own spot with your fingers can be tricky, especially as your vaginal canal expands with increased arousal. You may have an easier time getting a partner to stimulate it instead. Fingers are a great tool for this—if they’re long enough—because many people enjoy firm, focused stroking on their A-spot. Experiment with different amounts of pressure and types of motion to see what feels best for you.

Sex toys can also work well. Look for a long toy (about 6 inches or more) with a slight upward curve near the tip, perfect for nuzzling into your A-spot. You may need to press down on the base of the toy to achieve the right angle. Take care to avoid your cervix, the A-spot’s next-door neighbor, because crashing into it can be painful—although some people do find it pleasurable, even orgasmic.

Penises can stimulate the A-spot, too, though your partner may want to locate your spot with their fingers first so they know what they’re aiming for. If you or your partner have trouble hitting the spot, try pulling your knees closer to your chest; this shortens the vagina, making its deepest area easier to reach.

Most people with vaginas don’t reach orgasm from penetration alone, so it’s a good idea to combine A-spot stimulation with clitoral touch, using fingers, a vibrator or a partner’s mouth. This combination can be explosive.

The A-spot may not be as familiar as the various other features of our sexual anatomy, but it would be a mistake to overlook it. This spot can boost arousal and lubrication, and with time and practice, it may even be a new destination on your pleasure map.