By Camilla Lombard

YNOT EUROPE – Why all the fuss about the G-spot when a clitoral orgasm is so satisfying and the G-spot can seem so elusive? And what is a “blended orgasm?”

At Good Vibrations, we take a lot of pride in providing accurate information about sexuality and toys for grown-ups, so we asked about the G-spot in an online survey. The answers we received were insightful, offering perspective about the frequency and style with which people find and enjoy the G-spot.

Knowledge and discovery
Starting at the beginning, the survey asked people how they first discovered or heard about the G-spot. While just over one-third of the more than 300 respondents said that they read about it in a book, about the same number discovered it during sex. Adding the 24 percent who found it during masturbation and the 16 percent who were introduced to it by a partner, it’s clear that plenty of folks are finding the G-spot on their own.

Of course, that doesn’t always mean they know how to get the most pleasure from it, and lots of folks read books, websites and magazine articles, or watched how-to movies to learn more. When it came time to put newfound knowledge into practice, more people said masturbation was how they figured it out than sex with a partner, though not by much: 58 percent to 53 percent, respectively. Fitting, given that Good Vibrations’ motto used to be “if you want something done right, do it yourself.”

How common is G-spot play?
G-spot play is a regular part of many people’s sexual repertoires, with more than 50 percent practicing often or most of the time when they have sex. Twelve percent said they do it every time they have sex or masturbate, so it’s clear there’s plenty of G-spot action going on.

None of that means G-spot admirers head straight to the spot. Almost 95 percent of people need at least a little warm up, with a third needing at least 15 minutes and 17 percent needing an orgasm first. Most education about the G-spot recommends getting turned on before focusing, because arousal engorges the G-spot so it’s easier to find and play feels better. The survey’s numbers bear that out. Stimulation of the clitoris in advance of and during stimulation of the G-spot can result in a “blended orgasm,” an incredibly powerful combination of the two. “Twice as nice” or rabbit-style vibrators can create this simultaneous stimulation.

As popular as G-spot vibrators and dildos are, with 60 percent of survey respondents using one or both, hands and fingers are definite favorites for 80 percent of folks. Almost 40 percent said penises worked for them, though that often requires the right position.

Props and hands
When it comes to toys, the two biggest factors to increase enjoyment are a curve or a bulbous head, and firmness, as too much flexibility may reduce one’s response. Another key component of G-spot pleasure is lubrication. More than half of the respondents rated lubrication a 7 or higher on an importance scale of 1-10.

People varied in their preferences for finger techniques, but it’s no surprise that 80 percent like the “come hither” motion. Sliding in and out, circles, windshield wipers and pressure all have their fans, along with simultaneous clitoral stimulation. Using a vibrator, oral sex, using your other hand or having the receiver use a hand all were popular choices. Plus, almost 20 percent of respondents said they like anal penetration, and 20 percent use a butt plug. Of course, there’s likely to be some overlap, but that means one or two of every five folks enjoy anal stimulation as part of G-spot play.

Position for pleasure
Predictably, more than 80 percent said they prefer being on their backs during G-spot play, but plenty of folks also like being on their hands and knees. A few said standing or lying on their side works, so give the alternative positions a try. Several people said a pillow like the Liberator Wedge helps them relax into the position.

Female ejaculation and semantics
Variety is the spice of life, and also apparently the rule with female ejaculation. Almost 30 percent of survey respondents said they never ejaculate, and another 30 percent only do so occasionally. So even though it happens for the other 40 percent often or always, there’s a lot of variation.

As for terminology, almost half of the respondents call the phenomenon squirting, though gushing, female ejaculation and simply ejaculation all have fans. One person said she calls it fejaculation, and one couple calls it girl juice, so you can call it whatever you want.

Resources
Whether you are a frequent traveler to the G-spot or ready to take your first trip, there is a lot of information to help you get started. We recommend books and films like GUSH: The Official Guide to the G-Spot & Female Ejaculation and The Good Vibrations Guide: The G-Spot. G-spot dildos and vibrators also can help.

You can find plenty of tips to get you started on our how-to pages.

Camilla Lombard is events and publicity manager for San Francisco-based Good Vibrations, a prominent adult products retailer trusted by women, men and couples since 1977. The company provides high-quality products, education and information as part of a corporate goal to promote sexual health, pleasure and empowerment. Good Vibrations takes pride in maintaining clean, well-lit stores that offer safe, welcoming environments where customers can shop for sex toys, books and movies and attend workshops.