Everything You Need to Know About the U-Spot

With so much written about the G-spot, A-spot, and clitoral zones, you might assume every erogenous area gets plenty of attention.

One region that’s often ignored, though, is the U-spot. That’s what we’re spotlighting here. Keep reading for what you need to know about the U-spot.

What is it?

The “U” in U-spot refers to the urethra. Yep, the urethra — the small opening where urine exits the body.

This tiny orifice and the erectile tissue surrounding it are packed with nerve endings, says Sarah Melancon, PhD, a clinical sexologist with Sex Toy Collective, an online reviewer of pleasure products.

“Those nerves also serve other genital areas and play a role in sexual sensation,” Melancon adds.

For some people, activating some or all of those urethral nerves can be pleasurable.

Who has it?

Anyone who urinates has a urethra. So technically, anyone with a urethra has a U-spot.

But when people refer to the U-spot, they’re usually talking about folks with vaginas.

When the urethral opening is stimulated in people with penises, it’s commonly called urethral stimulation or sounding.

How do you find it?

For those with vaginas, “the urethral opening sits on the vulva between the clitoris and the vaginal entrance,” explains Heather Jeffcoat, a doctor of physical therapy who specializes in sexual dysfunction and incontinence and the author of “Sex Without Pain: A Self-Treatment Guide to the Sex Life You Deserve.”

“The urethra and the vagina are two distinct anatomical structures,” she notes.

Depending on your vulva and vaginal anatomy, you may need to spread your inner or outer labia to spot it. A hand mirror can be useful. Jeffcoat suggests lying on your back with a mirror between your legs.

“Starting at the clitoris, move straight down in a line,” she advises. “The first tiny hole you see is the urethra.”

(The second hole is the vaginal opening, and the third is the anus.)

How does this differ from the G-spot or A-spot?

Lots of differences!

Honestly, asking that is like asking how an arm differs from a leg — both are limbs, but they serve different functions and feel different.

Similarly, the G-spot, A-spot, and U-spot are all pleasure zones, but that’s mostly where the resemblance ends.

The U-spot is an external sensitive area beneath the clitoris, while the G-spot and A-spot are internal, located roughly 2 and 4 inches inside the vaginal canal, respectively.

Is orgasm easy to achieve this way?

We can’t make universal claims about any erogenous zone.

“For some people, urethral stimulation produces their most powerful orgasm,” Jeffcoat says.

“For others, it may produce a distinct sensation that enhances arousal without causing orgasm,” she adds.

And some people simply don’t enjoy the feeling. Preferences vary widely.

Is it simpler to stimulate with the mouth or with fingers?

Neither method is inherently superior — Jeffcoat recommends experimenting with both.

“Exploration is always wise so you can discover what feels best,” she says.

Whatever approach you choose, remember that G-E-N-T-L-E stimulation is generally best.

“This extremely sensitive spot should be handled more carefully than a vintage champagne glass,” says Gigi Engle, certified sex coach, sex-and-intimacy expert for SKYN, and author of “All The F*cking Mistakes: A Guide to Sex, Love, and Life.”

So don’t suck it like you’re finishing a thick smoothie, and avoid pinching, flicking, poking, or prodding the area.

What techniques work best?

There are various methods and toys to try — solo or with a partner — to stimulate the U-spot.

With your fingers

“Keep the touch feather-light,” Melancon recommends.

Gentle tapping or circling with minimal pressure can be effective, she says. “Try up and down, side to side, and clockwise or counterclockwise.”

When using hands (or toys), always use lubricant.

“This area is highly sensitive, and without enough lube, friction can be uncomfortable or painful,” Melancon explains.

Safety tipOnly touch the U-spot with freshly washed hands and clean toys. The urethra lacks the same protective microbiome as the vagina, so it’s less able to fend off bacteria, Engle explains. That raises the risk of urinary tract infections if unclean fingers or toys are used.

With your mouth

“Some people enjoy gentle licking,” Melancon says. “You or a partner can lick from the vaginal opening up toward the clitoris to stimulate the urethral opening.”

If you’re susceptible to UTIs, Engle advises against oral stimulation of the U-spot. “The mouth is teeming with bacteria,” she cautions, which can increase UTI risk.

With a vibrator

For many, this spot is extremely sensitive, so a lower-powered vibrator may be preferable.

Smaller motors mean less intensity, so compact vibrators often work best. Examples include:

• bullet vibrator
• finger vibrator
• C-ring

What positions help?

To make U-spot stimulation easier, you want the front genitals visible and accessible. Try these positions.

Lifted missionary

Place a sex pillow or wedge under the receiver’s hips in missionary. This tilts the pelvis upward, exposing the U-spot, clitoris, and clitoral hood for easier manual or oral attention.

Lying lotus

Lying lotus is similar to missionary in that the receiver reclines on their back, but the leg position differs.

In this pose the receiver leans back with the soles of their feet touching, legs splayed like a butterfly.

Rider-on-top

If you want to combine U-spot stimulation with vaginal or anal penetration, try this.

The receiver mounts on top while the giver’s fingers, dildo, or penis enter the vagina or anus. While penetrated, the receiver can reach down to stimulate their own U-spot with a finger or toy, or the partner can provide the stimulation.

Can vaginal ejaculation occur?

Vaginal ejaculation, often called female ejaculation or squirting, refers to fluid expelled from the urethra during arousal or orgasm.

Since the fluid exits the urethra, it’s reasonable to wonder whether direct urethral stimulation can trigger it.

The answer: possibly!

However, anecdotal evidence suggests squirting most often happens from simultaneous clitoral and internal G-spot stimulation, rather than direct U-spot stimulation.

Do you need to do anything after play?

Yes: urinate!

You’ve probably heard it’s wise to pee after sex.

“Peeing helps flush bacteria from the urethra,” Engle explains. “If bacteria travel up there, your UTI risk rises.”

Beyond that, follow whatever aftercare or post-sex routines you usually prefer.

The bottom line

Add the U-spot to your list of erogenous zones to explore.

While there’s no guarantee you’ll enjoy this kind of stimulation, Melancon notes, “learning your body and discovering what you like can lead to better sex.”

In short: you won’t know until you try it.