The grafenberg spot and female ejaculation: A review of initial hypotheses

Abstract

A controversial set of hypotheses have been proposed as an explanation for nonvulval (i.e., nonclitoral) orgasms in women. First, women have a small sensitive area in the anterior wall of the vagina (the Grafenberg spot) which seems to trigger these “deeper” orgasms. Second, stimulation of this area may be associated with ejaculatory response during orgasm. Investigation of these hypotheses was conducted under laboratory conditions in an effort to assess their validity. Eleven women, six of whom claimed to be “ejaculators, ” were examined by two gynecologists. Gynecologists found an area similar to other descriptions of the Grafenberg Spot in four of the 11 women. It was not found more in ejaculators than nonejaculators. Examination of the ejaculate of six women failed to detect elevated levels of prostatic acid phosphatase and the substance appeared similar in biochemical properties to urine. A number of alternative explanations for the failure to confirm the hypotheses are offered.