Words are by Vanessa Muradian

The CUV complex is what pleasurable sex with someone who has a vagina is all about. For many years, sleeping with people with vaginas and talking to thousands more, I chose to steer clear of assigning one type of orgasm to a distinct body-part (ie. the infamous ‘G-spot’). In my own experiences both personally and professionally, clitoral stimulation was necessary to feel pleasure or to “reach” orgasm or climax during sex. It was never about the G-spot alone, despite what pop-culture was telling us.

Now, we know that the majority of our genital pleasure comes from the stimulation of the CUV complex — the clitoris, urethra and vagina. To get even more specific:
the clitoris, both internally and externally;
the urethral sponge;
and the front, anterior vaginal wall (in and up toward the belly button) — AKA, the g-spot, female prostate or Skene’s gland).

Original artwork commissioned by Mia Muse

In 2014, a posse of Italian scientists officially published their research about the CUV complex in those with a vagina.

“A study, published in the journal Nature Reviews Urology, says it isn't just the G-spot that brings a woman sexual pleasure but a much larger "intimate area", named the clitourethrovaginal (CUV) complex, which includes the uterus and the clitoris.”

The Italian doctors, led by Emmanuele A. Jannini, professor of endocrinology and sexology at Tor Vergata university, Rome, said we shouldn't just focus on one area for stimulation.

"Although no single structure consistent with a distinct G-spot has been identified, the vagina is not a passive organ but a highly dynamic structure with an active role in sexual arousal and intercourse. The anatomical relationships and dynamic interactions between the clitoris, urethra, and anterior vaginal wall have led to the concept of a clitourethrovaginal (CUV) complex, defining a variable, multifaceted morphofunctional area that, when properly stimulated during penetration, could induce orgasmic responses."

If we think about the CUV complex during pleasure exploration, we can apply pressure and stimulation externally on the vulva, internally within and around the vagina and bring awareness and connection by stimulating this area using a ‘come here’ motion with your fingers, a glass or ceramic toy along the urethral sponge through the anterior wall of the vagina, this is also how you can explore vaginal ejaculation (read more about female ejaculation here).