Hit the C-spot: How to have a cervical orgasm during sex
Turns out, the cervix isn’t just a gateway to your uterus – it’s also an erogenous zone
We recently discussed how the cervix is a gateway from the vaginal canal to the uterus, but did you know it can also be a gateway to pleasure? In honor of National Orgasm Day we’re bringing you a complete guide to one of our favorite kinds: The cervical orgasm.
When we talk about types of orgasms in the female reproductive system, the clitoris and G-spot normally steal the spotlights. But behind the scenes, a new star is waiting to steal the show: the C-spot.
While the G-spot is lower down in the vagina about an inch above the vaginal opening, the C-spot is high up on the cervix. Stimulating it is sometimes referred to as “cervical penetration.”
Penetrate what, you say? Between the cervix’s role in IUD insertion, childbirth, and getting your period, it’s normal to associate the cervix with pain. If cervix orgasm sounds like something that would make even Christian Grey wince, get ready to go deep as we explore the stimulation method that many swear by for body-shattering orgasms.
What is cervical penetration? And what’s the C-spot?
First, let’s address a major urban legend, that of “cervical penetration.” This term is a misnomer—it does NOT refer to something actually going through the cervical canal. In fact, nothing is supposed to go through the cervix into the uterus (except sperm); only the other way around (i.e. giving birth, or the blood shed through your cervix during your period).
Other than when your cervix dilates to accommodate childbirth, the actual cervical opening (AKA the cervical os) is far too small to penetrate. So you don’t have to worry that a penis (or dildo) could get into the cervix and/or uterus during sex – even on your wildest nights.
If an extreme enough force were to actually penetrate the cervix, it’d be cause for an immediate trip to the emergency room. But rest assured that such an event is extremely rare.
The term “cervical penetration” refers to the stimulation of the ectocervix, the donut-shaped lowest region of the cervix. The ectocervix can be found at the deep end of the vagina. The ectocervix = your C-spot. This type of stimulation happens when things like a penis, toy, or finger rubs or pushes up against the ectocervix.
Depending on your (and your partner’s) anatomy, cervical stimulation can be achieved by trying different sex positions, during rough sex, and with deep penetration. It is one of the ways some people orgasm from vaginal penetration. You can also stimulate the cervix with toys, fingers, or a strap-on.
Are cervical orgasms real?
There is some debate about whether or not stimulating your “C-spot” leads to orgasm. Some say C-spot play absolutely leads to body-shattering orgasms. Others describe it as a more ongoing, intense stimulation that can’t really be classified as an orgasm per se.
Scientific research does tell us, however, that cervical orgasms are real. So real, people with serious spinal cord injuries could still have them.
In a 2004 study, women with complete spinal cord injuries were stimulated with a device that put pressure against the cervix while simultaneously undergoing MRI. Three women experienced orgasm out of a total of five study participants. 1
The researchers concluded, “the Vagus nerves provide a spinal cord-bypass pathway for vaginal–cervical sensibility.” In other words, the mechanism behind cervical orgasm likely has quite a bit to do with the Vagus nerve. There are, however, two other nerves that convey sensation from the cervix to the brain. These are the pelvic and hypogastric nerves – and they could also play a role.
Another 2012 research journal describes cervical orgasms as a subtype of vaginal orgasm (VO). They note that “cervical and vaginal stimulation activate different regions of the somatosensory cortex, [so] it is quite likely that cervical orgasm is a distinct subtype of VO (thus making for three, rather than two major categories of female orgasm).” The other two categories are vaginal orgasm and clitoral orgasm (CO). 2
At the end of the day, more research is warranted in order to fully understand the mechanisms behind a cervical orgasm. But we can say without a doubt that they are real. For many, cervical orgasms play a major role in the enjoyment of penetrative sex.
Can you get pleasure from the cervix?
Yes, it is possible to experience pleasure from cervical stimulation. In fact, some people report having intense orgasms through this type of stimulation. However, it’s important to note that not everyone enjoys cervical stimulation and that everyone’s body responds differently. Experimentation can help you discover what works best for you.
How to have cervical orgasms
As anyone who’s ever gone “too deep” during sex can attest to, cervical stimulation requires the proper build-up to feel good. In other words, don’t approach the cervix like a charging bull: warm up the body first with ample foreplay.
If cervical stimulation is new to you, remember to be gentle—you don’t want to bruise the cervix. Excessively vigorous sexual activity can hit the cervix and cause not only cervical pain, but also cervical bruising, or other sex injuries. Typically, a bruised cervix feels painful, tender, or extra sensitive.
Exercise extra caution if you have an IUD. Poking at the string that comes out of the cervix can be unpleasant for your partner if they have a penis. It can also cause the painfully unsexy event of making your device move. Ouch!
If you’re having penetrative sex, certain positions angle the vagina down to make the cervix more accessible. Because the cervix is usually positioned towards the posterior (back) side of the vagina, doggy style is the go-to for cervical stimulation. Cowgirl is another position that works for many. You may need to experiment depending on the position and depth of your cervix.
If you’re sailing solo for your first voyage, use a longer dildo or other toy and try sitting or squatting. For less poking and more of a gentler massaging action, you can also try using your fingers.
Not doing it for you? Some people simply aren’t into C-spot stimulation at all. Everyone’s body is different, and we don’t believe in telling you what to do with yours. If cervical stimulation isn’t for you, don’t sweat it: there are plenty of other ways to find pleasure.
Cervical orgasms: Does size matter?
Wondering how deep is your cervix? Like all body parts, the “depth” of a vagina varies completely from person to person. However, most are, on average, between three and seven inches long from entrance to the cervix.
The height of the cervix changes depending on various factors. Some of these factors include how aroused someone is, whether they are pregnant, and where they are in their menstrual cycle.
We believe that it’s an important part of sexual health to be familiar with the cervix. If you don’t already know how to find yours, here’s how to locate and feel your cervix in this blog.
Will 7 inches hit the cervix?
Since the average penis is 4.7 to 6.3 inches, most penis-in-vagina partner combinations can reach the cervix without issue. Doggy style is a great position to easily reach the cervix. If the cervix is out of range, toys and hands are always an option to reach the necessary depth of penetration to experience a cervical orgasm.
Cervix Pain: No gain with pain
Cervical stimulation is not supposed to hurt. Some people may find that deeper penetration is simply too intense to be pleasurable. However, if strong stimulation is your cup of tea, keep in mind that being too rough during sex can lead to a bruised cervix or bleeding after sex.
Spotting after penetrative sex isn’t exactly uncommon, but it shouldn’t be a constant factor in your life. Regular bleeding, cervical pain, or any ongoing pain during sex could be a sign of a health condition. Some of these can include cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix), pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually transmitted infections (STI), Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), and vaginal dryness.
Make sure to check in with your healthcare provider or OB-GYN if these symptoms continue. They might want to perform a pelvic exam or perform some tests to rule out some of these conditions.
Familiarity with your own body is not just a pathway to better health. Knowing your own anatomy can also lead to a better sex life. So consider this our CTA to explore on your own. You might just find a new means to achieving mind-blowing, full-body orgasms and incredible sex.
This article is informational only and is not offered as medical advice, nor does it substitute for a consultation with your physician. If you have any gynecological/medical concerns or conditions, please consult your physician.
© 2023 The Flex Company. All Rights Reserved.
- Komisaruk, B. R., Whipple, B., Crawford, A., Grimes, S., Liu, W.-C., Kalnin, A., & Mosier, K. (2004). Brain activation during vaginocervical self-stimulation and orgasm in women with complete spinal cord injury: fMRI evidence of mediation by the Vagus nerves. Brain Research, 1024(1-2), 77–88. doi:10.1016/j.brainres.2004.07.029[↩]
- Jannini, E. A., Rubio‐Casillas, A., Whipple, B., Buisson, O., Komisaruk, B. R., & Brody, S. (2012). Female Orgasm(s): One, Two, Several. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 9(4), 956–965. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02694.x[↩]
