Self-pleasure is by no means a new act. But while it may have been around since the dawn of primates, the conversation around masturbation for people with vulvas has certainly evolved.

From teen-movies dedicated to making fun of self-pleasure to sex-ed classes that missed it entirely, there was a time not so long ago when masturbation was seen as something to suppress.

Thankfully, the conversation around self-pleasure is now opening-up – particularly around people with vulvas. And with vibrators, sex-positivity and self-pleasure assuming their rightful place within the zeitgeist, we couldn’t be prouder to shout our love for self-love from the rooftops.

Masturbation is natural, healthy and empowering – and all about choosing your own adventure. Join us as we unpack the five major pleasure zones to help tap into self-pleasure, and five feel-good positions to optimise your fun.

The Pleasure Zones

There’s no one way to make yourself orgasm, but there are five major erogenous zones that will help you find your way.

• The clitoris
• G-spot
• A-spot
• O-spot
• V-spot

ZONE 1: THE CLITORIS

How to find: Small in size but big on impact, the clitoris is one of the most sensitive pleasure zones in the female body. Made up of around 8,000 nerve endings (about twice as many as the penis), it’s the most nerve-rich part of the vulva. Located at the very top of the inner labia (lips), although we mainly just see the ‘glans clitoris’ (often referred to as ‘the clit’). There’s more to the clitoris than the eye can see – the ‘urethral-clitoral complex’ extends into the body, under the labia and back towards the pelvis.

How to touch: The clit is such a pleasure centre, simple stimulation from the outside with fingers or a toy can often do the trick. You might also try delving deeper and explore your clitoris inside your vagina. Each person is likely to differ – but it’s sure fun to figure it out!

ZONE 2: THE G-SPOT

How to find: Once you’ve found your clitoris, follow along to the root of the internal clitoris to find your G-Spot – although it’s really more of an ‘area’, made up of the vagina, clitoral body and legs. Located at the front of the vaginal wall, it can also be found by inserting two fingers into the vagina and hooking up behind the pubic bone. As the G-spot is located close to the urethral sponge and Skene’s Glands, stimulating it can lead to incredible orgasms and female ejaculation.

How to touch: Since it’s quite deep inside, it might take some manoeuvring to find the spot. Gently insert your index finger about 3cm inside your vagina (remember – every vagina depth is different), then curl your finger upwards in a ‘come hither’ motion. If you feel a walnut-sized patch of spongy tissue, you’ve found it.

ZONE 3: THE A-SPOT

How to find: Delving deeper past the G-spot, the ‘anterior fornix’ (aka the A-Spot) is another pleasurable spot of tissue. Everyone varies slightly, but the anterior fornix is found around 8-10cm inside the vagina and about 5cm higher than the G-spot (at the inner ends of the vaginal tube between the cervix and the bladder).

How: It can be tricky to reach, so you’ll need your longest (index) finger or the help of a G-spot wand. Once you find your G-spot, push up into your vagina another 5cm and gently wiggle your finger. If you feel an increased pressure or sensitivity, that’s probably it! If you want to try another angle, stimulating the back end of the clitoris via deep anal penetration can also do the trick.

ZONE 4: THE O-SPOT

How to find: The O-spot (sometimes called the C-spot) is the area deep inside the vaginal canal responsible for cervical orgasms, and therefore, making vaginal sex more pleasurable. It’s technically located behind the cervix (on the posterior wall of the vagina), but we can’t really get past the cervix to directly reach it. It can, however, still be stimulated through the nerve endings on the cervix sensitive to pressure and touch.

How to touch: To stimulate the O-spot, start by locating your G-spot, turn your finger 180 degrees to face the back wall of your vagina and gently press in deeper. Putting pressure on the cervix can prompt a cervical orgasm thanks to all those pressure-sensitive nerve endings. It might take some time for it to happen for you, or it might not at all. Experiment with what feels good for you and remember to be gentle – the cervix is a sensitive area.

ZONE 5: THE V-SPOT

How to find: The ‘vaginal vestibule’ or V-Spot refers to the opening of the vagina filled with a bunch of nerve endings waiting to be stimulated. You’ll find the V spot before entering the vaginal canal, just past the inner lips.

How to touch: Perhaps the easiest to reach of the spots, the V-spot pleasure zone can be gently stimulated using fingers, a toy or whatever you desire!

Solo Sex Positions

There are endless moves to pleasure yourself and no right or wrong way to go about it. Here are our favourite five solo sex positions for people with vulvas.

1. The Star-Gazer. A classic position that never ceases to surprise. Simply lie down on your back, get comfortable, and find your way with your fingers to wherever feels good. Great for low-energy days and nights or when you’re simply feeling serene. Play around with placement and pressure or introduce a clitoral stimulator for a little extra voltage.
2. Sidewards Spoon. There’s no need to argue over Big vs Little when it’s just you and yourself. Curve your body into a soft C-shape and cross your thighs slightly over each other to create a tighter, more pressurised space. Use your top leg to press down on your hand and feel the heat build.
3. Aqua Love. Whether it’s discovering yourself through a mirror or playing around in the tub, the bathroom is a playground unto itself. Let your cup overflow in more ways than one by bringing the bath into your play. First, test the water from the tap to make sure it’s the right temp, then, position your clitoris underneath and enjoy the natural pressure of the water. If you don’t have a bath, a removable showerhead feels pretty amazing, too.
4. Love On Top If you enjoy the feeling of being on top with a partner, then this might be the position for you. Mounting your hand or an object while you lie face down can bring about all sorts of goodness (and can be a better angle to find your G, A or O Spot). Prop yourself up with an elbow to give some more leverage.
5. Pillow talk. You probably won’t reach your ‘Spots’ with this one but moving your pelvis to grind back and forth against a folded pillow can still stimulate your clitoris and bring about a slightly less-intense, (but often longer-lasting) sensation.

Masturbating on your period

Self-pleasure when you’re menstruating can be an amazing way to help naturally relieve tension and pain thanks to the increase in dopamine, oxytocin and the blood flow that can ease menstrual cramps. Moreover, orgasms are often longer and stronger since your vagina is likely a little more sensitive than usual. It may be a little messy, but it can provide all sorts of wonder.

Masturbation is an incredibly enjoyable and empowering act of self-care. Whether you’re dipping your toe in the self-pleasure pool or breezing through this blog as a seasoned self-pleasurer, your way is the right way.