"After what feels like an eternity, we’re finally starting to see more and more research on the female orgasm—and thank god, because we’ve been trying to figure out the best ways to experience pleasure all on our own for far too long. (I mean, we’ve certainly done a great job with little to no guidance, but still, it’s about time!) Most recently, the concept of the CUV Complex has become a hot topic among sexual health and wellness experts—and for good reason. Not only is this concept a major advancement in understanding the female anatomy overall, but it’s also a significant step forward when it comes to understanding how women experience pleasure.
For so long, we’ve focused on single pleasure points and how to stimulate them. For example, either the clitoris or the vagina or either the G-spot or the A-spot. Of course, knowing how to stimulate each erogenous zone individually is essential and can elevate your orgasm game, but do we really have to choose? Not anymore. The CUV Complex encompasses multiple areas at once, and knowing how it works may lead you to your best orgasm ever. Read on to learn what it is, where it’s located, how it works, and how to stimulate it, solo or with a partner.
What is the CUV Complex?
The CUV (short for clitourethrovaginal) Complex encompasses three distinct yet interconnected parts of the female reproductive anatomy: the clitoris, the urethra, and the vagina. Modern imaging techniques have allowed us to see how they interact when they’re stimulated during sex or masturbation. It turns out these structures influence each other with pleasure signals through a shared network of nerves. Moreover, they affect how each structure swells in response to stimulation. We tend to focus on the individual parts of our genitals and think of them as existing in isolation. Yet, research on the CUV Complex shows that when you stimulate one area, another area responds.
We’ve long considered the G-spot to be the center of orgasmic pleasure, but according to research, this is too simplistic. Both internal (hey, A-spot and clitoral legs!) and external pleasure points play a part in what many women report as an intense, “inner” sensation of pleasure. Basically, the idea of the CUV Complex calls for recognizing this group of super-sensitive areas as the key to the overall pleasure process rather than focusing on one point alone. Knowing this, the possibility for incredible orgasms and sexual exploration expands.
How the CUV Complex can enhance your orgasms
We know that sex and intimacy are highly personal and based on individual tastes, which is why setting your sights on having a certain type of orgasm isn’t always the best approach. What works for some people might not work for you! Understanding the CUV Complex takes the pressure off of having a specific type of orgasm and allows you to experiment with different sensations to find your favorite. For example, if you can’t figure out how to stimulate your A-spot (or the hype around it just isn’t there for you), you don’t have to give up on the idea of experiencing true pleasure as a whole. No matter how or where you stimulate, the CUV Complex is working in your favor to deliver an orgasm.
“Understanding the CUV Complex takes the pressure off of having a specific type of orgasm and allows you to experiment with different sensations to find your favorite.”
Stimulating any area of the CUV Complex allows you to understand your body better, how it responds, and what excites you most regarding sensation. In a study done by OMGYes.com, only 18.4 percent of women reported that vaginal intercourse alone can take them over the edge. In comparison, an additional 36 percent explained that while clitoral stimulation isn’t necessary, their orgasms feel better when that stimulation is there. Whether you prefer clitoral stimulation only, straight or curved sex toys, or a combination of all the above, the CUV Complex gets aroused as a whole to deliver peak pleasure.
Knowing what you like (and how you like it) can transform not only your masturbation sessions but your partnered sex as well. You’ll be able to communicate your needs, and it makes it easier to guide your partner’s fingers, sex toy, or penis in a way that feels best for both of you.
How to stimulate the CUV Complex
The CUV Complex does the Lord’s work. Whether you want to focus on just one spot or combine a few, you’re destined to have an orgasm you’ll crave over and over. Here are ways you can stimulate each part, but our advice? Give each part of your complex a little love to make your toes curl.
Build intensity on the clitoris
The clitoris alone boasts over 10,000 nerve endings and plays a considerable role in arousal and orgasm overall. Since it is one of the body’s most sensitive areas, it is an incredibly key part of the CUV Complex. Using a toy, finger, tongue, or penis, gently stimulate the clitoris in whatever way feels best to you—circular motions, tapping, or stroking—and gradually increase the pressure and intensity. Because the internal structures of the clitoris extend into the vaginal area, stimulating the nub will activate sensations throughout the CUV Complex.
“No matter how or where you stimulate, the CUV Complex is working in your favor to deliver an orgasm.”
Apply pressure to the urethra sponge
It might sound a little weird, but have you ever heard someone mention using the “come hither” motion when it comes to stimulating the G-spot? Whether they know it or not, they’re really referring to the sensitive urethral sponge area on the front wall of the vagina. You can stimulate this area with a finger, a curved toy, or a penis by applying gentle and steady pressure about 2 inches inside the vagina. Focus on what feels good to you, not any specific technique, and you’ll start to build heat.
Add sensation to the front wall of the vagina
The anterior (or front) wall of the vagina connects to both the clitoris and urethral sponge, making it the third component of the CUV Complex. Using a curved toy or your fingers, apply firm and rhythmic pressure to this wall, aiming upward toward the belly. My favorite way to do this is with a toy designed specifically for this purpose. I’ve found that vibrators can greatly enhance the overall experience, and going for a toy like the Satisfyer Heat Flex 4 is a surefire way to feel all the sensations at once and turn your brain off. If you’re getting intimate with a partner, guide them to use their mouth, hands, or toys, all while stimulating other pleasure points for a deep, full-body experience.
Sydney Cox, Contributing Sex & Relationships Writer
Sydney Cox is a Chicago-based writer and intimacy coordinator who is passionate about exploring the complexities of human connections and teaching readers to advocate for themselves. Sydney’s work has been featured in various publications, where they aim to foster open and honest conversations.