What Is A Cervical Orgasm? How They Work & Tips For How To Have One

The clitoris, vagina, and labia all get a lot of attention when it comes to fun sexual play for the people who have them. But what about the cervix?

A cervical orgasm is a type of orgasm induced by stimulating or pressing against the cervix, which is the narrow canal connecting the vagina and the uterus.

The cervix is located at the very back of the vagina and surrounded by a lot of nerves, which may feel good when stimulated, explains Good Vibrations sexologist Carol Queen, Ph.D., Depending on the owner's phase of their menstrual cycle, reaching the cervix may involve pretty deep penetration, adds OB-GYN Sherry A. Ross, M.D., and that feeling of "fullness" combined with the stimulation of those deep vaginal nerve endings can produce an orgasm for some people.

Cervical orgasms aren't necessarily common, though, Ross says, and for some people, having the cervix touched can actually feel uncomfortable or painful.

That said, one older study from 19851 found at least some women "reliably trigger orgasm through vaginal or cervical stimulation," and another small older study of 132 women found cervical stimulation contributed to the orgasms of 46% of them.

Cervical orgasms are often described as a more full-bodied orgasm experience and more intense than other types of orgasms.

That may be because reaching the cervix requires very deep penetration and often involves filling the entire vaginal canal, says Ross, potentially contributing to a "full" feeling and lighting up all the many nerve endings throughout the pelvic area.

"With deep penetration during sexual intercourse, some women are more sexually aroused," Ross adds.

According to research involving MRI scans of the brain's response to cervical touch, the nerve endings stimulated by cervical stimulation—which are the nerves in the deep pelvic region—are different from those stimulated by clitoral stimulation, which seems to send sensory signals to the brain via the spine2.

Before you can get off from stimulating your cervix, you'll need to know where your cervix is, how to reach it, and what it feels like when it's being touched.

Consider starting by using your own fingers to reach into your vaginal canal and touch your cervix, which is located toward the top or apex of the vaginal canal and feels like the tip of a nose with a small divot in it.

If you can't reach it with your fingers, try using a sex toy with a longer body. (You can do this with a partner as well!)

Before you dive into stimulating the cervix—which necessarily involves vaginal penetration—both Ross and Queen stress the importance of making sure the vagina is adequately aroused and lubricated.

"Make sure you're pretty turned on to begin with since vaginal penetration can feel irritating or painful if it commences before arousal does," Queen says.

There are lots of different ways to stimulate the cervix that could potentially feel good.

"For some, rhythmic intercourse with a partner whose penis (or strap-on!) can reach the cervix is perfect," Queen says.

According to Ross, some sex positions may make it easier to have a cervical orgasm—namely, those that allow for deeper penetration. Missionary, doggy style, and cowgirl are some classics that tend to allow for deep thrusting. Consider having the person with the cervix positioned at the end of the bed with the penetrating partner standing on their feet so they have more leverage and thrusting power.

The A-spot, also known as the anterior fornix, is the pocket of tissue located where the cervix protrudes from the vaginal wall, forming a soft "corner" between the vaginal wall and side of the cervix. Queen says the anterior fornix is probably the most nerve-endowed area of the deep vaginal region, so it may be the key to producing a cervical orgasm.

Once you begin trying this, you might notice that it's a little hard to distinguish the feeling of cervical stimulation as opposed to general vaginal stimulation, especially when you're in the middle of penetrative sex. That's why Brighten suggests spending time outside the bedroom working on your ability to focus in on different sensations in the body.

The cervix is very sensitive, so it's important to be careful when attempting to have a cervical orgasm.

Deep penetration or excessive stimulation may lead to cervical pain or discomfort, or what's known as a bruised cervix, which may feel like cramping or soreness in the vaginal or pelvic region.

Some people's cervixes respond poorly to any touch at all. As Ross puts it, "The cervix contains nerve fibers that can create discomfort for most or pleasure for a few."

If you're experiencing any pain or discomfort from cervical play, don't force it—not everyone's bodies are receptive to this type of touch, and there are plenty of other types of orgasms to explore.

The cervix can be a source of great erotic fun for some people, though it's not for everyone.

If you're curious about trying to have a cervical orgasm, try out some cervical stimulation using your fingers, a toy, or some deep penetration with a penis or strap-on.