Review of The G Spot

Despite its somewhat tittilating title (and its PINK cover1), this book is sex explanation, not sexploitation. Yet while it is a sober, honest account, it is exciting. This is because of its content. New information opens new possibilities; and new possibilities are always exciting. Indeed, some of the new information it provides destroys some misconceptions, and thus may relieve many of guilt or embarrasment.

There is a sense, however, in which these discoveries are not new, since they were known in certain cultures and to certain individuals. But to Western European culture, and especially to American medical practice, they have been largely unknown until recently.

The authors wisely do not dwell on the conundrum of why doctors could remain ignorant of demonstrable facts known to many of their patients. That is a matter for another book. Their purpose here is to disseminate their discoveries. Briefly, those are:

The G Spot, or Grafenberg Spot, is named after Dr. Ernst Grafenberg, the first modern physician to describe it. Located in the female body on the anterior surface of the vagina, about two inches from the entrance, it is an alternative focus of erotic arousal. Previously, the clitoris was thought to be the sole such focus. Unlike the clitoris, the G Spot responds to deep pressure rather than gentle touch.
Females often ejaculate during orgasm. Previously, only males were thought to ejaculate. Many women, knowing no better, assumed that this discharge (which is not urine) coming from their vaginas indicated incontinence, and were acutely embarrased.
An assemblage of muscles known as the pubococcygeus group (or muscle) is critical to female orgasm. It can be strengthened by Kegel exercises. A woman whose pubococcygeus group is fit rather than flaccid will experience much greater enjoyment from sex. Men too have this group of muscles, and will enhance their sex lives by keeping it fit and trim.
Both women and men have at least two types of orgasms. (The book is a little vague on this point, implying that the number of types might be greater than two.) In women, as mentioned above, both the clitoris and the G Spot can trigger orgasm, and these orgasms are subjectively different in character. Men's orgasms are triggered by the penis and the prostate.

The book goes into great detail about all these discoveries, often illustrating the implications by means of case studies. The authors' purpose is to de-mythologize sex in order that people will achieve healthier sex lives. I judge that their book fulfills that purpose.

THE G SPOT and Other Recent Discoveries About Human Sexuality Alice Kahn Ladas, M.S.S., Ed.D. Beverly Whipple, R.N., M.Ed. John D. Perry, M.Div., Ph.D. New York: Dell, 1982				Rating: 5.0 High
ISBN-13 978-0-440-13040-6
ISBN 0-440-13040-9	236pp.	SC/GSI	$3.50

THE G SPOT

Reviewed 5/26/1997