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Beyond the G-spot: clitourethrovaginal complex anatomy in female orgasm

Nature Reviews Urology volume 11, pages 531–538 (2014)Cite this article

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Abstract

The search for the legendary, highly erogenous vaginal region, the Gräfenberg spot (G-spot), has produced important data, substantially improving understanding of the complex anatomy and physiology of sexual responses in women. Modern imaging techniques have enabled visualization of dynamic interactions of female genitals during self-sexual stimulation or coitus. Although no single structure consistent with a distinct G-spot has been identified, the vagina is not a passive organ but a highly dynamic structure with an active role in sexual arousal and intercourse. The anatomical relationships and dynamic interactions between the clitoris, urethra, and anterior vaginal wall have led to the concept of a clitourethrovaginal (CUV) complex, defining a variable, multifaceted morphofunctional area that, when properly stimulated during penetration, could induce orgasmic responses. Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the CUV complex might help to avoid damage to its neural, muscular, and vascular components during urological and gynaecological surgical procedures.

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Figure 1: Clitourethrovaginal (CUV) complex and its relationship to female anatomy.
Figure 2: Ultrasonographic coronal plane image taken at the top of the vulva during coitus in a healthy nulliparous woman.

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Acknowledgements

Figure 1b is a modification of an original image created by Laurent Buffo.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy

    Emmanuele A. Jannini

  2. Centre d'échographie, 20 rue du Dr Timsit, 78951, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France

    Odile Buisson

  3. Laboratorio de Biología, Escuela Preparatoria Regional de Autlán, Universidad de Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

    Alberto Rubio-Casillas

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  1. Emmanuele A. Jannini
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  3. Alberto Rubio-Casillas
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Correspondence to Emmanuele A. Jannini.

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Jannini, E., Buisson, O. & Rubio-Casillas, A. Beyond the G-spot: clitourethrovaginal complex anatomy in female orgasm. Nat Rev Urol 11, 531–538 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrurol.2014.193

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