Have you ever wondered why the G-spot is called the G-spot? Who first found it? As the subject of much discussion and speculation since its discovery, the G-spot is highly intriguing for where it got its name – and the fact it was almost called the ‘Whipple Tickle’.
Finding the G-spot
Notoriously hard to find, it’s no wonder that the G-spot wasn’t discovered until the 1950s. Dr Gräfenberg was a gynaecologist known for his invention of the first women’s IUD and his study of the ‘Gräfenberg spot’ – revolutionary research in the field and a hot topic in the science community. Dr Gräfenberg noticed that this area seemed to be especially sensitive when stimulated. But his work fell largely on deaf ears. It was 1950, and the world wasn’t ready to hear about female sexuality yet.
Fast forward 30 years when the term ‘G-spot’ entered popular culture in the 1980s when Dr Beverly Whipple, Alice Kahn Ladas, and John D. Perry released their book on the topic – with the latter two wanting to name it the ‘Whipple Tickle’. But, as a continuation of Dr Gräfenberg’s research, Dr Whipple refused to take credit and their book was called ‘The G-Spot and Other Recent Discoveries About Human Sexuality’.
Dr Whipple – an American researcher and sexologist – suggested that the G-spot was a sensitive area on the front wall of the vagina. However, many experts today believe that it’s not a separate structure at all, but an area of increased sensitivity. While Dr Whipple’s theories have been disputed by many experts, the G-spot is now widely accepted. If not for the return to Gräfenberg’s original name, we might be calling the G-spot ‘Whipple Tickle’.
Do all women have a G-spot?
Whether you call it a G-spot or Whipple Tickle, there has been plenty of discussion and dispute as to its existence. In fact, studies suggest that while some women have one, others do not. Experts also consider that placing such importance on one erogenous zone prescribes a singular way to have sex and you shouldn’t become preoccupied with the G-spot as the only route to satisfaction.
But there’s no harm in exploring your own Whipple Tickle. Or if you want to look after yourself – or your partner – in other ways, check out our selection of pleasure-boosting toys.
While the term ‘Whipple Tickle’ was never widely used, we have Dr Beverly Whipple to thank for making sure that Dr Gräfenberg’s discovery was forever remembered.
