If you’re constantly looking for ways to spice up your sex life, you’re not alone. From trying new sex positions to exploring role play and kink with a partner, there are countless ways to heat things up and plenty of resources that can help you figure out what works for you. One such resource? Surprisingly: TikTok. And while we may or may not recommend you follow all the sex and dating advice on the clock app, there is one trend that could send you over the edge: Pressing on your belly during sex.
If you’re thinking there’s no way that could possibly feel good, hear us out: Gently applying pressure to the lower abdomen during sex can feel amazing and potentially amplify your orgasms. You’ve just gotta figure out how to make it work for you.
The method first came to light when TikTok creator Nurse Ria (@love.ria.nurse) posted a video claiming that for people with vulvas, the belly press sex thing can “stimulate the G-spot from the outside.” The video quickly went viral, garnering over 1.2 million likes and racking up thousands of comments—both from enthusiastic supporters and more hesitant TikTokers saying “no thanks.” Although Nurse Ria’s video has since been deleted, the method sparked a ton of interest online—but considering it might sound low-key uncomfortable and the G-spot doesn’t actually exist, the post also left people wondering if it’s legit.
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When exploring your own pleasure, it’s important to find practices that feel hot (and safe!) for you. If you’re intrigued by the belly press sex thing, here’s what sexperts have to say about it, whether or not it makes sex better, and how to try it safely with a partner or on your own.
What Exactly *Is* The Belly Press Method?
In the “belly press” sex technique, applying pressure to the stomach—typically the lower abdomen or wherever feels best—can make your orgasms stronger. Heather Jeffcoat, DPT, owner of Femina Physical Therapy in Los Angeles and current President of the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, says that, anatomically, “belly press”-induced arousal makes sense. “The belly, bladder, urethra, female reproductive organs, and external genitalia are all derived from the same structure…this includes the clitoris,” she explains. “Whenever you’re talking about movement or stretches applied to the lower abdominal area, the pelvic floor muscles are [also] likely to be involved.” Since pressing on the lower belly can activate a variety of sensitive areas, the method may amplify orgasm.
Jessica O’Reilly, PhD, sex and relationship expert at Lovehoney, says that the belly technique also impacts the bladder. “Some people find that the pressure on their bladder adds to stimulation of the upper vaginal wall,” she says. “This type of pressure can be pleasurable, especially if you’re further along in the sexual response cycle (some people find it only feels good once they’re highly aroused and approaching orgasm).” O’Reilly adds that combining both internal and external pressure on the abdomen might lead to a more “full-bodied” orgasm or even squirting.
Does the Belly Technique Help Stimulate the G-Spot?
PSA: Despite years of research on the elusive G-spot, there is no evidence to suggest that it actually exists. According to a survey we conducted ourselves in 2020, 82 percent of men believe that women have a “magic button” to discover, which largely misrepresents internal pleasure as a whole. Experts say the belly technique isn’t strictly tied to the traditional “G-spot” as the viral TikTok suggests—rather, it has to do more with our general anatomy down there and the many factors that influence our ability to orgasm.
Holly Wood, PhD(c), LMFT, a sex therapist and clinical sexologist based in Orange County, California, explains that the G-spot isn’t actually a spot—neither anatomically nor functionally—rather, it’s an anatomical interaction between the clitoris, urethra, and anterior vaginal wall, called the clitourethrovaginal (CUV) complex. “The area of soft tissue [previously] known as the G-spot is located about 2-3 inches inside the vagina on the front vaginal wall (the top wall if you’re lying down on your back),” she explains. “Because of this location, applying pressure to the lower abdomen—essentially outside of where the G-spot is located—stimulation is possible.”
But for many people, orgasm is a complex experience involving many physical, mental, and emotional mechanisms—it’s not just about finding a single sweet spot. The bottom line: If pressing on your belly during sex helps turn you on more, that’s what matters most.
How to Do the Belly Press Sex Thing
Clearly, there’s a lot going on anatomically that can make the belly thing a physical turn-on. So, how do you try it IRL? “You can experiment with this by pressing down—or having a partner press down—on the abdomen, just above the pubic bone,” Wood suggests. “You can also try stimulating from the outside and the inside at the same time by using a finger or toy internally while applying that external pressure.”
Before trying anything, make sure there’s active consent between you and your partner. You may want to talk about it beforehand (i.e., “Would you be open to trying something with me?”) or just try it in the moment—but make sure you’re both comfortable first. Maybe your partner gently presses on your belly during oral sex and you absolutely love it, but during intercourse, it feels distracting. Experiment with methods that work for you and don’t be afraid to communicate your needs.
If you’re playing solo, grab your favorite toy, find a comfortable position and try different hand placements and pressures to see what feels best. If you’re not used to touching your tummy, the belly press may seem uncomfortable at first—or you may feel nothing at all. Try not to judge yourself, keep exploring at your own pace, and find what feels good.
When Should You Avoid the Belly Press Thing?
A quick scroll through TikTok will tell you that not everyone loves the belly technique. Let’s be clear: Physical pressure that enhances your pleasure is OK, but experiencing intense pain or discomfort is not! If you experience bloating, discomfort, or tightness, have a sensitive bladder, or generally just don’t appreciate your tummy being touched for any reason, applying pressure to the stomach during sex may not be the thing for you.
“[Some people] find that pressure on their bladder causes them to tense up (often because they’re afraid of peeing), which can hinder orgasm,” O’Reilly says. “The bottom line is that some people love pressure against their bladder and others do not. You may also find that this type of pressure feels good on some days or not others; it may align with your menstrual cycle or the differences may be entirely random,” she says.
Jeffcoat, who frequently works with patients who want to reduce discomfort during sex, says that you should avoid the technique if it’s causing you any sort of pain. “If you suffer from [conditions like] painful bladder syndrome, you may want to try [the belly technique] during solo play before you involve your partner so you can better guide on the pressures you prefer,” she suggests. Folks dealing with endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and other similar issues, may want to avoid the belly thing as well.
Sex is a super personal experience on all levels. If the idea of pressing on your belly during sex appeals to you, great! But if not, that’s OK, too. What works for one person definitely doesn’t work for everyone, and as long as you move at your own pace and keep communicating what you love (and don’t), you’re bound to find a technique that works. Cheers to many toe-curling orgasms ahead.
Freelance Writer
Tianna Soto is a writer, editor, and professional wellness speaker based in New York City. Previously, she was a contributing editor on the dating team at Elite Daily and an associate editor at Her Campus Media. When she’s not writing, you can find her traveling, singing, and speaking with college audiences about mental health. You can connect with her on Instagram and Twitter.