What are erogenous zones?
"Erogenous zones are parts of the body that are more sensitive to pleasurable touch and can be stimulated more readily than other parts of the body to engender arousal," says Kate Balestrieri, PsyD, CSAT-S, certified sex therapist and founder of Modern Intimacy. The stimulation of erogenous zones takes sex to intensely gratifying levels, and some of them can contribute to having an orgasm. A reported 12% of women are able to orgasm from stimulation of nongenital erogenous zones alone.
How many erogenous zones are there?
The thing about erogenous zones is that they're different for everyone. While some people are driven to ecstasy by a touch on the small of their back or a tongue across their toes, others might consider the same actions nothing more than an annoying tickle. However, just because not every part of the body is felt as erogenous for everyone doesn't mean that there are parts of the body that can be labeled "nonerogenous." A study from 2016 demonstrated that practically every single part of the body could be considered an erogenous zone during partnered sex.
Well-known erogenous zones.
Breasts
Breasts are one of the classic erogenous zones. They feel great not just because they're packed with nerve endings but because we have a lot of psychological associations between them and sex. Squeeze them, lick them, bite them, spank them—when it comes to boobs, the possibilities are endless.
Nipples
When it comes to nipples, your mileage may vary. Some people have extremely sensitive nipples and can even orgasm from nipple play alone. (And that's not specific to women—male nipple play is a thing, too!) But others really might not find it very exciting to have them touched, especially if they've had some kind of breast or chest surgery, which can damage the nerves in the area and reduce sensation. Try light pinches, sucking, ice cubes, hot breath, or little bites.
Lips
Your lips are the most erotic part of the face: They're packed with nerve endings and can be lightly brushed with your partner's own lips or their fingers for tingling effects. Try making out while really focusing on the sensations in your lips. You'll be surprised by how good it feels. Research has found that kissing releases neurotransmitters, which boost mood and regulate sexual desire, as well as many other benefits of kissing.
Neck
Kissing, nibbling, or whispering sweet nothings into the neck can send shivers of delight coursing through your body. Why does it feel so good? The skin of your neck is very thin, and a whole bunch of sensory nerves are clustered there.
Inner thighs
Touching the inner thighs drives a lot of people wild. Since the inner thighs are so close to the genitals, it's not hard to imagine why this particular erogenous zone is so popular. Mix it up by using your fingers, mouth, or other sex toys.
Butt cheeks
Getting your butt grabbed, massaged, caressed, and spanked feels so good because it increases blood flow to the area, which is, of course, very near to your genitals. Why not set aside specific time for a butt massage in which your partner is not allowed to touch your genitals until a timer of your choosing goes off? The buildup will drive you wild.
Erogenous zones in the vaginal region.
Clitoris
No discussion of erogenous zones is complete without mention of the beloved clitoris. It's probably the best known (though famously widely neglected) erogenous zone on the bodies of people with vaginas. "The clitoris is one of the primary areas linked to sexual pleasure," notes Megan Harrison, LMFT, founder of Couples Candy. "In fact, because the clitoris does not have a reproductive function, it is believed by many scientists to exist solely for sexual pleasure. It also contains an incredible 8,000 nerve endings."
As with everything to do with sex, communication is key to clit exploration. Gently guide your partner as to how you like to be touched. For those who want a little guidance on how to touch their partner's clitoris, Zrenchik recommends starting with light touch around the clitoris first. "Watch how your partner responds. If you both want to go further, move closer to the clitoris itself, while maintaining light touch with your mouth, lips, tongue, and fingers," he says. "If you both want to try direct stimulation, go for it, but go slow and soft at first."
Some people experience that their clitoris is not particularly sensitive. If this is the case for you, you might find that a sensation-enhancing product applied directly to the clit area can help. (Here are some clitoral suction toys and clit pumps for some more inspo.)
Vaginal canal
So why does getting penetrated vaginally feel so good? "Vaginal stimulation activates the medial cortex (medial paracentral lobule). This area is located in the sensory cortex, the area of the brain that receives and interprets sensory stimulation," says Zrenchik. "The bulk of the pleasure comes from the first 2 inches of the vaginal canal, so deeper is not necessarily better." Use fingers, toys, or a penis to stimulate the vaginal canal. It can feel good to start slow and build up—and with plenty of lube.
Vaginal lips
The vaginal lips, otherwise known as the labia majora and minora, can be a really sensitive erogenous zone. The labia minora contain a core of erectile tissue and a great many nerve endings. Gently stroking or tracing a finger over the lips can help increase arousal and wetness. As you get more turned on, blood rushes to this highly vascularized area, and the way the lips feel to the touch becomes softer and more pliable. For better stimulation, use lube or your own personal lubrication to touch them. Make sure you're using a lube that's kind to your vaginal pH, such as this water-based one.
Pubic mound
"This area, the area just above a penis/vulva, usually covered by pubic hair, can be an erogenous zone for some, and for others it's nonresponsive," says Zrenchik. "Women (more than men) tend to report this area as sensitive, but only just more than half. So, don't get discouraged if you or your partner don't get much from this area. However, don't give up until you try a wide range of touches." You can try licking, stroking, squeezing, and caressing the area. Observe your partner carefully to see what works, and ask them for honest feedback.
Cervix
This zone isn't for everyone—for some people having their cervix stimulated can just be plain uncomfortable, and cervical bruising is a thing. But if it's something that works for you, then it can lead to deeply intense orgasms sometimes referred to as cervical orgasms. In order to stimulate the cervix, you'll need a toy or a penis to penetrate you vaginally, as fingers can't typically reach. Massage against the cervical opening (you can't and shouldn't penetrate it) with the toy or penis until you begin to feel waves of pleasure.
"Any attempt to stimulate this area depends on a sufficient level of arousal," Harrison notes. So make sure you're warmed up before diving in.
G-spot
The G-spot, located on the front wall of the vagina, is thought to be a little bundle of nerve endings, which can feel very pleasurable when stimulated. It's sometimes described as feeling like a spongy, walnut-size mound, though some experts believe the spot is actually just the area where the vagina, urethra, and internal part of the clitoris intersect.
"Using a curved dildo or G-spot vibrator is your best bet," instructs Graveris. "Apply ample lube. Use your finger or toy in an upward curve toward your navel and use a come-hither motion. Try different pressures and sensations. Then, once you find the best one, keep at it until the sensations build up and take over your body."
He also recommends that you adapt the toy you choose to your level of sensitivity. Look for a toy made of soft silicone instead of firm glass, for example, if you need something gentler. Furthermore, consider a rabbit-style vibrator, which stimulates your clitoris at the same time as your G-spot. This can make it much more pleasurable.
A-spot
The A-spot is a nickname for the anterior fornix erogenous zone, an area that also has a lot of nerve endings, according to Graveris. It's located between the cervix and the bladder, just a few inches past the G-spot. "The best way to stimulate the A-spot is using a longer G-spot toy. You can also go with positions that promote deeper penetrations, like doggy style," he says.
U-spot
The U-spot is named for the urethra, which is where your pee comes out. It is located in "a highly sensitive and orgasmic area of tissue located above and around the urethral opening," explains OB-GYN Sherry A. Ross, M.D. "When this area is stimulated, there is an orgasmic response." This area has delicate tissue, so a light touch and gentle stimulation are key. Rubbing too hard could cause discomfort, and no one wants that!
Glans
The head of the penis, or the glans, is the most sensitive part of the penis, with thousands of nerve endings. Therefore it should be given special attention. "During solo play, you can use various toys that focus on the penis for gentle to intensely focused stimulations," says Graveris. He recommends the Cobra Libre 2, the Hot Octopuss Pulse, and the Arcwave Ion.
"If you have a partner, you can let them use their lubed hands and tease the tip by encircling their fingers around it. Then, they can rub their wet lips over the fleshy head, use their tongue around the rim, and finally take the glans by mouth."
Foreskin
There is a common belief that uncircumcised penises are more sensitive, but some research questions this. But regardless of which way yields the most sensation, Zrenchik says the foreskin is packed with nerve endings and therefore can be considered an erogenous zone. He recommends licking it lightly with your tongue or rolling it down the shaft—but, of course, ask your partner first how they prefer their foreskin to be touched or not touched.
Scrotum and testicles
"The sack is composed of many nerves that are super-sensitive to the touch," says Graveris. "Always be gentle when playing with your balls or having your partner play with them. You can gently massage them while masturbating or have your partner do the honors during a hand job or a blowjob. Focus on the highly sensitive scrotal raphe or the seam that runs down your scrotum." For those who are intensely turned on by this erogenous zone, a ball stretcher might be a fun option to enhance pleasure.
Anus
The anus has a lot of nerve endings, which add to its popularity as an erogenous zone. Furthermore, it offers the chance to enjoy "a feeling of fullness and pleasurable stretching," says Zrenchik. For anal play, you want to focus on taking it slow and have lots of lube to hand. Start by gently pushing at your asshole with a thumb or finger and massaging around the opening. If that feels good, then you can work up to a finger, butt plug, or another anal toy.
"Keep in mind the anus can stretch a lot more than people realize," he adds. Whatever you insert into your butt should have a flared base, to prevent it from being sucked inside you!
Perineum
"The perineum, colloquially referred to as the taint or gooch, is the area between the anus and the scrotal sac. It contains fibromuscular tissue that is usually sensitive to touch, pressure, and vibrations," says Astroglide sexologist Jess O'Reilly, Ph.D. In order to stimulate the perineum, you can try gently pushing into it with a finger or two, or you can lube up your fingers and "glide" along it.
Prostate
The prostate gland is around the size of a walnut and is sometimes referred to as the "male G-spot," as it's found in the rectum of people assigned male at birth. The prostate is a particularly mind-blowing erogenous zone for many people with penises. Graveris recommends "inserting a well-lubed finger a few inches into the rectum and applying just enough pressure" in order to get the pleasurable sensations you're looking for. You can also start out by using a toy specifically designed for prostate massage if you're a little uncertain about where to begin or just want to take things to the next level. (Here's our full guide to stimulating the prostate, sometimes known as prostate milking.)