What Are Erogenous Zones? And How to Stimulate Them
Sex isn’t a race – believe it or not, there's no gold medal for coming in five seconds flat! And when you slow things down to explore all your pleasure points, it can take sex (or masturbation) from mechanical to sensational.
Even if you’re playing solo, it's worth knowing what erogenous zones are and how to stimulate them. You might unlock more satisfying orgasms... and know what to ask for next time you’ve got company!
What are erogenous zones?
Erogenous zones are areas of your body that can produce a sexual response when touched the right way. When your erogenous zones get teased, you might feel anything from a tingle of anticipation to a full-blown orgasm.
Any area of the body can be an erogenous zone – not just your genitals. Typically, they’re found in sensitive areas where we have lots of nerve-endings, such as the scalp, back of the neck, or feet. But every body is different; you might love having your nipples sucked, while your partner prefers ear lobe kisses.
Did you know? “Erogenous” comes from the Greek words “eros” (love) and “genous” (producing) – makes sense when you think how giddy you can get just by being touched in the right spot!
Where are your erogenous zones?
There’s only one way to know where your erogenous zones are; and that’s to explore! Sometimes we just get right into penetration, forgetting how much sensual touch and foreplay enhances our pleasure.
Brain
Context matters when it comes to pleasure. You might not find certain touch sexy until you’re in the right context – aka the mood – for sex. So, consider checking in with your brain before you ravish those erogenous zones. Your brain controls all your sexual responses and is key to getting turned on. Turning down the lights, listening to an erotic audio story, watching porn, or simply cuddling with your partner and sharing what you love about each other.
Ears
First, your ears are close to those sensitive nerves in the scalp and neck, so you can enjoy those lovely shivery chills when they’re touched. Secondly, sounds like moans or sexy music can play a big role in boosting arousal. Putting your lips close to your partner’s ear and whispering what you’re going to do to them .
Lips
There are heaps of reasons to love kissing. Your lips are packed with blood vessels and nerve endings that can turn you on when stimulated in the right way. Kissing your partner firmly and passionately, gently nibbling their lower lip to encourage blood flow and heighten sensitivity. Or tracing a feather tickler over your cheeks and lips.
Neck
The nape of the neck, throat, and collarbone can feel highly sensual when touched – or highly ticklish for some! But when your body is relaxed, it’s easy to experience sensations like tickling as pleasurable rather than uncomfortable. Tracing your tongue behind your partner’s ears, across their throat or along their collarbone. If you’re solo, lightly trace your fingertips over your skin instead.
Nipples
Breasts are pretty magical, so it’s not uncommon for women to have theirs kissed and caressed during sex. But whatever your gender, it can feel amazing to have your chest and nipples stimulated. Wearing nipple suckers to create a soft sucking sensation around the areola that increases sensitivity to every touch (and even breath!).
Belly button
So close to the genitals, the belly button and lower abdomen is a great place to tease yourself or your partner before you start moving downwards…Drizzling a little honey or flavoured lube from your lover’s belly button to just above their underwear line – then licking it all off slowly. Playing solo? Run your fingertips over your stomach, teasing your lower abdomen and inner thighs before you start to masturbate.
Perineum
Also known as the taint or gooch, the perineum is the part of your body between your vagina and anus, or testicles and anus. It’s so close to your genitals, as well as the highly sensitive pudendal nerves, so it's in prime position to offer some deep-seated pleasure. Pressing or rocking your palm against the perineum while using your other hand to stimulate the penis or clitoris.
Anus
Everyone's got one, and they're all packed with the potential for some serious pleasure. There are tons of nerve endings around the butt which can enhance all kinds of play, from masturbation to penetrative sex. Applying anal lubricant to your finger and gently massaging the rim of the anus. Try sliding the finger slowly inside but only go as deep as feels comfortable. Prefer to use your tongue?
Trace the paths that stir your senses, and surrender to a slow exploration between the sheets.
