An erogenous zone (EZ) refers to an area of the human body that, when stimulated, can elicit sexual arousal and pleasure. These zones comprise about 24% of the human body (Nummenmaa et al., 2016). Many of these zones have no anatomical link to the genitals, and sometimes orgasm can even be achieved through stimulation of these extra-genital erogenous zones (Maister et al., 2020). Although generally the same for both men and women, EZs can vary from person to person in terms of sensitivity and preferred methods of stimulation.
Below are just a few of the EZs with some ideas for their stimulation during foreplay (Turnbull et al., 2014).
1. Genital Area (penis and scrotum): The most obvious EZ in men is the genital area, including the penis and scrotum. These areas are rich in nerve endings, making them highly sensitive to touch and stimulation.
- Stimulate the penis with gentle caresses, kisses, and varying pressure.
- Explore the scrotum with light touches and gentle massaging or squeezing.
2. Perineum: The perineum, located between the anus and the scrotum, is another EZ in men. Gentle stimulation of this area can enhance sexual pleasure and even lead to stronger orgasms.
- Apply gentle pressure and circular motions to the perineum during foreplay.
- Experiment with light tapping or gentle stroking motions.
3. Nipples: Contrary to popular belief, men also have sensitive nipples. Stimulating the nipples can elicit sexual arousal and contribute to heightened pleasure during intimacy.
- Use fingers or tongue to tease and stimulate the nipples with light touches or gentle sucking.
- Experiment with different levels of pressure and speed to find what feels best.
- You can also use special marital aids to stimulate the nipples while moving to other parts of the body.
4. Earlobes: The earlobes are often overlooked but can be highly sensitive to touch and kissing.
- Whisper softly or gently blow on the earlobes to stimulate nerve endings.
- Nibble or lightly kiss the earlobes for added sensation.
5. Prostate: This walnut-sided gland below the bladder and in from of the rectum produces elements of seminal fluid. When stimulated, it can lead to orgasm even without stimulation of the penis (Komisaruk & Whipple, 2011).
- The prostate can be stimulated through a specially designed marital aid.
- For the sake of hygiene, be sure that marital aids used for this purpose are not used for anything else.
1. Clitoris: The clitoris is arguably the most sensitive EZ in women, containing thousands of nerve endings. Direct stimulation of the clitoris is key to achieving sexual pleasure and orgasm for many women.
- Focus on the upper left quadrant of the clitoris with circular motions, gentle touches, or oral stimulation.
- Experiment with different speeds and pressures to find what brings the most pleasure.
2. G-Spot: The G-spot, located inside the vagina on the front wall, is another highly sensitive EZ in women. Stimulating this area can lead to intense sexual arousal and even squirting orgasms for some women.
- Use fingers or a curved marital aid to apply pressure to the G-spot inside the vagina.
- Experiment with various angles and motions to stimulate this sensitive area.
- During sex, it may be necessary to use an alternative position to achieve orgasm through G-spot stimulation.
3. Breasts and Nipples: The breasts and nipples are EZs that are very sensitive for many women, and their stimulation can lead to orgasm (Komisaruk & Whipple, 2011).
- Caress and massage the breasts with varying pressure and speed.
- Pay attention to the nipples, using gentle sucking, licking, or nibbling for added sensation.
- You can also use special marital aids to stimulate the nipples while moving to other parts of the body.
4. Inner Thighs: The inner thighs are often overlooked EZs in women, but when stimulated can feel very erotic.
- Explore the inner thighs with light kisses, caresses, or gentle nibbles.
- Gradually move closer to the genitals to build anticipation and arousal.
5. Neck: The back of the neck is also often overlooked but can be very useful for building intimacy, especially when done while looking into each other’s eyes or kissing (Panagiotopoulou et al., 2018).
- Try slowly rubbing the back of the neck and up into the hairline during foreplay.
- During sex in a man-on-top position, the man can support himself with one hand and hold the other under the wife’s neck.
Novelty is important. While trying to hit every erogenous zone like one is doing a pre-flight checklist is unnecessary, it can be mutually enjoyable for both spouses to spend some time on each zone occasionally. The time spent exploring these zones can also be a fun exercise in bedroom communication. Knowing your spouse’s body, their likes, and dislikes allows you to better prepare for physical intimacy that is consistently satisfying and fun.
- Maister, L., Fotopoulou, A., Turnbull, O., & Tsakiris, M. (2020). The erogenous mirror: Intersubjective and multisensory maps of sexual arousal in men and women. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 49(8), 2919–2933. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-020-01756-1
- Nummenmaa, L., Suvilehto, J. T., Glerean, E., Santtila, P., & Hietanen, J. K. (2016). Topography of human erogenous zones. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 45(5), 1207–1216. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-016-0745-z
- Panagiotopoulou, E., Filippetti, M. L., Gentsch, A., & Fotopoulou, A. (2018). Dissociable sources of erogeneity in social touch: Imagining and perceiving C-Tactile optimal touch in erogenous zones. PLoS ONE, 13(8), e0203039. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0203039
