Want to know about pleasuring a partner by stimulating their erogenous zones? You've come to the right place. For starters, here's a user-friendly definition: erogenous zones are areas all over our bodies (like our ears or stomach) which might seem innocuous but which can totally turn us on, giving us tingly stimulation and goosebumps at the slightest touch. That's because they're sensitive and nerve-laden, which means the might cause arousal. So, basically, your erogenous zones are hot af... Erogenous zones are also something of a mystery: everyone's erogenous zones are unique, and part of discovering your sexuality is working out what little nooks and crannies of your body drive you wild when they're caressed. Equally, if you want to be a good lover to someone, it seriously pays to work out what their erogenous zones are and give all of those sweet spots some much-needed TLC whenever you're in the bedroom together. Sex and relationship expert Annabelle Knight says everyone has more than 20 erogenous zones - some common, others less known. But ultimately, there are plenty of ways to arouse each one. Here's how... Erogenous zones Erogenous zones for women and people with vulvas 1. Erogenous zones: Clitoris Let’s discuss. The clitoris is often the most under-appreciated erogenous zone, yet it is arguably the most important. Its sole function is erotic pleasure, with the tip alone containing 8,000 nerve endings. So, it comes as no surprise that it is incredibly sensitive to touch. Due to this high level of sensitivity, gentle stimulation, either with a tongue, lubricated finger or sex toy is often a good starting point. Annabelle states that three-quarters of women and people with vulvas cannot orgasm through penetrative sex without clitoral stimulation. So don't ignore it and don't forget the lube! 2. Erogenous zones: Vagina Often used to refer to what is actually the vulva (the external sex organs), the vagina is actually an internal genital zone that often self-lubricates and contains a number of nerve endings, which can be stimulated during penetration. 3. Erogenous zones: G-spot This so-called erogenous zone is said to be found inside the vagina, against the front wall and can feel pleasurable during penetration. Annabelle says, “When stimulated, [the G-spot] may lead to strong sexual arousal, powerful orgasms and potential female ejaculation.” Erogenous zones for males and people with penises 4. Erogenous zones: Penis The most sensitive part of the penis is the head, which has 4,000 nerve endings. Stimulation is often more intense when lubrication is involved - or a masturbatory sex toy like the Tenga Egg. 5. Erogenous zones: Frenulum Found between the shaft of the penis and the head, the frenulum is an elastic piece of skin that is the main trigger of orgasms. 6. Erogenous zones: Foreskin For those with uncircumcised penises, the foreskin covers the end of the penis and increases pleasure when stimulated. 7. Erogenous zones: Scrotum and testicles Knight states that this erogenous zone has a similar number of nerve endings as the vagina and responds well to cupping, sucking and licking. 8. Erogenous zones: Prostate This part of the male body and for those who have penises can be found at the root of the penis, and can be stimulated through the anus with anal fingering or an anal sex toy. Annabelle says it is usually described as the male G-spot and can cause “powerful orgasms”. Although tricky to locate at times, she suggests stimulating this erogenous zone with a finger. Erogenous zones for males, women, and people of all sexes and genders 9. Erogenous zones: Anus Where anal play takes place, this nerve-ending-rich spot does not self-lubricate, therefore lubricant is highly suggested when stimulating this area with a finger, penis or toy. 10. Erogenous zones: Perineum This spot can be found between the anus and vagina or the anus and scrotum. It’s an extremely pleasurable spot and can be stimulated through gentle rubbing or pressure. 11. Erogenous zones: Nipples Stimulating your partner’s nipples may seem pretty obvious, but what might not be so obvious is why it works or how to do it properly. According to Annabelle, as many as 29% of people who identify as women can orgasm solely by nipple play. It’s also a sensitive spot for people who identify as men and other genders too. She suggests taking a gentle approach with this particular body part, with light sucking, blowing, nibbling and/or flicking to ignite pleasure. 12. Erogenous zones: Belly button This body part is particularly exciting as it’s close to the genital area, making it perfect for foreplay when you want to tease your partner and keep them waiting if you decide to move lower down. Knight says, “Use your tongue, fingertips or even a feather to trace circles around the navel. This is a great spot for some temperature play, so delicately drop an ice cube into the navel if the idea excites your partner.” 13. Erogenous zones: Neck Neck kisses, licking, sucking, light touching, choking – this area is a popular one. Both the front and nape of the neck work well for stimulation, particularly as the back of the neck has a high number of nerve endings. The neck is also an easy first choice if you want to stimulate two places at once. 14. Erogenous zones: Ears Hundreds of sensory receptors can be found inside the ears, which explains why the caress of a gentle tongue can feel satisfying. 15. Erogenous zones: Lips The lips contain sensitive nerve endings, which is why kissing can really stir arousal. Annabelle states that the slightest brush on the lips sends lots of information to the brain. Whether it’s slow, passionate kissing or hungry and intense, this body part is essential. 16. Erogenous zones: Lower back The lower back is connected to the pelvis, which makes this area particularly delicate to touch. She advises partners “tickle the area with a feather or your lips and tongue.” 17. Erogenous zones: Hands and fingertips The fingertips and palms are some of the most sensitive parts of the body. For stimulation, Annabelle says, “Place your hand under their hand with your palm facing up and tickle their palm with your index finger.” 18. Erogenous zones: Inner thigh As this area is so close to the genitals, it’s pretty clear why it’s a highly sensual contender. Gently blow, lick or run your fingers on this area for stimulation. 19. Erogenous zones: Feet We have all heard about the term foot fetish, but this erogenous zone is for everyone. Annabelle says that the pressure points of the bottom of the feet can increase blood flow and feelings of arousal when touched. Lesser known erogenous zones 20. Erogenous zones: Scalp Running your hands through another person’s hair can be highly intimate and this is because the scalp contains numerous nerve endings. For an increase of pleasure, run your fingernails across your partner’s scalp and for an added bonus, gently brush across their ears and above their neck too. 21. Erogenous zones: Brain The brain is responsible for controlling how the body reacts to stimulating erogenous zones, so while you might not consider it much when engaging in sexual activity, it is the most important part of the body. 22. Erogenous zones: Spine Described by Annabelle as “one of the most underrated and ignored erogenous zones”, stimulating the spine can happen in a number of positions. She suggests applying pressure by trailing a finger down the length of the spine. 23. Erogenous zones: Eyes Perhaps not entirely lesser known, but definitely not as obvious an erogenous zone for many people. This is where touching yourself while your partner watches or even unwavering eye contact can really create sexual pleasure and intensify the experience. 24. Erogenous zones: Behind the knee Including this body part in foreplay or general stimulation might seem odd but it is a highly sensitive area and ticklish for some people. When initiating a full body massage, pay some extra special attention to the back of your partner’s knees. 25. Erogenous zones: Ankles When involving feet in the bedroom, the first thought might be to suck your partner’s toes but the inside and outside of the ankle are sensitive areas that shouldn’t be neglected. Ankles contain nerve endings that are connected to the genitals and respond well to light touching. 26. Erogenous zones: Collarbone Definitely an underrated part of the body, the skin covering the collarbone is very thin and sensitive. Gentle kisses or even tracing this area with a finger can be sensual for a partner. 27. Erogenous zones: Inner wrist The inner wrist is the home of the pulse point and Annabelle says this area responds well to gentle caresses from the fingertips. 28. Erogenous zones: Inner arms and armpits Armpits aren’t often considered sexy but give them a chance. As most of us are responsive to tickling, and this area is sensitive, it can serve as an erotic experience with the right amount of pressure. Start by running your fingers along your partner’s arm, from wrist to the armpit.
