While certain bits of anatomy
(ahem, genitalia) are well-known as sites of sexual pleasure, getting turned on
doesn't have to be limited to below the belt. Other areas of the human body
have a high concentration of nerve endings, so they're particularly sensitive
to touch, pressure, or vibration. These so-called "erogenous
zones" can contribute to sexual arousal—think of them as the road map
to a happy ending.
The human body's erogenous
zones might seem like a topic worthy of a Cosmo article, but
this information matters for several reasons. Knowing these "hot
spots" is a plus for both your partner and yourself—who would say no to a
boost in sexual satisfaction? Identifying different erogenous zones also may
improve sexual health; some research suggests that stimulating different spots
may produce different reactions in the body. For example, touching the vagina
appears to set off the release of the feel-good hormone prolactin, while the cervix may be
involved in controlling muscle tension during sex. Understanding erogenous
zones is also important to make sure that people undergoing gender reassignment
surgery or breast augmentation don't lose significant sexual function.
1. Penis
While this one's pretty obvious, it's worth noting that both survey and lab-based scientific experiments demonstrate that penile stimulation significantly contributes to sexual satisfaction. And while this can be a sensitive subject, circumcision doesn't appear to decrease sensation or sexual satisfaction.
While this one's pretty obvious, it's worth noting that both survey and lab-based scientific experiments demonstrate that penile stimulation significantly contributes to sexual satisfaction. And while this can be a sensitive subject, circumcision doesn't appear to decrease sensation or sexual satisfaction.
2. Mouth and
Lips
Highly sensitive, male lips respond to light touch, temperature, or pressure. Kissing also triggers a release of hormones involved in intimacy—especially oxytocin, the so-called "love hormone." Pucker up!
Highly sensitive, male lips respond to light touch, temperature, or pressure. Kissing also triggers a release of hormones involved in intimacy—especially oxytocin, the so-called "love hormone." Pucker up!
3. Scrotum
Ranked No. 3 (behind penis and lips) in ability to produce sexual arousal, the scrotum is one of men's most notable erogenous zones. Lots of nerves mean that this area is super-sensitive to touch. However there's no research to back up what sort of touch works best, so you might have to resort to a slightly-less-than-scientific source instead!
Ranked No. 3 (behind penis and lips) in ability to produce sexual arousal, the scrotum is one of men's most notable erogenous zones. Lots of nerves mean that this area is super-sensitive to touch. However there's no research to back up what sort of touch works best, so you might have to resort to a slightly-less-than-scientific source instead!
4. Neck
While touching the neck doesn't appear to be quite as much of a turn-on for men as for women, it's still ranked pretty highly on the erogenous zones list. The neck has great sensitivity to low-frequency vibration, making it a prime spot for light erotic touch.
While touching the neck doesn't appear to be quite as much of a turn-on for men as for women, it's still ranked pretty highly on the erogenous zones list. The neck has great sensitivity to low-frequency vibration, making it a prime spot for light erotic touch.
5. Nipples
As with women, men rank nipples as a definite hot spot. While male nipples don't appear to serve any real purpose (they're basically by-products of evolution), that doesn't mean they're totally useless—they still have plenty of nerve endings!
As with women, men rank nipples as a definite hot spot. While male nipples don't appear to serve any real purpose (they're basically by-products of evolution), that doesn't mean they're totally useless—they still have plenty of nerve endings!
6. Perineum
The perineum (the area between the anus and scrotum) is hooked up to perineal nerves, which help convey sensations of sexual pleasure from the genitals to the brain. In other words, if you're not familiar with this area, it might be worth your time to get acquainted.
The perineum (the area between the anus and scrotum) is hooked up to perineal nerves, which help convey sensations of sexual pleasure from the genitals to the brain. In other words, if you're not familiar with this area, it might be worth your time to get acquainted.
7. Ears
Highly sensitive to touch because of a high number of sensory receptors on the skin, the ears are ranked just behind the scrotum for body parts that help men orgasm when touched or otherwise stimulated.
Highly sensitive to touch because of a high number of sensory receptors on the skin, the ears are ranked just behind the scrotum for body parts that help men orgasm when touched or otherwise stimulated.
The Takeaway
While sexual
arousal seems like a highly individual sort of thing, people generally tend to
agree on which spots get their motors running. These so-called "erogenous
zones" are linked to feelings of sexual arousal—stimulating these spots
can ramp up feelings of sexual pleasure and make sex more satisfying. The list
above describes some of the most common zones, but it is by no means exhaustive.
The best way to find out what you and your partner like? Communicate,
experiment, communicate some more, and repeat.
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