Erogenous zones are sensitive areas that can provide pleasure and sexual arousal when they receive stimulation, and the nipples are a common erogenous zone for many people.
A 2019 study found that stimulating the nipples can activate the same part of the brain that genital stimulation activates, the genital sensory cortex.
Whether a person can reach orgasm through nipple stimulation alone may depend on their unique body and a range of specific factors.
Orgasms involve multiple factors, such as:
- nerve stimulation
- rhythmic sexual acts
- emotional connectedness
Nipples contain hundreds of nerves, making them sensitive. Evidence confirms that these nerves play a role in arousal and orgasm for both males and females.
What do nipple orgasms feel like?
Each person has a different experience of orgasms. A nipple orgasm may feel similar to a genital orgasm, or it may be different.
Anecdotally, some people say that a nipple orgasm builds more slowly, then creates a sudden wave of sensation throughout the body.
Who can have a nipple orgasm?
Hypothetically, anyone could have a nipple orgasm. Some people may have nipples that are more sensitive, and it may be easier for them to reach orgasm through nipple stimulation alone.
For others, it may take some trial and error to find an effective technique.
Most research on the role of the nipple in sexual function and arousal focuses on female anatomy, but the nipples can also be an erogenous zone for males.
Experimenting alone, with a partner, and with toys might help a person find an approach that works.
How to try for a nipple orgasm
Each body has a unique makeup, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to nipple orgasms. The following strategies might help a person get started.
Do not rush
A nipple orgasm can take a long time, especially at first. Set aside a good amount of time to explore the sensation and identify what feels pleasurable.
Get in the mood
It is important to be in a state of arousal. With or without a partner, consider foreplay, lighting, music, and other things that can help set the mood.
Scientific evidence highlights the role of imagining sexual stimulationTrusted Source and how this can increase the likelihood of reaching an orgasm.
Communicate
As with any other sexual act, communication is key. Let a partner know about preferences for sensations that are softer or more intense, such as from pinching, biting, or the use of toys.
Maintaining communication throughout can help ensure that everyone is enjoying the experience.
Stimulate multiple body parts
While stimulating the nipples, try touching other erogenous zones, including the genitals. Focusing on multiple areas may help a person reach orgasm or make the experience even more powerful.
Learn about ways to boost libido.
How to use toys, and other tips
Toys and other aids and accessories may help add dimension to a sexual experience.
For example, some massage and body oils can enhance sensitivity or provide other sensations, such as a warming effect. Rubbing these oils across the nipples may create a feeling of arousal. Others may prefer to have a partner lick off flavored gel, lubricant, or body paint.
A person can also stimulate the nipples manually, by massaging the chest, then rolling the nipples between the thumb and forefinger. Some people may find a vibrator to be a pleasant addition or alternative.
Others may enjoy rubbing ice cubes across the nipples or applying clamps to provide different levels of pressure.
Summary
Many people find the nipples and chest to be an erogenous zone that plays a role in sexual arousal. For some, stimulating this area results in an orgasm.
Anyone interested in having a nipple orgasm should consider setting aside time to experiment, setting the mood, and considering toys and accessories, with or without a partner. As with any sexual act, communication is important and can be helpful in trying to achieve a nipple orgasm.
Can everyone have one?
In theory, yes! But it may take some trial and error until you discover what works for you — or that nipple play may not be for you at all. The only way to know is to give it a try! And who knows? You may have a lot of fun.
Wait — men can have nipple orgasms, too?
Yep! Men can absolutely have nipple orgasms, so you can try out nipple play with interested male partners, too.
Talk with your male partner about what techniques they’d like to try, what makes them feel good, and what you need to avoid. The method is the same, and communication — plus a sense of adventure — is key.
How to get started
Nipple play doesn’t have to lead to orgasm. But if you’re in the mood and want that endorphin rush, there are a few things you can do to help your body achieve the big O:
- Set the mood. Try turning down the lights, lighting some candles, and listening to some sensual tunes. A sexy and relaxing setting can really get the mood going.
- Get into a comfy position. This helps you focus on feeling pleasure without feeling uncomfortable.
- Let your mind wander. Think about what turns you on. Fantasizing can help you become even more aroused as you play around.
- Take your time. Enjoy all of the different sensations you feel from playing with your nipples and breasts. Experiment with techniques to find what makes you feel good.
- Start with your fingers. You can also add other sensations. Oils, lotions, clamps, and nipple vibrators can really ramp up the pleasure.
- Let one hand wander. You can explore your other erogenous zones or your clitoris. Even though you can achieve an orgasm from nipple play alone, why not make the experience explosive by exploring other parts of your body?
- How to pinch, stroke, twist, and more
- You can try nipple play on your own or have your partner give it a go. Don’t forget: You can do more than just play with your nipples! Exploring the rest of your breasts may help with arousal.
If you aren’t sure where to start, you may find it helpful to:
- Start slowly by first focusing on your breath. Take long, deep breaths to help you relax and get out of your head and into your body.
- Tease yourself by playing with other erogenous zones. Use your fingers and hands to stroke your belly. Then move on to your rib cage, and then around and in between your breasts. But don’t touch your breasts or nipples just yet — let the sensations build up first.
- Use a light touch to circle your breasts and areola with large strokes. Then ease into a gentle breast massage. When you’re ready, give your breasts a little squeeze.
- In between massaging and squeezing, trace your areola without touching your nipples. This will help build up anticipation.
- Now that you’re hot and excited, move your fingers over to your nipples. They should be erect. Start rubbing your nipples slowly, increasing speed and pressure as you become aroused.
- Ramp up the pleasure by pinching your nipples. A pinch will send a rush of sensation throughout your body. The harder the pinch, the better — but play around with pressure to find out what feels best to you.
- Don’t limit yourself to pinching. Try giving your nipples a slight twist or pull to see what gives you the most pleasure.
- Bring yourself to the edge of orgasm, pull back, then repeat. Play with your nipples and rub your body to create waves of orgasmic pleasure that ripple through your body. Arch your back and rock back and forth as you let your hands wander.
- When you’re ready, push yourself to your limit and let go. Enjoy the rush as you experience that big O.
- If you want to try with a partner
- All the techniques you’d use in a solo session can be followed when playing with a partner. But there are other things your partner can do to add to the experience, whether it’s during foreplay or right before you orgasm during intercourse.
If any of these techniques pique your interest, talk with your partner:
- Hot breath. Your partner starts by slowly breathing warm air around and onto your nipple to stimulate the nerves.
- Licking. There are so many ways your partner can lick your nipples. They can trace little circles around your areola, flick your nipple with the tip of their tongue, or use the flat of the tongue to cover more surface.
- Sucking. You don’t have to limit it to just licking. Your partner can suck on your nipples, too. Having them draw your nipples into their mouth will stimulate extra blood flow and increase sensitivity.
- Nibbling. If you’re into it, have your partner nibble a little bit on your nipples for added sensation.
- If you want a different sensation entirely
Now that you know the basics, it’s time to ramp things up. Add in some fun extras to really get things hot, whether you’re solo or with a partner:
- Oils and lotions. Applying warming oils and lotions all over your breasts may enhance arousal during nipple play.
- Ice. Adding ice to nipple play can send chills throughout your body and cause an instant nipple erection.
- Vibes. Nipple vibrators are a great hands-free way to massage and stimulate your nipples as well as feel sensations throughout your whole breast.
- Clamps. Clamps, whether vibrating or not, can tease and titillate your nipples by giving you versatility. You can wear the clamps loosely for a little bit of fun or tighten them to apply pressure and intensify arousal.
Despite popular belief, stimulating your clitoris, vagina, or penis is not the only way to have an orgasm. Nipple play can also bring you to that big O. And there are so many ways you can stimulate your nipples to make that orgasm explosive.
Experiment with techniques, find out what makes you feel good, and just have fun!