It's a truth universally acknowledged that breasts are incredibly awesome. Whether they're big or small, perky or slightly saggy, or real or surgically enhanced, boobs are a lot of fun to look at—not to mention touch. So you probably want to know how to play with them in a way that's pleasurable for both you and your partner. Luckily, there's a very simple answer to this question: just ask your partner what they like! Lots of people really, really enjoy breast play. There's even some evidence to suggest that a few lucky folks can have an orgasm from nipple stimulation alone. The nipples have a ton of nerve endings, and studies have shown that the nerve endings in the nipples stimulate the same part of the brain as the clitoris does: the genital-cortex. The nipples, brain, and genitals actually end up "talking to each other" during nipple play, using the spinal cord as a messenger system.
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For many women, nipples are erogenous zones. A new study may explain why: The sensation from the nipples travels to the same part of the brain as sensations from the vagina, clitoris and cervix. The study, published online July 28 in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, is the first to map the female genitals onto the sensory portion of the brain.
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A lot of what we see in pop culture suggests that the only way women can orgasm is by stimulating the vaginal area. Nipples, when played with, can set off fireworks throughout your body. Enough stimulation, and you can even reach that big O. Keep reading to learn more about nipple play, how you can get started, and what you can do to really turn up the heat. Thank your nerves! Each nipple has hundreds of nerve endings, making them super sensitive to touch. And playing with your nipples can bring you a lot of pleasure. When your nipples are stimulated, they shoot off sparks in the genital sensory cortex.
Twenty-two primigravida women who planned to breastfeed began conditioning their nipples six weeks before their expected delivery date by nipple rolling twice a day for two minutes each time; providing gentle friction against the nipple with a terry cloth towel for 15 seconds once a day; and nipple airing for two hours a day, allowing outer clothing to rub against the nipple. Each woman served as her own control, conditioning one nipple but not the other. No nipple ointments or soap were used on either nipple during the course of the study. Each woman was given instructions on breastfeeding techniques to be used after delivery.