You know that feeling when someone strokes your forearm or kisses your neck and you involuntarily shudder or get those tingly full-body chills? That tell-tale skingasm feeling is likely thanks to the fact that one of your erogenous zones was just ~engaged~. Relationship therapist and host of Famously Single, Darcy Sterling, PhD, explains that erogenous zones are basically your body’s go-to arousal buttons. “They’re the parts of your body that are hypersensitive to touch and make you feel turned on when they’re stimulated.”
While sure, your mind might immediately jump to the genitals, it turns out there are many more erogenous zones besides just the ones between your legs. In fact, any part of the body can be an erogenous zone. But what feels good now (or made you feel good in high school) might not be your forever favorite spot. "As your body changes and you have different experiences, you may discover new erogenous zones," explains ob-gyn Constants Adams, MD. This is because the brain maps out your erogenous zones and organizes them as areas associated with pleasure, which means as you change, so does your brain's pleasure map.
This is why Dr. Adams suggests continued exploration—even after you've found some feel-good areas—since you might uncover new pleasure spots you never knew existed. And considering how amazing these places feel when stimulated, searching for them is half the fun. Not only that, but learning about the most popular erogenous zones is like an arousal secret weapon. The more places that provide pleasure = the more pleasure you can receive = the more overall happiness you will have. It’s that simple, friends!
What are the most common erogenous zones?
Contrary to what Monica Geller said, there aren't just seven erogenous zones. In fact, according to Michelle Murray, a professional counselor with Calmerry, there are 31 basic identifiable erogenous zones for people with vulvas (25 for people with penises).
That said, given that not all bodies are the same, there is no one set erogenous zone map for everyone, explains Dr. Adams. Sorry, but this isn't a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. What works for person A might not work for person B, which is why communication is vital. Sex therapist and founder of Modern Intimacy, Kate Balestrieri, PhD, says you shouldn’t shame yourself or someone else if you're not into something or no longer enjoy what you liked yesterday—that's what makes erogenous zones so exciting!
Beyond that, learning your own hot spots is pretty awesome. “Knowing your erogenous zones and what turns you on is like having a superpower in the bedroom because you can guide your partner, setting them up to feel like a superhero,” explains Sterling.
Below, we outline 32 of the most common erogenous zones for people with vaginas and penises. As you read, keep in mind that some of these might not apply to you, some of them might not do anything for you, and some of them might make you purr like a kitten as soon as they’re stroked. Me-ow.
1. The inner thighs
It’s like the highway to your genitals, and for most people, the inner legs juuuust below the thigh crease are ultra-sensitive to touch. Try stroking, kissing, or biting the fleshy area as a part of foreplay to make your partner moan.
2. The thigh crease
Speaking of the thigh crease, this is another spot full of feel-good nerve endings. The little area where the legs meet the torso/pubic area isn’t often paid attention to, so when you put the focus on it with your fingers, lips, or even a sensation toy like a flogger or feather, it’ll likely make sparks fly. Try to incorporate this in your next oral sesh to really see your S.O. squirm.😈
3. The wrist
Remember how your skin lowkey felt like it was on fire in middle school the first time someone stroked your wrist with their thumb during a movie? The seemingly innocent wrist is home to delicate, sensitive skin that can still give you those feel-good tingles even after you’ve moved beyond the hand-holding stage. Try soft strokes or incorporate some textured bondage toys (with consent, ofc!) to show those wrists a lil love.
4. The ears
Filled with sensory receptors, the ears are like Erogenous Zones 101. Try tracing the perimeter of your partner’s ear canal lightly with your finger, planting a kiss directly behind, or breathing soft moans right where they can hear it as they pleasure you down below.
5. The earlobes
If you’re looking for a place to nibble and suck on the sensation-filled ears, the lobes are what you're after. This area has thinner skin, meaning you’ll want to start off super gentle to see how much sensation your S.O. likes. But if you get the go-ahead, some people love a true biting feeling, so use lots of communication here to find what feels best.
6. The lower stomach
The patch of skin below your belly button but above your pubic area should probably be renamed the Foreplay Zone because it feels so damn tantalizing to the touch. Give this area plenty of attention by kissing, licking, stroking, or scratching (if your partner is into it) as you build the tension in your play. This is also the perfect spot to experiment with temperature, so try dragging an ice cube along the area, then blowing some hot air over the wet trail.
7. The back
There’s a reason back massages are so popular. Rubbing, touching, kneading, and stroking along this whole area is typically a favorite for, well, pretty much everyone. That said, some people prefer the attention more toward their shoulders while others like it on the sensitive lower back, right above the butt crease (where some people have those cute lil dimples). Scratches and sensation play (like with feathers or jade rollers) are also *chef’s kiss* on the back, so experiment away!
8. The breasts
We don’t need to tell you that a lotta folks love boobs. They love looking at ‘em, holding ‘em, squeezing ‘em, kissing ‘em…you get it. But plenty of people like to be on the receiving end, meaning having their boobs touched and played with feels really freaking good. Not only are there a lot of nerve endings weaved in the fatty tissue, but the taboo factor makes getting (consensually) fondled feel extra erotic for some people.
9. The nipples
While the breasts in general are erogenous zones, it’s the nipples that tend to get the most attention. This is because almost everyone experiences some degree of nipple sensitivity from very slight to extreme (which can be heightened even more during parts of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy). Having lots of communication is key here since some people enjoy intense stimulation like biting or using nipple clamps while others just prefer soft touches or kisses.
10. The hands
If you’re a fan of hand-holding, you likely already know how delightful little strokes on the palm feel. You can simply squeeze, caress, or trace designs on your partner’s hand, or give them a massage in the fleshy area at the base of the thumb to release those feel-good endorphins (and help with any typing-induced tightness).
11. The fingers
Don’t think we forgot about the fingers when talking about hands! Not only are fingers ah-mazing tools to trace all over your or your partner’s body, but when stimulated, fingers can actually get you close to climax. Try having your partner slowly suck on your finger when things get hot and heavy—they can even bite down gently on the tip. Don’t feel surprised if it seems like your genitals are tingling as this happens. This act sends similar sex signals to the brain, so it likely kinda feels like you’re getting oral sex, even if there’s no below-the-belt stimulation…yet.
12. The lips
Packed with close-to-the-surface nerve-endings, the lips are one of the most classic erogenous zones, and for good reason. Simple kisses can flood your body with endorphins, so there’s no reason not to give the smoocher extra attention. Try tracing your tongue or finger along the edge of your S.O.'s lips, gently biting, and even sucking to stir up all kinds of sexual feelings.
13. The scalp
If you’ve ever enjoyed having your hair pulled during sex, or you simply always love when someone plays with your locks, you likely know just how sensual scalp attention feels. This is because the area has thousands of nerve endings that can ignite with the lightest touch. Try some light tugging, scratching, massaging, or rubbing along your partner’s scalp, and watch as they turn to putty in your hand.
14. The jawline
In between the feel-good ears and the erotic lips is an erogenous zone that’s easy to overlook: the jaw. This area is one of the more sensitive spots on the face, and it’s the perfect little line to trail kisses down as you make your move to Makeout Station. You can also try veering off the path slightly—stopping to lay a few love bites on the neck—as you give the jawline some much-deserved action.
15. The sides of your torso
Similar to the lower stomach, the sides of the torso—from under the arm to the hip—are one of the fleshy areas that can make some people (hi, me) basically shudder out of their skin (in like, a hot way). All it takes is some gentle stroking with your fingertips—the lighter the better—to fire up those receptors.
16. The Achilles tendon
The feet are one of the most popular fetishes and go-to erogenous zones thanks to how great those little piggies feel when they’re pampered. While you might not have thought that the tendon that runs along the back of the ankle—and the surrounding area—could be erotic, light touches can give a similar sensation as the inner wrist does. If you’re already in the foot area, give this spot a stroke.
17. The bottoms of your feet
Cue the body shivers! The bottoms of the feet contain pressure points that can increase your mood, relax your body, and get your arousal going. The catch, of course, is that the arches are also one of the most ticklish spots, so in order to engage this erogenous zone without causing your partner to giggle, squirm, and kick, you need to concentrate on firm, massage-like strokes.
18. Between the toes
While you’re down there working your feet magic, don’t forget to pay some attention to the toesies. Specifically, the delicate skin between the toes. This is one of the least touched areas on the body and can be extremely sensual when stimulated. Some people might like soft strokes while others prefer something more biting, like the snap of a rubber band, so work with your partner to find what feels best.
19. The inner knees
Granted, the spot behind your knee might not really be an area that screams “sexy,” but it’s actually a pretty sensitive spot that’s easy to stimulate. What’s great about the inner knees is that you can casually touch, stroke, and caress them on your partner in public without raising eyebrows. Better yet, when you’re alone, there are a lot of different things you can try with the broad space from pinching to licking to biting.
20. The pubic mound
The fleshy, furry layer of fat that covers the pubic bone might not get attention as part of your usual sexual repertoire, but with lots of nerve endings, pheromone-emitting glands, and close proximity to your genitals, it’s a hot spot for a reason. Try lightly massaging the area with your fingers or a vibrating toy, or have a partner lick and blow to activate your senses. Sterling suggests experimenting with increased pressure as well as objects like feathers, ice cubes, and heat to awaken the entire erogenous zone.
21. The A-spot
Even though we’ve officially debunked the G-spot, the A-spot (aka the anterior fornix erogenous zone) is a pleasure pocket located just above the bladder and below the cervix. Only people with vaginas have this area, and stimulating it can be tricky, but the result is definitely worth the experimentation. To engage it, fingers or penetrative toys are your best bet. Try laying back and lifting one leg up to get as deep as possible. You’ll want to use slow, pulsing motions along the front wall of the vagina to feel all the A-spot has to offer…just don’t be discouraged if it takes a little practice to really get the hang of it.
22. The inner arm
Few things are more tingle-inducing than when someone strokes your inner arm, and that’s because the skin there is much thinner and more delicate than on the top side where hair and sun exposure thickens things up. Gently run your fingers from the inner elbow to the inner wrist, using your fingertips or even the tips of your nails. Massaging also feels good here since these muscles are easily strained from using computers and texting.
23. The armpits
You likely know the armpits are supes sensitive, but similar to the arches of the feet, these tickly areas oftentimes double as erogenous zones. To test it out, have your partner gently brush your underarms with their fingertips, nails, or a sensation toy like a feather. They can even trail down the inner arm slightly and over to the top of the breast to hit multiple e-zones at once. The key here, though, is soft, slow motions. Fast and it could result in a tickle fight.
24. The booty
Or more specifically, the anus. That little puckered hole is full of sensitive nerve endings, hence why plenty of people love (and even prefer!) anal sex. And FWIW, anal play/arousal can feel fantastic on all bodies—this isn’t reserved for penis-havers. To activate your erogenous anus, try first just stroking the rim with a lubed-up finger. If that feels pleasurable, you can insert it slowly, massaging the opening however feels best. It’s important to note that whether you prefer deep, shallow, or no penetration, lube is a must since the anus doesn’t self-lubricate.
25. The butt cheeks
Right this way, impact play fans! The butt cheeks are forever one of the most popular erogenous zones, perfect for squeezing, biting, caressing, and spanking. Since there’s a collection of fat and muscle here, most people can take a little more intensity, which is why it’s a popular area for slaps during sex. After getting consent from your S.O., try stimulating different areas of the cheeks from the fleshy middle to the space where the butt meets the thigh.
26. The perineum
The strip of skin between the anus and the genitals—found on all bodies—is called the perineum. This is where the ultra-sensitive pudendal nerve is, and it’s def a spot you’ll want to try stimulating. It’s pretty easy to use a finger to stroke or massage the area, or if you’re giving oral sex, try incorporating a few licks (or even nibbles, if your partner is down) to see if it’s your luvah’s new favorite e-zone.
27. The clitoris
Say hello to the primary source of orgasms and sexual pleasure for people with vaginas! The clitoris, which actually extends from the little external nub we all know to farrrr back in the vagina, has thousands upon thousands of nerve-endings and is, understandably, one of the most popular feel-good spots on the body. Sterling says when interacting with the clit, you want to ease into stimulation since it’s extremely sensitive. Playing with some of the other e-zones before starting with some light stroking is a great way to get the clitoris ready for action.
28. The labia minora
Since you don’t want to just dive head-first into the clit, another fab way to get the blood pumping in preparation for sexy times is to give the labia minora—aka the inner vagina lips—some love. When aroused, these folds engorge with blood and can get v sensitive. Try tracing a lubed-up finger along the inner lips, preferably while you stimulate a different e-zone, like the lips (the face kind) or neck, for a sensory overload in the best way.
29. The front vaginal wall
If/when you’re ready for some penetration, paying attention to the front wall of the vagina (toward your belly, not your back) can have pretty orgasmic results. This is thanks to the clitoris, which can be found all along that wall. Now, some people don’t really feel much when this area is paid attention to, while others feel everything. Just like with other erogenous zones, neither is right or universal, it just takes some experimenting to see if it’s for you. Use a finger, toy, or penis to slowly stroke and rub along the wall to see if you’ve got a special sweet spot. Don’t forget the lube!
30. The frenulum
Right this way, penis-havers. While the whole peen is a place for pleasure, there’s a special little spot everyone should know about. The frenulum is located on the underside where the head meets that shaft, and it’s sort of like the ultimate feel-good button. While it’s even more sensitive on people who aren’t circumcised, stimulating this spot feels great even for those who have had their foreskin removed (and you can actually see it on people who are circumcised). Keep touch super light, and vary between fingertip strokes and licks to really ~blow~ your partner’s mind.
31. The prostate
It’s one of the reasons butt stuff is such A Thing. The walnut-sized prostate gland—which can be found by inserting a finger about two inches in the anus and feeling toward the belly button—is one of the most arousing erogenous zones for people with penises. Stroking, tapping, rubbing, and milking (yes, milking) this area can be extremely pleasurable, so everyone should explore (if they’re comfy!), no matter their orientation.
32. The brain
The last e-zone on the list—the noggin—is a big one, literally and figuratively. First, because the brain is crucial to making all the other erogenous zones a thing in the first place. "Your brain and skin are partners who work together to provide the most important part of erogenous zones: sensation," explains Dr. Adams. But beyond the literal, for many people, being in the right headspace is the most important part of pleasure. When the brain tells your body to relax and release feel-good hormones, that’s when you truly get to experience all that erogenous zones have to offer.
Rachel Varina is a full-time freelance writer covering everything from the best vibrators (the Lelo Sona) to the best TV shows (The Vampire Diaries). She has over 10 years of editorial experience with bylines at Women's Health, Elite Daily, Betches, and more. She lives in Tampa, Florida, but did not feed her husband to tigers. When she's not testing out new sex toys (100+ and counting so far!), she's likely chilling with her dogs or eating buffalo chicken dip. Ideally at the same time. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
