There are several areas of the human body known as erogenous zones. Some of them, like the clitoris or the head of the penis, are pretty straightforward, while others aren’t ‌as obvious. Learning more about erogenous zones can lead to better, more satisfying sex for both men and women.

What are erogenous zones?

The word, “erogenous” comes from the Greek “eros”, which means “sexual love”, and “-genous”, which means “producing”. They are areas of your body that turn you on, make you feel sexy, and may help bring you to orgasm. The reason behind this comes down to sensory detection thresholds. Some of these areas are more sensitive to light touching and tickling, whole others are more sensitive to pressure and vibration.

Types of Erogenous Zones

Erogenous zones are divided into genital and extragenital zones. Genital erogenous zones are located anywhere on male or female genitals, while extragenital erogenous zones are located anywhere else on the body. Even though extragenital erogenous zones have no anatomical connection with the genitals, they still play an important role in arousal, and can even stimulate an orgasm in some people. Males and females have different bodies, but often have similar erogenous zones.

Erogenous Zones for Females

A study entitled Female Hot Spots reports that 95.3% of the women who took part in the study have extragenital erogenous zones, and an overall 12% can achieve orgasm from extragenital stimulation.

Female erogenous zones:

• Clitoris
• Vaginal opening
• Inner and outer labia
• Breasts and nipples
• Lips
• Neck
• Ears
• Buttocks
• Inner thighs
• Inner wrists
• Scalp
• Abdomen 
• Back of the knees
• Anus
• Perineum
• Upper and lower back

Achieving orgasm often isn’t easy for women. A solution for this could be to pay more consistent attention to extragenital erogenous zones. Ask your partner what her zones are or spend some time finding out. Ask questions and request feedback while you explore to find out the spots that give her the most pleasure.

Male Erogenous Zones

While achieving orgasm is usually easier for males, stimulating both genital and extragenital male erogenous zones can make sex more exciting and satisfying.

Genital erogenous zones:

• Head of the penis
• Scrotum
• Frenulum, the band of skin the runs from the bottom of the head of the penis
• Nipples
• Earlobes
• Scalp
• Buttocks
• Abdomen
• Lips
• Inner thighs
• Perineum
• Upper and lower back
• Neck 

How to Stimulate Your Partner’s Erogenous Zones

Not everyone experiences pleasure the same, and erogenous zones may vary from person to person. Try out different sensations to find out what your partner likes, like kissing, licking, scratching, or light nibbling. There are props that can offer a wider range of sensations, like feathers, vibrators, ice cubes, and oils. Experiment with your partner to have fun together while you learn about each other’s bodies.

For more information on how to enhance your sex life, check out Phoenix, Canada’s first digital health clinic for men. It has discreet advice and solutions for men’s sexual wellbeing.

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