A Sex Therapist’s Guide to Erogenous Zones

Written by Alice Child, Somatic Sexologist

Somatic Sexologist Alice Child outlines 37 (yes 37!!) of the most sensitive parts of the human body, and gives her top tips for how to explore them to build pleasure!

This guide contains general advice only. If you need more tailored advice, please book in a session.

The best piece of advice I was ever given when it came to erotic touch is half the speed…and then halve it again.

What is an erogenous zone?

An erogenous zone is any area on the human body that, when sensually touched or stimulated, can trigger a sexual or arousing response. These zones are packed with nerve endings, making them especially sensitive and enjoyable to explore!

What are common erogenous zones?

While there are many well-known erogenous zones, any part of your body can become one with the right kind of attention. This means that every area of your body has the potential to be a source of arousal and outside of just genital touching and penetrative sex.

Common erogenous zones are:

• Ears

• Mouth

• Lips

• Neck

• Nipples

• Chest

• Belly

• Hips

• Pubic bone

• Thighs

• Feet

• Hands

• Vulva/Clitoris

• Penis/Testicles

• Anus

• Ribcage

How do I stimulate erogenous zones?

Every body is unique, and what feels amazing to one person might feel ticklish or uncomfortable to someone else. Thats why communication with your partner and having an inquisitive, open mind is so important.

The best piece of advice I was ever given when it came to erotic touch is half the speed…and then halve it again. Fast, intense sex has been popularised in our society, largely being influenced by porn and movies. It’s also what people often do alone during masturbation, replicating the same fast movements during sex.

Although fast sex can feel great, its not always the route to explosive and amazing orgasmic experiences.

When we have slow sex, we can feel more. Arousal needs time to build, both mentally and physically. Many people find they become more sensitive as they slow down, preferring sensual touching as a way to build arousal. Sensation play can be a great way to explore this and ignite the erogenous zones through the use of the five senses.

However, some don’t even need touch to get turned on—just the anticipation of someone being close to a sensitive area can be incredibly exciting and increase your sex drive. In fact, some people can even orgasm without any physical contact, such as during sleep or through breath work.

Why can sex or stimulation feel different from one day to the next?

What people enjoy in touch can vary from person to person and even from moment to moment. As your body relaxes and becomes aroused, you might crave different sensations, and sensitivity often increases over time.

Arousal affects blood flow to the pelvis, genitals, and erectile tissues, enhancing sensitivity. While both penises and vulvas experience this, it can take up to 30 minutes for vulvas and clitorises to fully engorge, so be patient!

For those with vulvas, arousal lifts the cervix, making deeper penetration more pleasurable. Additionally, your menstrual cycle and period can impact sexual sensations—near the end of your cycle, when the cervix is lower, deeper penetration might be uncomfortable.

Remember to go slowly, use lube, and ensure that sex is never painful. Communicate openly, experiment with different positions, and discover what feels great for you today.

What is body mapping?

Body mapping lets you explore new erogenous zones and find out which parts of your body respond best to pleasure with the right attention.

Pillow Play, (my online sex and intimacy games for couples!) it offers a chance to map your own body or your partner's with the curiosity of an explorer in Game 7 - Body Mapping! What new and exciting sensations will you discover when you take the time to explore beyond your usual routines?

Body mapping is great for:

• Learning about your body

• Trying something new and finding undiscovered erogenous zones

• Enhancing sexual communication and understanding

• Increasing sensation and pleasure, even in areas you thought were less sensitive

• Slowing down and savouring a slower form of pleasure and arousal

How should I stimulate the erogenous zones?

Here are some suggestions for types of stimulation to try on 20 common erogenous zones:

• The Vulva (including all external pleasure spots eg clitoris glans/shaft, inner labia, outer labia, vestibule, and the vaginal opening)

• The Vagina (including all internal pleasure spots eg g-spot, cervix, a-spot)

• Read my article here for more detailed vulva, clitoris and vagina anatomy and techniques!

• The Penis (including all pleasure spots such as urethra, head/glans, frenulum testicles/balls, shaft, and perineum)

• The Back and Side  (including all pleasure spots such as upper back, ribcage, lower back, feet, back of knees, bootie)

• The Butt (including all pleasure spots such as inside anus, glutes/cheeks, outside anus)

  • Read my article here for more tips on how to enjoy anal sex!

• The Face and Neck (including all pleasure spots such as the lips, tongue, forehead, throat, face, ears, jaw, collar bone & neck)

• The Front (including all pleasure spots such as the nipples, chest/breasts, hands, belly, hips, pubic bone, inner thing, hands)

Best,

Alice x

Alice Child - Somatic Sexologist, Sex Therapy & Sex Counsellor - helps people achieve happier and healthier sex lives through 1:1 sex coaching, couples sex counselling, hens parties, and workshops. Book a session here.