The nipple is an erogenous zone — not that this comes as a shock to anyone. I’m sure you realize that breasts, while very attractive and often stimulating to look at, can deliver pleasure to the breast owner if touched and handled in the right way.

The gender of the nipple-owner is irrelevant for this stimulation.

The nerve endings in an adult male’s nipples are slightly less sensitive than in a female breast simply due to being less spread out. They have not been flooded with the same hormones as a female’s during puberty, which is not to say they can’t be involved in the giving and receiving of pleasure.

Understanding Nipple Orgasms or Nipplegasms

Did you know it was possible to orgasm from nipple play alone? Nipple stimulation sends messages to the same area of the brain that processes messages from the genitals. The right pressure and vibration can take the nipple owner to a happy place.

Tip: the nipples can take a lot more intensity of touch than you think. In fact they will need it to achieve a nipplegasm – but start gently.

Sexual arousal is highly individual. Again I’m probably stating the obvious, but some people won’t like the nipple play techniques I’m suggesting, or not at certain times. Menstruation, pregnancy, breast-feeding, menopause, hormone treatment – all of these are likely to make nipples sensitive, possibly too sensitive. Keep the channels of communication open. What felt good one day could be too much on another occasion.

A nipple orgasm takes time to build. Unless you know your partner likes it rough, be gentle at first: stroking, licking, sucking, blowing on damp skin. Observe how the areola respond. There is likely to be a tightening of the sensitive skin (pebbling or hardening). If the nipple-owner doesn’t offer verbal cues, such asking for more or saying they like what you’re doing, are they squirming with delight, pressing their chest towards your face or moaning happily? When in doubt, ask.

If your partner enjoys what you’re doing, intensify to plucking or pinching their nipples. Try twisting, nipping with teeth, teasing with a ‘slash’ motion with your nails or sucking more deeply so that the nipple elongates in your mouth. These actions engorge the area with blood, allowing the flesh to plump up and sensitivity to increase. Vibrators held against nipples, or the new wave of clitoral stimulators which use air waves are great aids to heightening tingles and deliver pleasure sensations to aroused nipples.

Adding Extra Sensation to the Nipples

Sometimes nipple play can hurt so good. If your partner enjoys the increased stimulation and wants more, pinch or pull harder. Bite rather than nip but be ready to soothe their nipples with softer licks and sucks. Slaps and smacks might be too much directly on the nipple. Target the side or underboob instead, perhaps allowing a little impact to land on the areola’s edge.

Now you’re moving into what you might consider more hardcore areas, the realm of BDSM and kinkier fun. If you’ve been concentrating your attentions on your lover’s nipples for a while, they may enjoy more intense sensations. Progress from using hands: try a paddle, crop, flogger, maybe a ruler, spatula or wooden spoon.

Next try temperature play. Ice cubes are great for introducing the teasing intensity of cold. Alternate between rubbing their nipples with ice and sucking them into your warm mouth. The mouth can be made even hotter by sipping a warm beverage before latching on!

Another option — nipple clamps.  Too much? Maybe, but there are a wide array of toys for nipples of varying intensities. The pleasure delivered by a nipple clamp is two-fold: the initial intensity of its pinch (leaving your hands free to do something delicious elsewhere) and the uncomfortable rush of sensation when blood flows back into the nipple tissue when clamps are removed. Get ready to suck your partners’ nipples for relief when the clamps come off, because it’s an intense moment.

Safety tip: never leave clamps on for too long. Approximately 10 to 15 minutes is a safe range, if your partner can handle the intensity that long.

Don’t have nipple clamps but want to experiment with a household item? Try clothespins. Nipple suckers or pumps are also great fun. These little gizmos combine a small nozzle with a bulb to press and release, causing a vacuum which distends the nipple stalk, increasing blood-flow to make it swell.

Lightning Bolt Sensations to the Groin

Nipples, once sensitized by nipple play, send intense pleasure signals directly to the genitals. Some describe their nipples as an ‘on switch’ while others refer to them as clit-like from the intensity of the sensations derived from licking or sucking. This increased sensitivity can extend for hours later, a pleasant reminder the nipple owner of how hard you played!

There are no hard and fast rules in nipple orgasms. Everyone is different. Some nipplegasms are described as a series of ripples rather than a typical orgasmic climax. Those who’re multi-orgasmic may liken it to one of the smaller orgasms when there are more to come.

To take your nipple play to another level, remember that stimulation of other erogenous zones added to the pleasurable assault on the nipples. Maintaining the intensity and frequency of touch is key to reaching nipple Nirvana.

The great news is you have nipples. You can experiment on yourself to discover the techniques which deliver the best sensations to you, so practice. Share your findings with your partner, communicate, try techniques. Take your time and share the joy.