Erogenous Zones: All Sexual Pleasure Is Not Genital

In women, the not-so-obvious erogenous zones include:

• The ears.

What woman woman doesn't want sweet nothings whispered into her ears. However, if that message is something on the lines "Can you wash my gym shorts tonight?" caressing the ears will not be a prelude to further sexual enjoyment.

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• Nape of the neck.

The neck is a good place to lift the hair and begin a sensual massage. Blowing on the neck is often erogenous.

• The wrists.

One of the more interesting places to start foreplay is the wrists, often neglected in lovemaking.

• Buttocks.

Mild spanking and manipulation of the buttocks is a turn-on for many women. Anal penetration, on the other hand, can be an entirely different matter. Psychological studies have found that the less assertive a woman is, the more likely she is to experience pain when receiving anal intercourse.

• The inner thighs.

Nerves for the legs traverse the inner thighs, making them sensitive to caressing, nibbling, and kissing. Biting the inner legs, however, is especially painful for the woman and likely would also be quickly painful for her partner.

• Behind the knees.

Nerves for the lower legs come together behind the knees, making them very sensitive to stroking and mild heat.

• The feet.

Many people have ticklish feet. Using just enough sensation—not so much as to induce fits of laughter—can enhance a woman's sensual mood.

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Men also are stimulated in parts of their bodies other than strictly below the belt.

• The forehead.

Kissing and caressing his forehead releases dopamine, heightening his sexual pleasure.

• The breasts.

Many men experience orgasm in their pectoral muscles as well as in their prostate and penis. Most men are focused on genital orgasm but attention to these areas during and just after climax will increase his pleasure.

• The lower abs.

Start at his belly button and work south, some erotic experts advise. Pushing from the navel toward the penis is tantalizing sexually, and also increases blood flow into the penis for a stronger and longer-lasting erection.

• The skin just below the testicles.

Gentle pressure on the area between the testicles and the anus delays ejaculation and increases his force of orgasm.

• Foreskin (or foreskin remnants in circumcised men).

Tugging on this area accelerates a man's climax.

• The inner thighs.

Sometimes used as the gift wrapping for his package, massaging the inner thighs upward also increases blood flow to the penis.

• Skin behind the knees.

This area is a good target for beginning foreplay.

• The feet.

Reflexology teaches that the heels have a nerve connection to the penis. Gently massaging the heels, or gently pulling the toes, increases sensitivity in the penis.

Everyone's erogenous zones are just a little different. Taking time for to explore them will make the next time better.