Here’s How You Can Have a Nipplegasm

We’re all familiar with those far-fetched urban legends like the finger in the Wendy’s chili or a top that lets you finish first. But a legend doesn’t have to be a myth. Mariah Carey is real, Raja Gemini is real, and the nipplegasm is, yes, very real.

Nipple arousal isn’t necessarily everyone’s cup of tea; for those of us who prefer instant gratification, the nipples are just two speed bumps on the way to the treasure trail. But if you’re curious whether this myth will be busted or make you bust, it’s worth adding to your growing list of foreplay ideas.

What is a nipplegasm?

It’s exactly what it sounds like: an orgasm achieved via nipple play. Trust us, nutting solely from nipple arousal can absolutely happen. 

Nipples, much like the G-spot or your sack, are an erogenous zone filled to the brim with nerve endings. These nerve endings make them particularly sensitive to stimulation and, therefore, pleasure.

It’s hard to argue that nipples aren’t intrinsically sexy. Everyone’s gone in for a nipple nibble once or twice before. But science has once again done Gawd's werq by giving us some hard proof to back up anecdotal evidence about the elusive nipplegasm. 

A survey of sexually active adults found that most people experience at least some amount of sexual arousal from nipple play. Another study went a step further, asking women to self-stimulate in an MRI, and found that nipple rubbing activated the same part of the brain as clitoral stimulation. Research has confirmed their erotic function in men as well, but the topic needs more attention. Guess you’ll have to do some research of your own.

What does a nipplegasm feel like?

Scientifically speaking, a nipplegasm feels a lot like anything else that gives you oxytocin. Think petting a dog, eating a burrito at 2 a.m. after a night out, or, you know, ejaculating.  

No matter where they originate, orgasms cause your brain to release tons of oxytocin (aka the love hormone). The result is feelings of pleasure. You love pleasure!

So, how good does a nipplegasm feel? Well, orgasms are like snowflakes: No two are the same (and they’re fun to catch on your tongue). Reported results range from "soft as a cherry blossom on a spring day" to "I screamed at the top of my lungs and kicked my partner in the ’nads." 

The short answer? Guess you’ll have to get to tweakin’ your areolas if you’re ever gonna find out.

Who can have a nipplegasm?

Although science does often have our back, it can sometimes neglect our front, which is where our nipples almost always are. That is to say, there’s a lack of clarity on who has the natural gift of ’gasm-ing any time someone reaches for the milk. 

Anecdotally, it’s a feat few women can accomplish, and even fewer men, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t chase this fantastical foreplay phenomenon. Generally speaking, the more sensitive or prone to intense orgasms you are, the higher your chances of experiencing the big O when someone honks your honkers. 

There’s actually decent evidence that different kinds of orgasms can be practiced or cultivated, so believe in your body’s ability to make you horny in new and unique ways!

How to have a solo nipplegasm

There’s no universal or direct path to a nipple play orgasm. But if you heed some of our advice, you might find yourself rolling around in bed, moaning your own name.

Don’t focus on the orgasm

It sounds counterintuitive, but the more in your head you are about whether or not you can have a nipplegasm, the less you’re paying attention to the pleasure you’re feeling. Instead of pinching and prodding like you’re trying to induce lactation, just enjoy the ride and hone in on the sensations. Note what feels good and lean into it.

Think more

Okay, yes, this is contradictory, but it’s not — and neither is this sentence. The brain is a powerful sexual organ. And not unlike your family jewels, you can harness its power for good or evil in the bedroom. 

Introducing the power of thought into your sexual experience will help you connect to the experience more quickly and navigate toward the ultimate end: accidentally jazzing yourself on the couch on a Thursday afternoon by discovering another erogenous zone.

Don’t forgo ol’ reliable

Orgasms can and should be full-body experiences. Just because we’re not emphasizing your average genital orgasm, that doesn’t mean your kibble and bits can’t come along for the ride. Simultaneous stimulation is an excellent way to train the connection between your nipples and your between-me-down-there.

How to have a nipplegasm with your partner

For some, self-stimulation is kinda like tickling yourself: It’s not as fun, even if strangers would pay to see you do it on the internet. Try including another person and/or set of nipples to really get the fun going! Whether you’re conducting rigorous scientific research or just trying something new for his birthday, here are some tips to whip each other’s nips into stiff peaks.

Collaborate and listen (but please don’t stop!)

This one seems like a no-brainer, but climaxing via nipple play will be a lot easier if you’re both openly discussing what is and isn’t working.

And don’t hesitate to shift gears or try a new approach. Good sex often requires a surprising amount of trial and error. Maybe you prefer gentle licking and sucking, but he wants them so roughed up that he has to wear a bra the next day to keep them from chafing against his shirt. It all depends on your personal sensitivity.

Toy with it

You can absolutely use toys if you're flying solo, but we all know toys are more fun when you share them. That way, you don’t feel like you’re spending more time tweaking knobs than nips.

Another reason to try out toys: Some are designed explicitly for nipple stimulation! You’re probably already familiar with clamps, but you can also use stimulation creams or even hold a small vibrator against your partner’s nips.

Vibrators meant for clitoral stimulation can be helpful here if you happen to have one lying around. Who says you need a vagina to order one of those sketchy clit suckers you always see on Instagram?

Turn on to turn on

Just like we recommend doing solo, it’s smart to combine nipple play with stuff you already find orgasm-inducing. But this time, do it with your partner and see what stuff shakes out when the areola gets involved.

Maybe you’ve got an existing fetish that can incorporate nipple play. Try spinning your doctor/patient role-play into a lactation consultant thing; we won’t judge.