Is it possible to orgasm from nipple play?

Dear Horny Nipples,

Many people consider nipples and breasts to be the second most erogenous area of the body next to genitalia. The nipples, in particular, are filled with nerve endings making them especially tuned in to touch. Sometimes the stimulation can lead to an orgasm, but it varies from one person to the next. While it isn’t clear at this point how many people can reach orgasm on nipple stimulation alone, a study designed to assess the effects of nipple manipulation on sexual arousal found that touching the nipples and breasts has been found to increase sexual arousal in approximately 82 percent of young women and 52 percent of young men.

Regardless of gender, the way to go about trying to provide an orgasm through nipples is similar. To provide stimulation to your partner’s chest, you may want to try caressing, kissing, licking, sucking, or nibbling the nipples and breasts (with their consent of course). You could also use your tongue in a flicking motion or trace circles on the skin. After starting slowly and gently, you can gradually increase pressure to figure out what feels best for your partner. While focusing on the nipples may be pleasurable for some people, others may prefer to be touched on other parts of the chest.

For people who menstruate, the sensitivity of their nipples and breasts changes throughout their cycle or based on various conditions and procedures. In the days leading up to menstruation, estrogen and progesterone cause the breast tissues to swell, making the nipples more tender. Other hormonal changes caused by menopause, puberty, pregnancy, and the use of birth control may also result in increased nipple sensitivity.

When it comes to orgasms, keep in mind that different people like different things. Talking with your partner can help to figure out what's going to work for both of you. Some people really enjoy nipple or chest play and others may not care too much for it. Even if you or your partner can't orgasm this way, it doesn't mean you can't incorporate what you've learned about nipple stimulation into your repertoire of sexual skills!