Nipple/Breast stimulation and sexual arousal in young men and women

J Sex Med. 2006 May;3(3):450-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2006.00230.x.

Abstract

Introduction: The role of nipple/breast stimulation in influencing sexual arousal in men and women during lovemaking has only been the subject of opinion-based comment rather than evidence-based study. No attempt to question people about such sexual behavior has ever been undertaken.

Aim: The study was designed to ascertain the effects of nipple/breast manipulation in young men and women on their sexual arousal.

Methods: A short questionnaire about nipple/breast stimulation during sexual activity was administered to 301 (148 men; 153 women) sexually experienced undergraduates (age range 17-29 years, 95% between 18 and 22).

Main outcome measures: Replies to questions in questionnaire.

Results: The major findings in regard to the women were that 81.5% reported that stimulation of their nipples/breasts caused or enhanced their sexual arousal, 78.2% agreed that when sexually aroused such manipulation increased their arousal, 59.1% had asked to have their nipples stimulated during lovemaking, and only 7.2% found that the manipulation decreased their arousal. In regard to the men, 51.7% reported that nipple stimulation caused or enhanced their sexual arousal, 39% agreed that when sexually aroused such manipulation increased their arousal, only 17.1% had asked to have their nipples stimulated, and only 7.5% found that such stimulation decreased their arousal.

Conclusion: Manipulation of the nipples/breasts causes or enhances sexual arousal in approximately 82% of young women and 52% of young men with only 7-8% reporting that it decreased their arousal.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Arousal / physiology
  • Coitus* / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nipples* / physiology
  • Sex Distribution
  • Sexual Behavior / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sexual Partners*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires