I know what you’re thinking, and the answer is yes: It is absolutely possible to experience a nipple orgasm. (And while I’m dropping info that you most certainly didn’t learn in sex ed, tons of other orgasms exist too—see: vaginal, blended, anal, and more).
The thing is that orgasms come in all different shapes and sizes. For some women, all it takes is a few seconds of clitoral stimulation to experience the tingling sensation between their legs. For others, it may take at least 30 minutes of foreplay, 10 minutes of penetration, and three minutes of help from a vibrating bullet.
The point: The way one woman experiences an orgasm may look a lot different to how you experience an orgasm.
So back to nipples. In general, the nips are a highly erogenous zone for both women and men (this means touch them, lick them, play with them, and give them lots of attention). Even if you’re not exactly experiencing an “orgasm” from any sort of nipple play, it’s still v stimulating and can mend itself to another orgasm (more on that below).
To help explain the sensation a little more though for nipple-specific orgasms, we spoke with three women who breakdown the sensations when they've experienced one themselves. Right this way for all the tea.
How did you first discover you could orgasm through nipple stimulation?
Woman A: I was with my boyfriend and he had his hand over my shoulder while we were watching a movie. He started to really lightly play with my nipples over my shirt and I nearly came. After that, I experimented by myself.
Woman B: Through foreplay and experimentation with my first boyfriend. We were both very inexperienced at the time and neither of us had had previous sexual partners, so we were exploring each other’s bodies. It was a case of “How does this feel? And this?” There was a buildup of pleasure. It was gradual, but quite powerful, so by the time I orgasmed I wasn’t too surprised. I was honestly quite pleased afterward! As far as I’m concerned, it’s a brilliant thing—just another way to achieve pleasure.
Woman C: My partner was playing with my breasts far more gently than people normally would. The initial buildup was boring, his touch seemed too soft. I was about to “make helpful suggestions,” then I realized I was about to orgasm. We were both shocked.
How old were you when this happened?
Woman A: Around 26.
Woman B: Around 18.
Woman C: I was 22.
How do your nipple orgasms compare to genital orgasms? What does it feel like?
Woman A: It lasts longer, feels somehow deeper, and for me can feel less “intense” but more satisfyingly pleasurable. It also takes longer, which I think can help it be a stronger orgasm.
Woman B: The two do feel different. I don’t think nipple orgasms last as long as genital orgasms, and the “wave” feeling I get from genital stimulation is not as pronounced— nipple orgasms feel sharper and shorter, I suppose. However, I do feel more sensitive in my genital area when I have a nipple orgasm.
Woman C: Very similar, but with a glandular sensation in the breasts, almost like they’re swollen.
Do you prefer it?
Woman A: Yes. I can get over clitoral stimulation and orgasm too fast with clit play. In general, I find that the experience is over sooner and a little less satisfying when I’m done. After a nipple orgasm, it’s so satisfying that I practically fall asleep immediately.
Woman B: Most of the time, no—generally, I prefer genital stimulation. But I like the additional variety it provides!
Woman C: It’s not as reliably achievable as a genital orgasm, so it’s special. It’s only happened for me about four times, with two different partners.
How long does it take?
Woman A: It depends! At first it took a long time, but now I can do it in probably five minutes if I’m in the right mood. It can also last a long time if I want it to. It’s kind of a preference thing to be honest.
Woman B: I honestly don’t know how long it takes, but I guess around the same time as it would take me to come from stimulating my clitoris.
Woman C: Not too long. Five minutes, maybe?
Are you more likely to come through nipple stimulation or genital stimulation? (Or something else altogether?)
Woman A: About the same but probably a little easier through clitoral stimulation.
Woman B: More often genital stimulation.
Woman C: Genital stimulation.
Why do you think that is?
Woman A: It’s probably because there are more nerve endings in the clit, which makes it more sensitive and easier to climax. By comparison, nipple stimulation takes me longer to reach orgasm.
Woman B: I think because I have to be very aroused before I can orgasm through nipple stimulation, so it’s not usually a part of foreplay. It’s also more susceptible to my general mood and energy levels, so it’s not a regular part of sex for me.
Woman C: I need to be incredibly relaxed if I’m going to orgasm from nipple play. Otherwise, I overthink it and can’t get there.
Are there particular types of stimulation that work better for you or make it more likely that you will come?
Woman A: I find that it’s better if there’s fabric between my fingers and my nipples, but I’m not sure why, it just works easier. Be careful though or you can get chafing doing that too much. Nips are sensitive! Be gentle with yourself.
Woman B: Depending on my mood and how sensitive I’m feeling, either firm pinching or a sort of massaging of the nipple area.
Woman C: It’s hard to describe. I can’t make myself orgasm through stimulating my own breasts. Generally, incredibly soft touches that progress toward the nipples are most successful.
Do you find your nipples are more sensitive at certain times of the month?
Woman A: Yes, right before and during my period. I find that it’s also easier for me to climax through nipple stimulation during this time.
Woman B: This was definitely the case when I was not on the pill. Just before and at the start of my period, my breasts would be extremely sensitive, and orgasms from nipple stimulation were actually more intense than genital stimulation. This has faded since I began taking oral contraception and is no longer as noticeable.
Woman C: They’re more sensitive when I am pre-menstrual, and I’m more likely to come then too.
How do your partner(s) feel about this ability that you have? Do they get into it too?
Woman A: My boyfriend thinks it’s really hot, but I’ve never done it in front of him. I find it to be very personal and something intimate that I only want to share with myself, but I’m that way about masturbation in general.
Woman B: It has varied. Some people have found it really exciting; others have enjoyed it simply because I enjoyed it and would otherwise not be as interested.
Woman C: They don’t like the idea that an ex could make me orgasm in a way they can’t.
Do you think it‘s possible to train yourself to be able to orgasm from nipple stimulation alone? How?
Woman A: Yes! I didn’t do it until I was in my mid-20s and it took awhile to get the hang of it. The best advice I have is to keep trying, and maybe give it a go while reading erotica or watching porn if that helps you.
Woman B: I’m not sure. I would hazard a guess that it’s a little like whether women can orgasm from penetration alone or not. I believe it’s certainly possible to enhance your sensitivity. That being said, if you can do that, and nipple stimulation is part of a wider sex life, then how exactly the orgasms happen doesn’t necessarily matter!
Woman C: I guess anything is possible! But people should enjoy their sex lives without putting pressure on themselves.
Do you have any tips for people wanting to experiment more with nipple play?
Woman A: It’s a lot like clitoral stimulation when it comes to technique. Often the lighter and more delicate the touch the stronger reaction you have to it. Also, edge yourself if you can. Try doing it over a soft piece of smooth cloth like silk.
Woman B: Have a partner who really likes breasts! I found I couldn’t stimulate myself to orgasm on my own. It only happens with a partner. Just take the time to experiment and be open-minded about different types of stimulation and different sensations.
Woman C: Don’t focus on whether or not an orgasm is building; just enjoy the sensations for what they are.