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Nipples come in all shapes, colors, and sizes; people of every gender have them. For those who become pregnant and give birth, nipples can provide access to nourishment for a breastfeeding baby. The nipples are highly sensitive and responsive to stimulation, making nipple-sucking a great way to give and receive pleasure for folks of all genders.
Editor’s pick to enhance nipple sucking
Made with ultra-soft silicone, Nipple Play Silicone Suckers are pliable and comfortable toys that provide stimulation to the nipples. They offer strong suction, which makes them easy to use and stay in place. These rounded squeezable bulbs deliver powerful sucking action, and they’re well-suited for all kinds of play — including fetish exploration, kink play, and solo stimulation.
- Body-safe silicone
- Waterproof
- Compatible with water-based lube
- 3.5 oz (approx. weight of an apple)
- 1.25 x 1.75 x 5 in
Nipple anatomy
What is commonly referred to as simply the “nipple” is actually two structures: The nipple itself, which is a raised area with tiny holes that connect it to deeper tissues in the breast, and the areola, the relatively flat area of skin surrounding the nipple. The nipple and areola are usually darker in color than the surrounding skin and have an irregular surface. Most people have two nipples, but it’s fairly common to have one or more extra nipples (1).
Why does nipple-sucking feel so good?
Nipples are made to be sucked on: During breastfeeding, tiny holes in the nipples allow milk to flow through ducts from milk producing glands in the breast tissue. In response to a baby’s sucking, the pituitary gland of a breastfeeding parent releases the powerful hormone oxytocin, encouraging milk to flow and promoting bonding and caregiving behavior (2).
Even in people who aren’t breastfeeding, nipple sucking can stimulate the release of oxytocin, which also occurs during sexual arousal and orgasm (3). Oxytocin, sometimes referred to as “the love hormone” has been found to reduce stress and increase sensations of trust and wellbeing (4). Because nipple sucking and oxytocin release are linked, nipple sucking may help to build feelings of closeness and intimacy with your partner.
As well as encouraging oxytocin to flow, the nipples are highly sensitive to touch and temperature, and often become erect in response to sexual arousal. The nipples don’t have erectile tissue that fills with blood like the clitoris or penis; instead, they get hard due to the contraction (pulling together) of specialized muscles below the skin, similar to what happens when you get goosebumps (1).
Can you orgasm from getting your nipples sucked on?
In people who have vulvas, the same region of the brain that is activated during stimulation of the clitoris and vagina is triggered by nipple stimulation (3). This suggests that the pleasure some people feel when having their nipples sucked is similar to that of direct genital stimulation — some people have even reported that they can have an orgasm just from having their nipples played with (5).
9 nipple-sucking tips
If you’re interested in incorporating nipple-sucking into your repertoire — or if you’d like to expand on your technique — there are many ways to get creative and promote greater pleasure for your partner and yourself.
1. Be anatomically aware
Nipples come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They can be big, small, dark, pale, puffy, flat, or protruding (sticking out). Some people have inverted nipples—instead of protruding, their nipples are tucked inside the breast, appearing “inside-out.”
It can be helpful to pay attention to your partner’s unique anatomy: Some people have highly sensitive nipples and like a very gentle touch, while others prefer more intense sensations.
Those who have had breast or chest surgery, such as breast reduction or mastectomy (removal of the breast), sometimes experience a change in nipple sensitivity (6). Particularly if your partner is trans or has experienced a medical procedure involving their nipples, chest, or breasts, make sure to check in about what nipple sucking means to them and how it feels.
Some people who are lactating (breastfeeding) experience changes in the way they perceive their own breasts and nipples, as well as the way that they feel about nipple-sucking in a sexual context (7). If your partner is lactating, take some time to explore both of your feelings around nipple play.
2. Communicate
When building a mutually enjoyable relationship, communication is key. Before you experiment with nipple play, ask about your partner’s preferences and boundaries. What are they curious to try? What’s off limits? Ask for permission to suck on your partner’s nipples and ask what feels good to them before you start. If they’re not sure how they like to have their nipples sucked, go slowly and check in regularly. Occasional check-ins during play can also help to create a safe, pleasurable environment for both you and your partner.
3. Set the mood
Setting the mood, or creating a sexy and relaxing ambiance, can help to maximize pleasure. There are a variety of sensual elements that can heighten the mood, including dimmed lights or lit candles. You might also consider adding in some background music, or wearing something that makes you feel confident. It can be a lot of fun to explore and experiment with setting — though it often takes trial and error to optimize what feels best for you and your partner.
4. Experiment with intensity
Switching up the intensity of nipple sucking can be a great way to discover what your partner likes, as well as keeping things interesting. Start by sucking softly, then increase the level of suction, or alternate between firm and gentle. Keep in mind that what feels gentle to one person can be unbearably intense for someone else: Always check in with your partner to see whether what you’re doing feels good, and whether they’d prefer you to back off or to increase the intensity.
5. Use your tongue
The tongue is perfectly built for bringing pleasure to your partner during nipple-sucking. You can make gentle circles around the areola with the tip of your tongue, use it to stimulate the nipple itself, or even lick the entire breast or pectoral area to increase anticipation. You can also play with the erect tip of the nipple with your tongue, circling or flicking it while you suck.
5. Try sex toys for nipples
Nipple sucking feels great when you just use your mouth but there are plenty of nipple sex toys meant to enhance pleasure even further. There are nipple suckers, nipple clamps, nipple pumps and more. Here are a few of our favorite sex toys for nipples to get you started:
- Nipple suckers if you want to splurge a tad: Seduce Me Vibrating Nipple Suckers
- Nipple suckers for keeping things simple and budget-friendly: Mini Nipple Suckers
- Nipple clamps for a sexy, bedazzled look: Sportsheets Jeweled Nipple Clips
6. Change the temperature
Just as variations in pressure can increase pleasurable sensations during nipple-sucking, changing the temperature can feel great. Try taking a sip of warm tea before taking your partner’s nipple into your mouth. Or, try popping an ice cube into your mouth to instantly harden your partner’s nipple and create a delightful shiver.
7. Tease with your teeth
For some people, nipple-sucking feels even better when the teeth get (gently!) involved. Try softly raking your teeth from the base of the nipple to the tip. For those who prefer a little pain with their pleasure, nibbling and biting the nipples can feel amazing. Whenever you use your teeth, take great care to avoid biting too hard—and always ask for your partner’s feedback to make sure what you’re doing is more “Wow!” than “Ow!”
Nipple-sucking can be a great way to enhance sex, or a satisfying, intimate activity in its own right. Experiment with a variety of techniques to discover what feels best for you and your partner. If you’re new to nipple sucking (or even if you’re not) go slowly, check in often, and enjoy the experience.
8. Add dual stimulation
While your nipples are being sucked, either by a partner or with a toy, pay attention to other erogenous zones. The great thing about using nipple suckers is that they will stay on, hands-free. This means you can easily use your hands to stimulate other areas of the body, like your clit or penis. Massage, stroke, or finger yourself or have a partner do it for you while their lips are wrapped around your nipple. You might even consider adding a pleasure product. If you have a vulva, we recommend the Satisfyer Pro 2 Next Gen. This air suction vibrator sends pulses of air onto the clit instead of directly vibrating over it. The wide range of intensity levels makes this product ideal for those who prefer subtle to intense sensations.
The bottom line
There are plenty of ways to take your nipple play to the next level. By adding in some of these tips and techniques you might even experience an orgasm from nipple stimulation. Explore our catalog of nipple sex toys to find the right nipple clamps, nipple sucker, or something else that strikes your fancy.
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