The breast nipple is the center most point of the areola of the breast. Male and female breasts have similar nerve innervation. Actual functional MRI studies show that the same areas of the brain in the cortical area will be activated as with genital stimulation.
Hormone Connection To Your Breasts
Women estrogen stimulates breast feeling, progesterone can inhibit. So sexual desire and arousal will change depending on the menstrual cycle. In both sexes some oxytocin is released with nipple stimulation.
Male Breasts Require More Stimulus
Male chest and breast responded to mechanical, vibration and heat. Female breasts are more sensitive to lower levels of stimulation. Overall about 7% of men and women say breast stimulation decreases sexual pleasure. Testosterone stimulates arousal in both sexes, but it’s not well worked out what percent contribution this is specifically to nipple sensitivity.
Larger breasts are generally less sensitive
Oddly the larger the breast the lower the sensitivity to touch. One study showed women with smaller breasts are 9.5 times as sensitive as a woman’s with larger breasts! Research indicates the weight of a very large breast will both decrease nerve density and put strain on the nerves leading to poorer function.
Once Aroused Nipple Stimulation Will Increase Sexual Pleasure
In a recent study 78% of women and 39% of men said once arousal occurs, nipple and overall breast stimulation can further increase their arousal.
Inverted Nipples Don’t Decrease Arousal for Men or Women
In most women the dome is turned outward, if pulled in it’s termed inverted or retracted. Technically inverted and retracted are different conditions. A retracted nipple is specifically ‘drawn’ inward secondary to a medical process. If you are born with one or the other inverted, this will likely persist and not be a sign of any breast issues. One or both the nipples may be inverted. If there is a sudden change to your nipple configuration it could be a sign of infection, cancer, or other underlying process. Some surgical removals of masses can lead to nipple inversion. Most women with nipple inversions will not need any evaluation or treatment, but everyone with this condition should discuss with your gynecologist.
We welcome the opportunity to discuss breast health.
