What the heck is with the craze of nipple play lately? I mean, we've always had nipples, so why are people suddenly so obsessed?

Well, the pandemic has had an interesting side effect that we have discussed before: self-exploration. Some people are exploring yoga, or sourdough bread-making, or even knitting. Others are exploring their bodies, inside and out! There is also a taboo about nipples, especially considering how society demonizes female nipples yet celebrates male nipples. We aren't even going to get into that today!

Let's get one thing out of the way: Why do men have nipples, anyway? It has to do with how we develop in the womb. All embryos start off as female and only begin to differentiate around five to six weeks after conception. But one thing is still the same: nipples are packed with nerve endings.

So, why does it feel so good?

To be blunt: nipples are designed to be sucked on. In the case of parenting, the nipples are necessary for breastfeeding. During breastfeeding, a powerful hormone called Oxytocin is produced by the pituitary gland, aiding in the bonding between the parent and the child.

Sexual stimulation of the nipples, and all those nerve endings, also leads to the production of Oxytocin. This has been shown to heighten intimacy, reduce stress, and improve sexual arousal. And damn, it can feel amazing, too! In fact, for some people, the stimulation of the nipples can cause orgasm on its own!

I don't know about you, but all this makes me want to explore my nipples. Not only mine but my partner's! Here are some "tips" about the nips to get you started!

Nipples Are Like Snowflakes - Every Pair Is Different

Nipples come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors: big/small, puffy/flat, dark/pale, protruding/inverted. In many people, stimulation of the nipples via touch or cold temperatures can cause the nipples to become erect via the sympathetic nervous system, but that is not a 100% guarantee. There is no "normal" when it comes to the appearance or response of the human nipple, which makes it essential to be keenly aware of your nipples and those of your partner. By communicating and observing, you can explore nipple play safely and add a little "something" to playtime.

Nipple Sucking Doesn't Suck

Use your mouth! Warm and wet, your mouth and tongue can provide an incredible temperature, sensation, and texture change. Using varying intensities of suction can also add more to the moment, especially if you switch it up and keep the other person guessing. And don't shy away from using your teeth. From a gentle nibble to a strong bite, the teeth give a passionate and animalistic addition to nipple sucking. Just remember to check in with your partner to ensure you are proving pleasure and not overdoing it!

I know you are probably thinking: I can't reach my own nipples with my mouth! Well, in that case, there are a plethora of nipple suction toys on the market to assist you. Silicone nipple suckers are VERY popular these days because they are clean and provide simple, safe, and effective suction. Nipple suction pumps are also popular but require a bit more "hands-on" approach to ensure that the suction level is stimulating but safe for the nipple tissue. Don't over pump those nips!

The Hands-On Approach

Using your fingers and hands to tease and pinch the nipples while varying the pressure provides an entirely different sensation than nipple sucking. Pinching can be used in Domination/submission scenes as well as purely romantic encounters. Just make sure to check in with your partner to make sure they are enjoying themselves. And, you guessed it, you can use your fingers and hands on yourself, too! Many people enjoy self-stimulation of the nipples during masturbation.

Toying With Pleasure

Toys are also a great way to explore nipple play. Nipple clamps are among the most popular toys because they can come in almost as many shapes and sizes as nipples themselves! Clothespins are a common and easily accessible toy that capitalizes on the use of pressure. Other nipple clamps may include weights of various sizes to pull or tug on the nipples while providing consistent pressure.

If you are not "vibing" with nipple clamps, try a vibrator or massager to amp up the stimulation. Plus, you can move the vibrator all over the body for a broader range of sensations.

And don't forget about feathers. They may seem innocent, but that gentle and tickling touch can be a game-changer!

Some Like It Hot - Some Like It Cold

Just as variations in pressure can be fun, changing up the temperature can heighten the sensations. Whether applied via the mouth or directly, ice can instantly harden the nipple, making it perky and ready for more teasing. You can also try taking a sip of a warm beverage like tea or coffee to warm up your mouth even more.

And This is Just the Tip!

These are just a few of the many ways to explore the nipples. No matter what you do, just remember to enjoy this exploration. Communication, whether with your partner or just acknowledging your own experience, is key to fulfilling and pleasurable nipple play.

Now, go get off!