(009) An Anatomic Map-Based Study: Erogenous and Aversive Sensation in the Vulva, Vagina, and Breasts

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Erogenous zones (EZs) of the body elicit sexual arousal in response to touch. While previous studies have attempted to map erogeneity throughout the body, they did not assess internal surfaces or individual genital structures/sub-areas. Furthermore, previous work did not query how important specific EZs were to subjects’ sexual pleasure, nor did it assess what body areas people specifically dislike having touched during sex. Objective To develop detailed, topographic maps of erogenous and aversive sensation throughout the vulva, vagina, and breasts. Methods A sample of 441 sexually active cisgender women (mean age 48.9 ± 15.6 years) completed our anonymous, online questionnaire via Qualtrics®. Respondents selected predefined areas from anatomic illustrations that bring them pleasure when touched during sex, and areas that they dislike having touched during sex. For each EZ, respondents rated its importance to their sexual pleasure on a 10-point Likert scale, and/or indicated why they dislike having a specific area touched. Maps of erogeneity and aversion were generated based on the percent of respondents that selected each zone. Results More respondents selected at least one area of the vulva as erogenous (82.0%), as compared to the breasts (77.4%) and vagina (59.4%). Of the EZs of the vulva (Figure 1a), the vaginal introitus (50.8%), peri urethra (42.6%), and clitoris (41.3%) were the three most frequently selected and highest rated structures for pleasure. Conversely, the anus (34.0%) and perineum (7.9%) were the most disliked areas (Figure 1b) for the primary reason of respondents finding “It’s gross,” followed by “It hurts” and “I’m ashamed/embarrassed.” The five EZs of the vagina (Figure 2a) revealed enhanced erogeneity in the superficial anterior (48.1%) and posterior (32.9%) regions. The cervix (6.8%) and posterior zones (3.4%, 5.0%) of the vagina were the most disliked areas (Figure 2b) due to respondents reporting that “It hurts” and “It’s overly sensitive.” Interestingly, two of the most erogenous zones of the breasts (Figure 3a) were also the most disliked (Figure 3b): fatty breast tissue (57.8% erogenous, 5.4% aversive) and the nipples (42.7%, 6.5%). Respondent reasoning for disliking these areas included “It’s overly sensitive,” “It hurts,” and “It reminds me of a bad experience.” Conclusions The vulva and vagina were associated with enhanced erogenous sensation not only at (but also in regions immediately peripheral to) the clitoris. These EZs were also rated as “highly important” to sexual pleasure. The anus was overwhelmingly associated with aversive sensation due to feelings of judgment/shame. Other aversive zones were primarily disliked for objective reasons of pain and sensitivity. Disclosure No