In a recent study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, scientists have created detailed maps of women’s most (and least) pleasurable erogenous zones—anatomically precise, data-driven, and a whole lot more nuanced than pop culture would have you believe.
The study fills longstanding gaps in sexual health research by asking nearly 500 women not just where they feel pleasure, but which areas they actively dislike being touched during sex.
The Most (and Least) Loved Zones
Among the 441 participants with prior partnered sexual experience (ages 18 to 83, average age 49), the vulva stole the show, with 82% identifying at least one pleasurable zone in the region. The vaginal opening (introitus), periurethral area, and glans clitoris topped the charts.
Not surprisingly, the glans clitoris earned the highest average importance score—9 out of 10—reaffirming its central role in sexual pleasure. But researchers were intrigued to see the vaginal introitus ranked so highly, suggesting that the broader conversation about female pleasure may be due for a reboot.
The vagina’s anterior wall—often associated with the fabled “G-spot”—was named the most pleasurable internal zone, with nearly half of respondents selecting it. In contrast, deeper regions like the cervix and posterior vaginal wall got lower marks and were more likely to be flagged as uncomfortable or painful.
Breasts: Both Sexy and Sensitive
When it comes to breasts, about 58% found breast tissue pleasurable, and of those, 43% singled out the nipples. But those same nipples also earned top billing as the most commonly disliked area on the chest, with many citing pain or oversensitivity as the reason.
Interestingly, younger women were more likely to enjoy breast and nipple stimulation—perhaps due to generational norms or differences in hormone levels.
The Most Aversive Zone?
The anus was the most frequently avoided area, with 34% of participants saying they disliked its stimulation during sex. Only 12% reported finding it pleasurable. The reasons weren’t just physical: shame, embarrassment, and cultural stigma played an outsized role in aversion.
“These emotional responses underscore the need for more open, nonjudgmental conversations about sexuality,” the authors noted.
Age Makes a Difference
Younger participants reported more pleasure across more zones, suggesting that age-related hormonal changes, sexual norms, or both may influence how and where pleasure is experienced. Many participants were likely in perimenopause or menopause, when changes in estrogen can impact genital sensitivity and libido.
They also challenge tired assumptions about female pleasure. While the clitoris is (rightly) praised, this study shows other zones—like the introitus or anterior vaginal wall—are also important to many women and deserve more clinical and cultural attention.
On the flip side, aversive zones offer a rare glimpse into why certain types of touch feel uncomfortable or even distressing, whether due to pain, trauma, or just personal preference.
It is important to note that while the study focused on common erogenous zones, anecdotally, women have shown to have many areas on their body that they found pleasurable. Nevertheless, this study reminds us that pleasure is deeply individual, thus listening and being aware to your partner’s response is what is most important.
J Stelmar et al. Anatomic maps of erogenous and aversive sensation zones of the breasts, vulva, and vagina: a questionnaire-based study. The Journal of Sexual Medicine (2025). https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdae143
