Quick summary: Most Brits are open to exploring non genital erogenous zones, yet knowledge gaps remain, limiting how couples use these areas to improve intimacy. Expanding focus beyond penetrative sex can reduce performance anxiety and support better mental health, particularly for those experiencing erectile dysfunction. For healthcare practice and public health messaging, promoting broader sexual awareness may help normalise communication, improve relationship satisfaction, and reduce stigma around sexual difficulties.

A survey by LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor found that 61% of Brits have explored non-genital erogenous zones to enhance intimacy, with 80% feeling comfortable discussing them as an alternative way to build closeness. But 60% believe there are fewer than 10 erogenous zones, while only 6% correctly identify that there are over 30.

Sex therapist Georgina Vass, who partnered with LloydsPharmacy, explains: “Erogenous zones are sensitive areas of the body which often elicit sexual arousal and pleasure when stimulated and/or looked at. Some zones tend to be the most common, but they also vary from person to person because bodies and desires vary.”

Experts have identified 44 erogenous zones, which include the scalp, hair, eyes, temples, cheeks, mouth, lips, ears, nape of neck, shoulder blades, upper back, upper arms, armpits, breasts, chest, nipples, lower stomach, belly button, forearms, inner wrists, hands, palms, fingertips, sides, lower back, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, back of thighs, inner thighs, bottom of feet, toes, pubic hairline, behind knees, clitoris, vagina, A-spot, G-spot, cervix, glans, frenulum, foreskin, scrotum, testicles, perineum, and prostate.

Vass notes: “There are so many ways to experience sexual pleasure and intimacy that do not rely on penetrative sex. Exploring non-genital erogenous zones and broadening the sexual landscape beyond the genitals can lead to new, fulfilling sexual experiences, especially for those couples who may be dealing with sexual dysfunction.”

The top 10 non-genital erogenous zones Brits find most stimulating are the neck (69%), inner thighs (49%), ears (33%), lower back (26%), scalp (15%), inner wrists (14%), bottom of feet (10.4%), palms (10.4%), belly button (10.2%), and behind the knee (9.8%).

Vass explains: “Non-genital erogenous zones like the lips, ears, neck, and toes can be highly sensitive due to sensory receptors and nerve endings. Nibbling, kissing, sucking, or licking these areas may be incredibly erotic, which can contribute to sexual pleasure and intimacy. Hands are an erogenous zone, so even holding hands can be incredibly arousing for some.”

Stress and anxiety around sexual performance can lead to issues like erectile dysfunction, which 38% of men surveyed reported experiencing. Of those, 19% said exploring non-genital erogenous zones helps, and 41% are open to trying it. In some cases, individuals may also consider adjunct options such as devices for male physical enhancement as part of a broader approach to managing performance-related concerns.

The top five non-genital erogenous zones men find effective for pleasure and intimacy when facing erectile dysfunction are the neck (25%), inner thighs (24%), prostate (18%), ears (9%), and lower back (6%).

Vass advises: “Shifting the focus from symptoms of erectile dysfunction is helpful to reduce performance anxiety, and focusing on other erogenous zones outside of the genitals can be a great way to do this. Erogenous zones are rich in nerve endings, making them sensitive to touch, and studies have shown that tactile stimulation of practically all bodily regions may trigger sexual arousal, creating a build-up of excitement that both relaxes your partner and contributes to a more satisfying sexual experience.”

She offers five expert tips for couples navigating erectile dysfunction. First, get creative and change the narrative: “Change your thoughts like you would change a radio station. Have a look at erogenous zone maps, reflect upon what you find arousing, and share it with your partner. Remember, the brain is the biggest sexual organ, so just opening up the conversation can kickstart those neurotransmitters in the brain that influence pleasure.”

Second, experiment: “How do you know what may be arousing and generate intimacy if you have not tried it? Contemplate what your masturbatory fantasies are, and if there is a version of that you could enact or share with your partner. Alternatively, try roleplay, integrate some dirty talk or sext with an intentional focus on non-genital areas, or create an arousing video or voice note. Simple acts like making out or staring into each other’s eyes uninterrupted for two minutes can be incredibly powerful.”

Third, be intentional with intimacy: “Commit to consistent times for intimacy, even if it is just watching a comedy special on the couch together. When was the last time you simply made out? Even staring into each other’s eyes uninterrupted for two minutes can be incredibly powerful.”

Fourth, communicate openly: “No one can read our minds. Most people do not have a lot of skill or confidence in communicating their sexual desires, and it is very easy for misunderstandings to occur through making assumptions. An effective way to cut through that is by having honest communication with your partner, which may lead to strengthening your bond and building intimacy.”

Finally, do not underestimate the power of physical touch: “Humans need physical touch, it promotes our physical and mental wellbeing in a variety of ways. Having regular non-sexual physical intimacy is beneficial to the individual and the overall relationship, potentially contributing to a relationship environment in which sexual activity may also flourish.”

Vass concludes: “Sexual satisfaction does not begin and end with an erection. For couples dealing with erectile dysfunction, the journey into the body’s broader pleasure map may be the key to deeper intimacy and renewed confidence.”