Dear Yvonne,
Are men’s nipples really that sensitive? I wouldn’t think so. What would make them so?
—Brad

Dear Brad,
In both men and women, the nipples are surrounded by the areola and consist of smooth muscle fibers that cause them to become erect, (like when cold or sexually excited). During sexual stimulation, the nipples fill with blood, becoming more sensitive to the touch in some individuals; male or female.

Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”

Are men’s nipples really that sensitive?  I wouldn’t think so.  What would make them so? -Brad

Dear Brad,
The sensitivity of a person’s nipples is very individual, regardless of a person’s sex. Both men and women may have nipples that are incredibly sensitive or that have no erotic response whatsoever. This gender similarity is due to the fact that the nipples of both men and women are surrounded by smooth muscle fibers that cause them to become erect, e.g., when aroused or cold. When stimulated, they fill with blood, becoming even more sensitive for some people.

While the stereotype is that men cannot have sensitive nipples, some men beg to differ. Many of them have nipples that are actually more sensitive than those of their female counterparts. Many of them enjoy nipple stimulation.

Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”