Up your foreplay game with these 9 erogenous zones that can turn anyone on

• Your scalp is loaded with nerve endings, so tugging gently on the hair can be unexpectedly arousing.
• Stimulating other erogenous zones like the inner wrist, small of your back, and lower abdomen can also turn you on.
• Though it may seem unexpected, your armpits can also be a powerful erogenous zone.

An erogenous zone is any part of your body that makes you feel sexually aroused when it's touched.

The most obvious erogenous zones are areas like your genitals or nipples. But touching other parts of your body, like your ears and inner thighs, can also make you feel aroused.

You can stimulate these erogenous zones to explore new feelings of pleasure on your own body or use them with your partner to try something different in the bedroom.

Here are nine erogenous zones you can try touching to bring sex to the next level - and the best ways to touch each one.

1. Ears

"Your ears have a lot of nerve endings, which can make them quite sensitive," says Vanessa Marin, MFT, a licensed sex therapist in private practice.

There are many ways to touch ears that can be exciting for you and your partner. "Try lightly caressing with a fingertip, nibbling on the earlobe, or tracing your tongue around the back of the ear," Marin advises.

2. Scalp

"Your scalp is loaded with nerve endings which is what makes it so sensitive to being massaged or having your hair stroked," says Jane Greer, PhD, a marriage and family therapist in private practice in New York City.

For some people, tugging gently on the hair can be a turn-on. Lighter scalp touches can be just as stimulating and may also help relax you in the bedroom.

"Just having your scalp and hair touched is extremely erotic as well as soothing," Greer says.

3. Back of the knee

Parts of your body that aren't often touched can be extra sensitive.

"While your knee is front and center, the back of it never sees the light of day and as a result the skin there can be extremely receptive to touch," says Greer.

You can stimulate the back of the knee by caressing the skin, giving soft kisses, or licking, Greer advises.

4. Inner wrist

The skin on your inner wrist is very delicate, Greer says, which may be why it is so sensitive to touch.

Greer recommends kissing the inner wrist or stroking the skin lightly and gently, as a subtle touch may be the most pleasurable.

5. Neck

"Generally the sides and the back of the neck are the most sensitive, but some people like the front of the neck along the collarbone," Marin says.

Marin suggests kissing your partner all along the side of the neck, leading up to the ear.

Some people may prefer the more intense sucking that causes hickies, but it's best to ask first, as others may want to avoid having marks.

If your partner has long hair, you can also flip their hair up and kiss or gently scratch along the hairline, Marin says.

6. Small of your back

The small of your back is full of nerve endings and muscles that connect to your buttocks. For this reason, a gentle kneading massage can feel great in this area.

A light, brushing touch with your fingertips can also be a turn-on, and you can tease your partner by moving steadily downward toward the top of the buttocks.

7. Inner thigh

There are multiple reasons why your inner thighs are especially sensitive.

"The skin on your inner thighs is less exposed to wear and tear and remains tender to the touch," Greer says, adding that the skin is loaded with nerve endings.

Touching the inner thighs is also arousing because they're so close to your genitals, which can make your partner feel more anticipation or create a teasing feeling.

"Stroking with your hands, or licking and nibbling with your mouth will all do the trick," Greer says.

8. Armpit

"Some people believe the armpits to be an erogenous zone because they may secrete pheromones, but this is still debated," Marin says.

Medical Term: Pheromones are chemical messengers that cause you to have hormone shifts and feel aroused when you smell them.

Though it may sound strange, this means that getting up close or smelling your partner's armpits may be a turn-on. Having your armpit touched can also be extremely stimulating, Marin says.

If you want to try touching your partner's armpit, it's important to ask first, as this spot can be particularly ticklish and uncomfortable for some people.

9. Lower abdomen

Your lower abdomen is another especially sensitive area, and touching it can have a teasing effect because it's just above your genitals.

"Some people like gentle licks and kisses, while other people find it to be way too ticklish," Marin says.

"Slowly work your way down from the chest, but pay attention if your partner starts laughing or twisting their body away," Marin advises.

Insider's takeaway

Touching erogenous zones like your neck or lower belly can be a great way to enhance your sex life and bring you and your partner extra pleasure. But just because an area is considered an erogenous zone, doesn't mean everyone will like being touched there.

"The most important thing to remember about erogenous zones is that we are all unique people with different bodies," Marin says. When trying out a new touch, it's best to go slowly and focus on feedback from your partner about what works for them.

Does masturbation help your immune system? An orgasm may have benefitsHow many calories does sex burn? Research says about 3 to 4 calories per minute - here's how to burn a little more10 benefits of a healthy sex life and how to talk about sex with your partner5 ways men can last longer during sex