In case you thought you'd finally learnt all there was to know about how women enjoy pleasure, you'd better think again.

Put clitoral and vaginal stimulation aside and focus your attention above her belt - more specifically, on her breasts - because, believe it or not, some women can enjoy a type of orgasm purely from having their breasts and nipples touched.

While it might sound implausible, research surrounding the topic suggests that there is some scientific explanation. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2011, sought to map out the brain's activity during genital stimulation using fMRI scans.

They found that stimulation of the areola (the nipple area of the breast) garnered a similar response in the area of the brain known as the genital sensory cortex as stimulating the clitoris, vagina and cervix.

 Interestingly, women's breasts swell up to 25 percent larger when they are sexually aroused making them more sensitive and receptive to pleasure.

It's worth pointing out that each woman has different preferences for breast and nipple stimulation which is likely to vary depending on what stage of their menstrual cycle they are in (since the breast can become quite sensitive at times during the cycle), so it's worth checking before diving in to tweak and twist enthusiastically.

MensHealth.com provides some useful advice for those seeking to improve their breast stimulation technique:

"Use manual stimulation in soft, full circles, saving the most intense sensation until the end. Oral stimulation's even better. Use constant suction or suction in combination with nibbles, licks, and tongue strokes. If you're not sure what she likes, ask her to suck on your tongue or lips (or on your breasts) to demonstrate."