What is an ‘eargasm’? Doctor reveals why the ‘happy button’ gets triggered

It’s eargasmic!

Doctors have already seen all kinds of weird objects shoved in places they don’t belong for sexual pleasure, including a WWI explosive and an 8-inch deodorant can, but a medical expert recently confirmed that sticking things into your ears can lead some people to have an “eargasm.”

Dr. Karan Raj, a TikTok-famous UK doctor who’s known for sharing unusual facts and debunking medical myths on the app, responded to a video revealing that some people can experience “eargasms.”

“If I’m not supposed to put cotton swabs in my ears, then why did evolution put a happy button in there?” a woman asked in a TikTok video amassing 7.5 million views.

In the video, the woman appeared to experience orgasmic feelings after hitting the hidden spot with a cotton swab.

Raj responded with his own TikTok video noting, “If this happens to you you’re having an ‘eargasm.’”

The doctor explained that a branch of the vagus nerve — the main nerve of your parasympathetic nervous system that controls involuntary functions such as digestion and heart rate, and is connected to vaginal orgasms — extends into the ear. It ferries signals between the brain, heart and digestive system.

Massaging the vagus nerve in the ear can elicit a calming and euphoric effect similar to orgasms.

Raj also noted that, “It’s very likely that the erectile tissues in your ears engorge.” This means that “eargasms” may come in response to swelling in the ear canal the doctor described as “ear boners.”

“If you want to get freaky with your ears please do, just leave the Q-tips out of it,” he begged. Experts warn against using cotton swabs in the ear because it simply pushes wax deeper into the canal.

And it’s not just touching that can get the exciting involuntary response going, the right vibrations from music, singing, humming, gargling, yawning or chanting can trigger the reaction for some.

This phenomenon may explain why ears are erogenous zones for some exploratory lovers.

While the vagus nerve in the ear may feel really good to some, Raj noted that it could lead others to feel symptoms of a cold.

He explained that for some, the nerve triggers an “automatic cough” as their brain confuses the sensation as something in their throat. The two are connected by the vagus nerve.

This can also work in reverse sometimes with a throat irritation causing ear pain.

Earlier this year scientists recommended that women try using an “ear tickler” to manage pain from endometriosis. The device is a set of clips that are worn on both ears and connected to a small power pack, and it’s thought to be a safer alternative to surgery.

Endometriosis can causes heavy and painful periods, according to the Mayo Clinic. 

Researchers believe that stimulating a branch of the vagus nerve will interrupt pain signals reaching the brain as well as tone down inflammation.