Sexual positions, or poses, refer to the various ways in which partners can position themselves during sexual activity to achieve different sensations, levels of intimacy, and stimulation. Here is a detailed overview of some common sexual positions, grouped by type:
- Basic Positions
Missionary Position: The most classic and widely known position. The receiving partner lies on their back while the penetrating partner lies on top, facing them. This position allows for deep penetration and eye contact.
Doggy Style: The receiving partner is on their hands and knees, while the penetrating partner enters from behind. This position allows for deep penetration and is often preferred for G-spot stimulation.
- Face-to-Face Positions
Cowgirl (Woman on Top): The receiving partner straddles the penetrating partner, who lies on their back. This position allows the receiving partner to control the depth and speed of penetration.
Reverse Cowgirl: Similar to the Cowgirl position, but the receiving partner faces away from the penetrating partner. This position offers a different angle of penetration and visual stimulation.
Spooning: Both partners lie on their sides, with the receiving partner’s back against the penetrating partner’s front. This position is intimate and allows for close physical contact.
Lotus: Both partners sit facing each other, with legs intertwined. This position is highly intimate, allowing for eye contact and kissing.
- Rear Entry Positions
Standing Doggy Style: The receiving partner bends over while standing, and the penetrating partner enters from behind. This position allows for deep penetration and can be convenient for spontaneous sex.
Prone Bone: The receiving partner lies flat on their stomach while the penetrating partner lies on top, entering from behind. This position provides deep penetration and close body contact.
- Seated and Kneeling Positions
Chair Sex: The penetrating partner sits on a chair while the receiving partner straddles them, facing either towards or away. This position is versatile and can be done in various places.
Kneeling Missionary: The receiving partner lies on their back with legs raised, while the penetrating partner kneels between their legs. This variation of the missionary allows for deeper penetration.
- Advanced and Acrobatic Positions
Standing Sex: Both partners stand, with the receiving partner often lifting one leg or wrapping their legs around the penetrating partner. This position requires balance and strength.
Wheelbarrow: The receiving partner supports themselves on their hands while the penetrating partner holds their legs and enters from behind. This position is physically demanding but can be very stimulating.
Butterfly: The receiving partner lies on their back on the edge of a surface (like a bed) with their legs raised and supported by the penetrating partner, who stands or kneels in front.
- Side-by-Side Positions
Scissors: Both partners lie on their sides facing each other with legs intertwined. This position allows for close contact and moderate penetration depth.
T-Square: The receiving partner lies on their back with legs spread, while the penetrating partner lies perpendicular to them, forming a T-shape. This position offers unique angles for penetration.
- Face-Sitting Positions
69: Both partners lie on their sides or one on top of the other, with heads at each other’s genitals. This position allows for mutual oral stimulation.
Face-Sitting (Queening): The receiving partner sits on the penetrating partner’s face, allowing them to perform oral sex. This position gives the receiving partner control over the pressure and angle of stimulation.
- Variations and Combinations
Legs on Shoulders: A variation of the missionary position where the receiving partner’s legs are placed on the penetrating partner’s shoulders, allowing for deeper penetration.
Bridge: The receiving partner forms a bridge by supporting themselves on their hands and feet, while the penetrating partner enters from a variety of positions. This is an advanced position that requires strength and flexibility.
Choosing the Right Position
The choice of sexual position depends on:
Comfort and Preferences: Both partners should feel comfortable and enjoy the chosen position.
Desired Sensation: Different positions stimulate various erogenous zones and provide different sensations.
Physical Ability: Consider flexibility, strength, and any physical limitations.
Intimacy Level: Some positions allow for more eye contact and physical closeness than others.
Sexual positions can enhance pleasure, intimacy, and excitement in sexual relationships. Communication with your partner about preferences and boundaries is key to ensuring a satisfying and consensual experience.