While many of us are familiar with classic sexual positions like missionary or doggy style, have you ever heard of the "sexual alignment technique" or the "Eiffel Tower"?
There are countless ways to keep your sex life exciting, from exploring new sex toys to sending steamy texts, but one of the simplest and most effective ways is by changing up your sexual positions.
Research shows that couples who introduce variety into their sex lives are more likely to experience greater satisfaction. One of the best ways to add that element of novelty is by trying new and unique sexual positions.
In this article, we’ve curated a list of some of the best and most inventive sex positions, along with a breakdown of what makes each one stand out.
Classic Sex Positions: Revamping the Fundamentals
While many are familiar with classic sex positions like missionary and doggy style, these timeless positions often get a bad rap for being predictable or unoriginal. However, they can offer significant advantages when used in creative ways. With a few tweaks and some thoughtful attention, these classic positions can bring heightened pleasure and renewed intimacy into your sex life.
Research indicates that couples who introduce variety into their sexual experiences tend to have more satisfying and fulfilling relationships. One simple yet effective way to achieve this is by experimenting with new positions. In this article, we’ll delve into a few of the most beloved sex positions, highlighting their unique benefits and why they remain popular choices for enhancing intimacy and pleasure.
Missionary Position
Yes, the missionary position might seem like the most basic of all, but don't let its simplicity fool you—this position is often underestimated in terms of intimacy and stimulation.
How to do it: In this face-to-face position, the receptive partner lies on their back while the penetrating partner lies on top.
Why we love it: When the receptive partner is female, missionary allows for direct clitoral stimulation with every thrust, as long as the penetrating partner maintains the right angle. It’s a great position for enhancing intimacy, allowing for eye contact and close physical connection. Plus, it enables both partners to explore sensitive areas of the body, increasing arousal and pleasure.
What’s more, missionary is highly versatile. You can easily incorporate sex toys, such as a vibrator, or use a hands-free vibrating cock ring to intensify the experience for both partners.
Doggy Style
Though it may not have the most inventive name, doggy style is another position worth revisiting. While it doesn’t directly apply pressure to the clitoris like missionary, its unique benefits are undeniable.
How to do it: The receptive partner kneels or lies on all fours while the penetrating partner kneels behind them, entering from the rear.
Why we love it: Doggy style allows for deeper penetration and G-spot stimulation, offering more intense sensations than missionary. The partner doing the penetrating may not be able to directly stimulate the clitoris, but the receiving partner can easily use a hand or vibrator to enhance pleasure.
However, it’s important to practice safety, as there have been reports of injuries such as penile fractures during vigorous penetration. To prevent this, ensure both partners maintain a comfortable and controlled pace.
Cowgirl / Reverse Cowgirl
The cowgirl position, or "riding" position, gives the receiving partner complete control. This position works for both vaginal and anal penetration and can be a game-changer for those looking to take charge in the bedroom.
How to do it: The penetrating partner lies on their back, while the receptive partner straddles them, facing either forward or backward.
Why we love it: The cowgirl position flips the usual dynamic, putting the receptive partner in the driver’s seat. They control the speed, depth, and rhythm of penetration, making it an ideal choice for those who want to maximize their pleasure. For many women, this position is especially effective for achieving orgasm, as it allows them to find the optimal rhythm for clitoral stimulation.
In addition to providing full control, this position maintains intimacy, with both partners facing each other and allowing for eye contact. For added support, the receiving partner can rest their hands on their partner’s chest or thighs to assist with movement.
Reverse Cowgirl
Reverse cowgirl offers all the advantages of the cowgirl position but with a twist.
How to do it: The receptive partner straddles the penetrating partner but faces away from them.
Why we love it: Similar to cowgirl, reverse cowgirl lets the receptive partner control the speed and depth of penetration. However, the different angle offers deeper penetration and more intense G-spot stimulation. This position is ideal for those who enjoy a change of perspective, as it provides a more stimulating view and angle.
Additionally, the reverse cowgirl can be a great option for those who prefer to avoid eye contact during sex or feel more comfortable focusing on their own pleasure without the pressure of maintaining eye contact.
A fun variation involves having the penetrating partner sit up or recline against pillows, which opens up opportunities for exploring other sensitive areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, and breasts.
These positions are just the beginning of what can be a wonderfully varied and pleasurable sexual experience. The key is to stay open-minded and explore different angles, pressures, and movements to discover what feels best for both you and your partner.
The Wheelbarrow Position
A variation of the doggy-style position, the wheelbarrow involves lifting your partner’s hips for a deeper and more intense experience.
How to do it: The receiving partner gets into a push-up or downward-facing dog position. The penetrating partner stands behind them and lifts their hips, supporting their lower body during penetration. The receiving partner’s legs can wrap around the waist or remain elevated behind.
Why we love it: Aside from its impressive appearance, the wheelbarrow position allows for deeper penetration due to the downward angle of entry. The receiving partner can adjust the depth by bending or straightening their arms, adding an element of control and strength training to the experience. This position demands core and arm strength, making it perfect for couples who enjoy an active approach to intimacy.
The Pretzel
The pretzel combines the deep penetration of a rear-entry position with the intimacy of face-to-face contact, offering a unique angle for enhanced pleasure.
How to do it: The receiving partner lies on their side and raises one leg, while the penetrating partner kneels between their legs and straddles their lower leg. The receiving partner’s upper leg can either rest on the penetrating partner’s thigh or wrap around their torso.
Why we love it: This position offers deep penetration, similar to doggy-style, but maintains a face-to-face connection, enhancing intimacy. The angle allows for control over penetration depth, depending on the positioning of the receiving partner’s knees and chest. For added pleasure, consider using a vibrator on the receiving partner’s clitoris for simultaneous stimulation.
The Pile Driver
This position requires a high level of flexibility and strength but rewards with incredibly deep penetration, making it ideal for those seeking intense physical connection.
How to do it: The receiving partner lies on their back, lifting their legs over their head in a V-shape, keeping them there by holding their ankles or using their flexibility. The penetrating partner stands above and crouches to penetrate at a downward angle.
Why we love it: This position is challenging due to its demand for flexibility and strength, but the resulting deep penetration can stimulate the A-spot (an area of heightened sensitivity within the vaginal wall). The angled entry allows for maximum depth, making it ideal for stimulating the most sensitive areas and intensifying pleasure.
The Snake
Similar to a combination of doggy-style and spooning, the snake position allows for deep penetration while maintaining intimacy through physical closeness.
How to do it: The receiving partner lies face down, lifting their hips slightly. The penetrating partner lies above them, entering from behind while maintaining skin-to-skin contact.
Why we love it: The snake position blends the intimacy of spooning with the depth of doggy-style penetration. It allows for easy adjustments to the angle and depth by varying the height of the receiving partner’s hips or adding support beneath them. This position is great for couples looking to balance intimacy with intense stimulation.
The Alignment Technique
This position is designed to enhance alignment and maximize clitoral stimulation, making it especially effective for women seeking increased pleasure and a higher chance of orgasm.
How to do it: The receiving partner lies on their back with a pillow or cushion placed under their hips to raise their pelvis. The penetrating partner enters from above, supporting their body with their hands.
Why we love it: The alignment technique can increase clitoral stimulation due to the optimal angle created by raising the hips. Studies have shown that this position can help women achieve orgasm more frequently due to the increased pressure and blood flow to the genital area. It’s an excellent option for couples looking to enhance sexual satisfaction and ensure simultaneous pleasure.
69 Position
For those who want to explore simultaneous pleasure, the 69 position allows both partners to give and receive oral stimulation.
How to do it: One partner lies on their back while the other partner positions themselves above, facing the receiving partner’s genitals. Both partners engage in mutual oral sex.
Why we love it: The 69 position offers an excellent way to explore simultaneous oral pleasure without penetration. It’s a great alternative for those not ready for penetrative sex or for couples looking to enjoy foreplay in a new way. Variations like the side-lying 69 or using a sex swing can add a fun twist to this classic position.
Mutual Masturbation
If you’re not quite ready for oral or penetrative sex but still want to engage in intimate and fulfilling physical connection, mutual masturbation can be a satisfying alternative.
How to do it: Partners can lie side by side or face each other, masturbating together. Alternatively, they can take turns or engage in voyeuristic pleasure, with one partner watching as the other masturbates.
Why we love it: Mutual masturbation allows both partners to explore their own pleasure while staying intimately connected. It’s also a safe option for couples who are not yet ready for penetrative sex, offering physical satisfaction without exchanging fluids. Additionally, it can be an eye-opening experience, allowing partners to learn more about each other’s desires and preferences.
A Summary of Exploring Different Sex Positions
When it comes to keeping bedroom intimacy exciting, trying new sex positions can be a game-changer. Research shows that couples who are satisfied with their sex lives are more likely to incorporate new sexual practices into their relationship. This may include wearing sexy lingerie, indulging in sexual fantasies, taking romantic getaways, using sex toys, and exploring new positions.
The variety of sex positions is endless. You can sit, stand, lie down, or even engage in aerial sex — with or without props, solo, or with different genders and sexual orientations. It's impossible to list them all. The possibilities are as varied as the individuals themselves.
The Benefits of Trying New Positions
Experimenting with new positions not only makes sex more fun but also helps deepen emotional intimacy. Exploring new body angles and sensations can lead to more satisfying physical and psychological experiences for both partners. Changing positions or trying unique ones allows you to discover new ways to stimulate different erogenous zones and enhance pleasure.
If you and your partner have mastered the classic positions, small adjustments or entirely new positions can offer a fresh sense of excitement. Some positions may allow for deeper penetration and more direct G-spot stimulation, while others encourage eye contact and more intimate physical connection, increasing emotional closeness.
Whether it's through familiar positions or innovative new ones, sexual exploration is an exciting and rewarding activity. By trying different sex positions, you can not only enhance physical pleasure but also strengthen your bond with your partner. The diversity of positions ensures that every couple can find the one that best suits their needs, making sex life more dynamic and enjoyable. So, don't hesitate to experiment—whether it's tweaking traditional positions or stepping out of your comfort zone with something entirely new, exploring new positions is a key way to keep your relationship vibrant and fulfilling.