Sex Position Names: Explore 9 Sex Positions

A sex position is any configuration that two or more people use to engage in sexual activity. A position indicates how each partner should arrange their body to allow for a particular placement or specific angle for stimulation. Trying new sex positions is a popular way to explore new sensations, increase trust and intimacy in a relationship, or get out of a rut in the bedroom.

Here are a few sex positions you can incorporate into your sex life:

1. 1. Against-the-wall oral: For sexually active partners interested in taking their sexual exploits away from the bed, there are plenty of positions you can use or adapt up against a wall, including a standing-sex version of the missionary position, doggy-style, or oral sex. To execute this variation on oral sex, the receiving partner stands with their back against the wall while the giving partner kneels in front of them at the level of their pelvis.
2. 2. Coital alignment technique (CAT): The CAT position (short for the coital alignment technique) is a variation on the missionary position. In missionary, each partner is approximately eye-to-eye, but in the CAT position, the penetrative partner rests slightly higher up so the penis or dildo points at a downward angle, stimulating the bottom partner’s vulva, clitoris, and pubic bone. In addition, the CAT position utilizes a rocking or grinding movement rather than a typical in-and-out thrust to maintain constant stimulation for the receiving partner.
3. 3. Cowgirl: The cowgirl position (also known as “cowperson,” since individuals of any gender identity may use it) is a sex position where the penetrative partner lies on their back, and the receiving partner straddles them, facing forward. The receiving partner can control the pace, angle, and depth of penetration. For instance, they can bounce while sitting upright or gyrate their hips while lying on their partner’s chest. This sex position is one of the most popular sex positions for those who require clitoral stimulation to climax because it allows the vulva owner to grind into their partner or use their hands to stimulate their clitoris.
4. 4. Doggy-style: An umbrella term, doggy-style is any sex position in which one partner bends over, either on their hands and knees, resting on their elbows, or resting on the edge of the bed. The other partner can stand or be on their knees, and they’re free to use their hands to hold onto their partner’s hips. Doggy-style is useful for penetration, whether in vaginal or anal sex, including with a penis, strap-on, finger, or vibrator. A rear-entry alternative to doggy-style is spooning, where both partners lie side by side with knees bent.
5. 5. Eiffel Tower: In this penetrative sex position for threesomes, all three partners stand. One person bends over to receive penetration from a penis or strap-on from behind, vaginally or anally, by the second person. The third person stands in front of the first person to receive oral sex. You can also try this position kneeling. Here’s a guide to additional sex positions for threesomes, including the daisy chain, double penetration, and group blow job.
6. 6. Lotus: A particularly intimate position, the lotus position (or yab-yum position) is a tantric sex position in which one partner sits in the other’s lap. In the lotus position, both partners face each other for deeper penetration or external stimulation. Each partner’s legs can wrap around the other’s body for increased closeness. One partner can try leaning back in the lotus position, which can be pleasurable for vulva owners since it offers deep penetration and more g-spot stimulation than the traditional upright lotus. (The g-spot is an area two to three inches inside the vaginal canal that, when stimulated, can lead to pleasure and sometimes orgasm.)
7. 7. Missionary: One of the most classic positions, missionary is a face-to-face sexual position in which the penetrating partner lies on top of the receiving partner. The penetrative partner can then control the speed and depth of penetration. In missionary, you can maintain sustained eye contact, allowing for an intimate experience between partners.
8. 8. Reverse cowgirl: Reverse cowgirl (or reverse cowperson) is a variation on the cowgirl (or cowperson) position. In the cowgirl position, the receiving partner straddles their partner and faces them; in reverse cowgirl, the receiving partner straddles their partner but faces away. Reverse cowgirl can incorporate external stimulation or penetration (using a penis, dildo, or other sex toys) of the receiving partner’s anus or vagina. The receiving partner can grind on their partner or use their fingers or a toy to stimulate themselves and their partner.
9. 9. Scissoring: In the most classic scissoring position, one partner lies on their back with their legs open, and the other person lies on their side so their genitals come together, forming a shape similar to two open pairs of scissors brought together. Scissoring is popular for vulva owners who enjoy external stimulation.

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