Of all the sex positions out there, each one brings something different to the table, sexually speaking. From positions that are ideal for limber couples, to ones that provide hardcore G-spot stimulation, to everything in between, there is a sex position out there for everyone.
Because there are so many sex positions to choose from, trying to cover them all can be taxing; believe me, I know, because I’ve tried. There are those that seem fantastic in theory (like 69), only to be a disappointment when you actually try them. Then there are others that might not seem so enticing when you think about them, but when put into motion, prove completely and totally magical — so much so that you can’t help but wonder how you lived your entire sex life without them.
Since you shouldn’t have to go another day without a position that just might be destined to change your world for the better, here are nine sex positions that are way better than you’d expect. Bustle spoke with Astroglide Ambassador Dr. Jess O’Reilly, sexologist and host of the Sex With Dr. Jess podcast, about what makes these moves so irresistible.
1. Sideways Straddle
How to do it: With your partner on their back with one knee bent, you want to straddle the bent knee while facing away from them. From here, lower yourself onto them and start grinding against them.
Why it’s better than you’d expect: There’s a reason why the sideways straddle is on the list for the best sex positions for the female orgasm: “It’s great for clitoral rubbing,” says O’Reilly. “Even squeezing their thigh between your thighs can be pleasurable and it goes back to a primal urge — humping and grinding.”
2. The Three-Legged Dog
How to do it: For this one, I’m going to suggest you find yourself a wall or something else that will give you the necessary support you need so you don’t fall over. (Then again, if you and your partner have impeccable balance, feel free to ignore this suggestion.) While standing and facing each other, have your partner lift one of your legs and either hold it with their hand or balance it in the crook of their arm. With your leg up, you can be easily penetrated from this angle.
Why it’s better than you’d expect: There’s something really primal about having sex while standing up, because once you’re able to do so without falling over, you can do it anywhere.
O’Reilly adds, “This one also allows for some side-to-side clitoral rubbing, and you can enjoy the intimacy and intensity of eye contact.”
3. Side By Side
How to do it: For this position, you want to both be lying on your side, facing each other. As you pull in close to them, inch your way up a bit so your pelvis is a little higher than your partner's. Next, lift your top leg to allow them to enter you. From here, you can wrap your leg around their waist to pull them in closer to you.
Why it’s better than you’d expect: When it comes to sideways sex, a lot of people think of the spooning position because it’s great for G-spot stimulation. With this version of sideways sex, you’re facing each other so you get the intimacy factor. “In this position, you can enjoy the pleasure of full-body contact, so make sure to explore all of your erogenous zones if you have a spare hand or two,” says O’Reilly.
4. The Bridge
How to do it: Starting in missionary for this one is the best way to get it going. But instead of just lying flat, your partner, while on their knees, grabs your hips upward so they meet their hips as they enter you. Your back should be arched a bit, with your feet flat on the floor.
Why it’s better than you’d expect: This position provides both leverage for them to thrust deeply, along with you being in control of how you want to rub your clitoris against them for stimulation. It’s basically a team effort and one that results in each person really enjoying themselves. Tip from O’Reilly: “Don’t feel like you have to engage your core — prop pillows beneath your back so you can relax and enjoy.”
5. The Cross
How to do it: With your partner on their side and facing you, swing your body around so you’re perpendicular to them, making a cross. From there, you can ease your body toward them until they’re inside you. If it sounds confusing, think of it as if you’re sitting on your partner’s lap — lying down. With your legs over their hips, you can both gyrate until you have a position that feels good — it may take a tiny bit of maneuvering before you nail the right position for this one.
Why it’s better than you’d expect: “This is a fun position to allow your hands to wander,” says O’Reilly. “Touch yourself, reach for a vibe, add some lube. Pinch, explore, tickle, trace, scratch, and tune into the sensations instead of counting positions or orgasms.” A lot of positions require work, but this one is all about lying down with your partner and just enjoying sex in a relaxed way.
6. X Marks The Spot
How to do it: Because you’ll be lying down and your partner will be standing, you’re going to need to find a surface where both your pelvises are at the same height — most likely a bed or kitchen table will do the trick. While lying down, lift your legs straight up, then cross them at either your knees or ankles — whatever is most comfortable — and have your partner enter you while holding your legs for support and leverage.
Why it’s better than you’d expect: “Crossing your legs can stimulate several hot spots depending on how tight you squeeze,” explains O’Reilly. “You might feel pressure against the hood and head of your clitoris or your labia. You may also feel a tighter grip along the penis or strap-on, and it may allow for more clitoral rubbing.” Bonus: When you cross your legs, you’re tightening up the muscles in your vagina, making this a perfect position for partners with smaller penises.
7. Sitting
How to do it: With your partner sitting crossed-legged, straddle them and lower yourself onto their lap. From here, wrap your legs and arms around them tightly while wiggling your hips a bit. Once everything is good to go, you can either bounce a bit or grind in circles against your partner, depending on what sensation you prefer.
Why it’s better than you’d expect: This position is super intimate — you’re not just completely wrapped around each other, but you’re facing each other, too, which means lots of kisses and a boatload of eye contact. “I always say that the best sex position is the one that feels more comfortable at the time,” says Jess.
8. The Snake
How to do it: Lie on your stomach while your partner enters from behind.
Why it’s better than you’d expect: O’Reilly says: “This is great position for rubbing and grinding against the mattress or your hand — or a toy — below. Many people learn to orgasm lying on their stomachs, so let your primal movements take over while you simply add a partner into the mix.”
9. Coital Alignment Technique (CAT)
How to do it: Missionary, but the bottom partner slides down a few inches so they can grind against their partner’s pelvis: Shuffle down and grind against their pelvis, or slide your hand in between as you squeeze your legs (some people like to point their toes) and grind upward with every thrust.
Why it’s better than you’d expect: “The combination of penetration, grinding and squeezing — and releasing — can lead to powerful orgasms,” says O’Reilly.
Source interviewed:
Astroglide Sexologist Jess O’Reilly, host of the Sex With Dr. Jess podcast
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