So you’ve mastered missionary and done it a bazillion times already. It may even be your go-to sex position by now. There’s nothing wrong with that (there’s a reason so many people are into it!), but if you’ve got the urge to switch things up, you’re not alone.
Remember: Experimentation and discovery are important parts of a healthy sex life, says Donna Oriowo, PhD, a Maryland-based sex therapist. “Our bodies are constantly changing,” Oriowo explains. “The things that we did when we were younger may not work for us in the same way as when we’re older.”
This means our bodies’ wants, desires and abilities will evolve naturally over time. “And we want to make sure that we’re able to take full advantage of that,” Oriowo says. So, the next time you’re about to have sex, instead of resorting to your go-to moves, why not try something a little more adventurous?
Meet the Experts: Donna Oriowo, PhD, is a Washington, D.C.-based sex therapist and founder of AnnodRight Therapy. Jenni Skyler, PhD, is resident sexologist for Adam and Eve and co-director of The Intimacy Institute.
If you’re into something more acrobatic, you can always give the Butter Churner or the Standing Wheelbarrow a whirl. Or, if you want a little more support during your next rendezvous, ask your partner to have sex Table-Top style. And if you want a full sensory experience, try the Scoop Me Up, so your S.O. can sneak in some neck kisses and caressing during sex.
Trust: These positions will elevate your sex game and result in the toe-curling, back-arching orgasm you’re looking for. Here are 16 new techniques to try, plus tips on how to take them from hot to downright fiery.
1. The Chairman
Shout-out to back support! If you want a position that’s pleasurable and comfy, this one’s a solid option, says Oriowo. But don’t take the level of comfort to mean the position is boring. “It’s great for viewing pleasure, especially if you do it in front of a mirror,” Oriowo adds. This way, you get to watch yourself getting off.
How to do it: The giving partner sits on the edge of the bed and the receiver sits on them, facing away.
2. Upstanding Citizen
Being eye-to-eye with your partner while making each other feel good is key for intimacy. Plus, there’s “that chest-to-chest aspect” that can take the sensations up a notch, says Oriowo. The best part? Once you’ve mastered this position in private, take it for a spin outdoors. “Maybe one day you can do this one with some clothes on in places where you’re trying to look discreet,” Oriowo suggests.
How to do it: The receiver straddles the giver, wrapping their legs around the other’s body (the giver keeps their knees unlocked and thighs spread slightly). The giver will stand and support the receiver in their arms. Start in a seated position and have the giver pick the receiver up without disengaging.
READ MORE: 15 Shower Sex Positions That Will Make You Actually Enjoy Getting Wet And Wild
3. Doggy Style
“I believe that doggy style is always in style,” Oriowo says. The key to making it less basic? Incorporate some backplay. People don’t realise how hypersensitive their back can be, she adds, so the next time you’re doing it doggy style, have the giver glide a feather along the receiver’s back during penetration. It’s guaranteed to hype up the sensation. And, as a bonus—this position guarantees easy hair access. “If you’re looking for pressure but not pain, grab from the root. And if you’re looking for a bit more pain in that pleasure, grab from the end,” Oriowo suggests.
How to do it: The receiver gets on all fours, then the giver kneels behind, with their upper body straight up or slightly draped over the other’s body (ya know, like a humping dog).
4. Scoop Me Up
Okay, okay, so this is basically spoon sex. But don’t underestimate the position. There are a few easy ways to turn up the heat—starting with ear and neck play. “I believe that sex should be a full sensory experience wherever possible,” Oriowo says. This position allows the giving partner to play into the receiver’s ear and neck sensitivity (via kissing or whispering) while they’re scooping them up and holding them close.
How to do it: Both partners lie on their sides, facing the same direction. The receiving partner brings their knees up slightly, while the giving partner slides up behind the receiver’s pelvis and enters them from behind.
5. The Good Ex
With this position, there’s an intense sense of “coming together” that creates serious intimacy, Oriowo explains. Plus, it’s an ideal position to give vulva owners clitoral stimulation by reaching down with their free hands and pleasuring themselves at the same time.
How to do it: Sit on the bed facing each other with your legs forward. The receiver should lift the giving partner’s right leg over their left and lift their right leg over their partner’s left. Come together and lie back so your legs form an X. Then, let slow, leisurely gyrations replace thrusting.
6. Butter Churner
“If you’re really into yoga, this a great position,” says Skyler. This seemingly awkward sex position actually allows for even deeper penetration (which can be better for smaller penises or strap-ons). To make it a little comfier, put a pillow beneath the receiver’s shoulders.
How to do it: The receiver lies on their back with their legs raised and folded over so their ankles are on either side of their head, while the giving partner squats and penetrates.
READ MORE: Exactly How To Seduce Your Man In 7 Easy Steps
7. The Pretzel Dip
Despite what the name suggests, there’s no food involved in this sex position (although, if you’re into that, why not up the creative factor?). Still, the Pretzel Dip is deliciously satisfying because it allows for deep, powerful thrusts—but at a sideways angle that feels totally different and hot. “It’s a really intimate position,” explains Skyler. “You have a lot of eye contact and you’re literally interwoven.” It’s perfect for couples who are looking for more depth of connection in addition to the physical stuff.
How to do it: As the giving partner kneels over the receiver, the receiver wraps one leg around the giver’s waist while the other leg rests under their butt.
8. Spider
Since you’re both controlling the movements here, you can rock back and forth to get into a satisfying rhythm that works for both of you. Truth be told, getting into this position might require some flexibility considering all that leg-over-leg action and hip spreading, Skyler says. But once you’re there, you can both lean back and let your pelvises put in work.
How to do it: Sure, it resembles the crab walk, but in a fun, sexy way. The receiver’s pelvis should be above the giver’s, while the receiver’s legs bend to the side of the other’s body.
9. Spork
“This is a great position that’s both sexy and relaxing,” Skyler says. The giving partner gets to take the reins with this one, and they’ll be rewarded with an awesome view of their partner’s body—especially their face. (Wild, yet intimate—does it really get better than that?) Plus, the receiver’s hands are free to explore their other erogenous zones.
How to do it: If you like the Spoon sex position, you’ll love the Spork. Instead of the receiver lying on their side, they’ll stay flat on their back while the giving partner positions their body at a 90-degree angle in between the other’s legs.
10. Snow Angel
Don’t let the innocent name fool you—this sex position will definitely make you feel totally naughty. Skyler recommends it for a partner with a particularly flexible penis or if you’re planning on incorporating some other toys (think: the partner on top reaching down with a dildo in hand). Plus, from this lying position, the receiver has easy access to fondle their partner’s erogenous zones. Not to mention, the giver’s pelvis is perfectly positioned to grind against their partner’s clit. Maybe try adding a little sexy butt massage to the mix, too.
How to do it: This is basically missionary position with an upside-down twist. The receiver lies on their back and has their partner straddle them, facing away. Then, the receiver lifts their legs and wraps them around the giver’s back to elevate the pelvis so they can enter. The receiver can grab their partner’s butt to help them slide up and back.
READ MORE: Exactly How To Seduce Your Man In 7 Easy Steps
11. Standing Wheelbarrow
Warning: This sex position is not for beginners! Think of this as downward dog with even better benefits—the deep-thrusting, G-spot-hitting kind. Skyler warns that it does require some yogi talent and shoulder strength to maintain this athletic position. But even if you’re only able to stay in this position for a little bit, it’ll definitely be an experience you’ll remember. If the pressure on the receiver’s arms gets to be too much, they can take some of that pressure off by resting their upper body on the edge of the bed or a table.
How to do it: The receiver gets into the downward dog yoga position and the giving partner sits at the end of a bed and grabs their partner’s legs so they can wrap them around their waist.
12. Cross Booty
Due to the nature of this position, you’ll feel more of your partner’s body in motion. Plus, receivers can always reach down to offer a little butt or leg massage while their S.O. thrusts. Pro tip: This is another solid position if you have a partner with a flexible penis or you’re using a dildo for the night. It also gives vulva owners the chance to feel new sensations on different parts of the vaginal wall, Skyler says.
How to do it: So you’re probably thinking, “Wait…how?” But here’s how this one’s done: The giving partner enters the receiver from the missionary position, then the giver slides their legs and chest off their partner’s body so the limbs form an “X” together.
13. Golden Arch
If you want a good view of each other’s bodies, consider adding this one to tonight’s activity list. “This is definitely a more intimate face-to-face position,” Skyler says. If your partner has a large penis, this position also allows you to really control the depth of penetration.
How to do it: Have the giving partner sit with their legs straight, while the receiver sits on top of them with bent knees over their thighs. Then, you both lean back and let the pleasure commence.
14. Table Top
Skyler recommends taking this one to the kitchen counter. “It’s a great position if you’re less athletic, but still want to be varied and kinky with intercourse,” she says. This steamy sex position puts you two at the same level (which is especially helpful if you’re different heights). Plus, it’s perfect for that “I need you right this second” quickie.
How to do it: The receiver can hop onto their bed, dining table, or really any surface they happen to be near in the heat of the moment. Then, they can bring their knees together and twist to one side. The giving partner enters from this position.
15. Valedictorian
This position will be amazing if your partner has great flexibility and hip mobility, Skyler says. It’s a tighter experience for both partners, plus it adds a sexy vantage point (do it by a mirror if you want to watch!)
How to do it: Such a small modification can make an intense impact. The receiver lies down in missionary with their partner on their knees, leaning back onto their heels. Then, the receiver raises one leg up against the giver’s chest while the giver enters.
16. Stand And Deliver
Sometimes, the bed is just too far away… especially if you’re both incredibly raring to go. Standing also offers a little more balance. Plus, it’ll allow the giving partner to offer a deeper sexual experience, especially if they have a smaller penis since the receiver’s legs will be closed, making penetration feel fuller, Skyler says. Major sensation alert!
How to do it: Both of you are standing. The receiving partner bends over and reaches toward their shins or toes while the giving partner enters from behind.
This article was first published by Alexis Jones, Kenny Thapoung, Meagan Drillinger and Sabrina Talbert on womenshealthmag.com.
