15 Missionary Sex Positions That Are Anything but Boring
Men's Journal
·18 min read
Missionary sex position might be one of the most common—not to mention best sex positions—in our repertoire, but it's also among the most versatile. With some tweaks and unexpected enhancements, missionary sex position variations can also be the best sex positions for women.
“Most vulva-owners need clitoral stimulation, not just penetration, to orgasm,” says Holly Richmond, Ph.D., certified sex therapist. "During standard missionary sex, there's an undeniable lack of clitoral stimulation unless using sex toys, the male grinds against the clitoris instead of thrusts, or he uses his fingers."
We're in favor of sex positions that close the orgasm gap—the disparity between men and women and the frequency and consistency of their orgasms. In 2022, 95 percent of men reported almost always climaxing during sex, compared to just 25 percent of women, per Statista.
There are plenty of ways to switch things up to ensure missionary sex positions are pleasurable for both partners. And we're here to show you how. Here are 15 variations on the traditional position and 15 tips to really heat things up.
What Is Missionary Sex Position?
Missionary position involves the penetrative partner being on top while the receiving partner lies on their back underneath. It's traditionally a penile-vaginal sex position, where the partners face each other, but you can shake things up with small and large changes.
15 Missionary Sex Position Variations
15 Tips to Make Missionary Sex Hotter
1. Make Eye Contact
“It’s amazing how often I speak with couples who don’t make eye contact during sex, especially missionary,” says Richmond, who says this is her favorite way to intensify the position. She calls it “eye-gazing.” By simply looking into your partner’s eyes, you can increase the emotional and physical connection.
Try it with all 15 missionary sex position variations above
2. Wrap the Receiver's Legs Around the Giver
Have the receiver wrap their legs around the penetrative partner so they can pull in closer for deeper penetration, suggests Sarah Riccio, sex expert at Delicto.com. It's a simple way to get greater friction and intimacy.
Try it with Missionary With Cock Ring
3. Put the Receiver's Legs Over the Giver's Shoulders
The receiving partner can prop their legs up on the giver’s shoulders for extra G-spot stimulation and deeper penetration.
Try it with Folded Missionary, Legs-Up Anal, Sunday Afternoon,Edge of the Bed, Seashell, and Mermaid
4. Tuck the Receiver's Knees Into Their Chest
When the receiver brings their knees into their chest, it changes the angle for deeper penetration.
Try it with Pirate's Bounty
5. Kneel Instead of Lying Down
Instead of the penetrative partner leaning or lying over the receiving partner, they can stay kneeling in an upright position. This provides better sight lines to gaze over their partner's body as well as control to move their legs in various ways, advises Richmond.
Try it with Eagle Position,Open Book, Pirate's Bounty, and Bridge
6. Stand
Missionary against a wall or in the shower ticks the box of fantasy play and switches up the sensation of traditional missionary. Just make sure your and your partner are supported.
Try it with Edge of the Bed, Mermaid, and Standing Missionary
7. Incorporate a Pillow
Another way to quickly alter the receiver’s position (while still having them lyying flat on their back) is to place a pillow or sex wedge under their hips. This changes the angle of penetration and will increase G-spot stimulation, says Melissa Cook, AASECT-certified sex therapist.
Try it with Missionary With a Wedge
8. Try a Vibrating Wand
Vibrating bullets and wands are easy to hold, and thus Riccio’s preferred sex toy for missionary position. She suggests a vibrating wand with a longer handle like the Magic Wand so the extended handle gives you more reach. “The receiver can lie back and hold it, or pass it to their partner to hold,” says Riccio.
Try it with traditional Missionary, Edge of the Bed, and Eagle Position
9. Use a Wearable, Hands-Free Toy for Vulva-Owners
Though toys can be fun, sometimes they can prove a nuisance to maneuver, especially in a position where the bodies are so firmly pressed together. For this reason, Richmond suggests a wearable, hands-free device like Dame Products Eva. “It fits snuggly on the vulva so she can enjoy penetration and clitoral stimulation at the same time.”
Try it with all 15 missionary sex position variations above
10. Use a Wearable, Hands-Free Toy for Penis-Owners
Vibrating cock rings enhance not only the male orgasm, but also the female experience since there's penetration from the penis plus vibrations from the toy against the clitoris.
Try it with all 15 missionary sex position variations above
11. Incorporate Sensory Play
Try using a blindfold and have the dominating partner surprise with kisses, dirty talk, clitoral stimulation, and nipple play, suggests Natassia Miller, founder and CEO of Wonderlust.
Try it with Missionary With Cock Ring and Missionary With Wedge
12. Change Your Scenery
“Switch things up by doing it elsewhere, such as on the couch, kitchen counter, or chair,” says Miller. It can change your mindset and keep sex from feeling routine.
Try it with all 15 missionary sex position variations above
13. Stimulate the Nipples
“Play with each other’s nipples, finding what you each prefer by gently sucking, biting, or tickling on them,” says Miller.
Try it with Reverse Missionary, Edge of the Bed, Pirate's Bounty, Standing Missionary, Sunday Afternoon, and Mermaid
14. Incorporate Anal Play
Have one or both partners wear a butt plug during missionary position, suggests Miller. If you're new to anal play, opt for Bellesa Anal Training Kit. You can also simply lube up a finger.
Try it with all missionary sex position variations except Legs-Up Anal
15. Slow Down
When you take your time, sensations are intensified and it gives you more time to work over other areas of the body.
Try it with all 15 missionary sex position variations above