Let's be honest, almost everyone has typed some version of "best sex position for intercourse" into a search bar at least once. Whether you are keen to shake up a routine or just curious what the fuss is about, it is one of the most searched topics in sexual wellness and for good reason.
The truth is, there is no single position that works best for everybody. Flexibility, comfort, anatomy and what actually feels good all play a part. What we can do is look at what the research says. In this blog, DirectMeds will walk through 10 well studied sex positions for intercourse and a few practical & doctor informed tips for finding what works for you and your partner.
A quick fact check about frequency: According to the largest sexual behavior survey in Australia, heterosexual people have sex approximately 1.4 times per week as opposed to 1.8 times per week back in the day, and 14.6% of the surveyed participants have not had sex in the last four weeks. To put it differently, there is no “normal” that you should measure yourself against. What is more important than frequencies is the ability to find positions and rhythms that satisfy the partners.
10 Sex Positions at a Glance
Before we go into more details, let’s see some plain information about what the 10 positions are good for and the intensity of their application.
Position | Best For | Penetration Depth | Effort Level |
Missionary (Elevated) | Intimacy, eye contact, beginners | Moderate | Low |
Coital Alignment Technique (CAT) | Clitoral stimulation, orgasm consistency | Shallow to Moderate | Low to Moderate |
Partner on Top | Control, clitoral contact | Adjustable | Moderate |
Reverse Cowgirl | G-spot angle, visual variety | Deep | Moderate |
Doggy Style (Rear Entry) | Deep penetration, G-spot/P-spot stimulation | Deep | Moderate |
Spooning | Low-exertion intimacy, pregnancy, back pain | Shallow to Moderate | Very Low |
Seated / Face-to-Face | Emotional connection, slower pace | Moderate | Low |
Standing (Wall Support) | Spontaneity, novelty | Moderate | High |
Edge of Bed | Lasting longer, PE management | Adjustable | Low |
Side-by-Side (Scissor) | Comfort, low exertion & sensitive sex | Shallow | Very Low |
What the Research Actually Says About "Best"
There is a lack of evidence supporting sex positions claimed in magazines and online discussions. A unique study called Doppler ultrasound was conducted, allowing the monitoring of clitoral blood flow in various positions to examine physical responses rather than opinions. One observation was that the positions leading to increased blood flow were associated with the face-to-face positions such as missionary and partner-on-top while 'always-on-all-fours' position prevented any blood flow increase due to minimal contact with clitoris.
Interestingly, the findings also correspond with a survey of 20,752 heterosexual partners from the Czech Republic. Again, the face-to-face position was quoted as the one that was most likely to lead to an orgasm compared to 'on-all-four position' and others.
Furthermore, research has shown disparity in orgasm frequency among men and women in coital situations. A major research of almost 25,000 people in the USA showed that the female orgasm frequency was at the level of 64%, while men achieved the orgasm in 85% of situations thus making the gap between two sexes equal to 22-30% depending on age categories considered in the study. The position used cannot close the gap but to a certain extent may help clitoral stimulation alongside penetration.
10 Sex Positions for Intercourse, Backed by Research
1. Missionary (Elevated Hips Variation)
The missionary position is generally perceived as boring, yet studies suggest otherwise. According to the study cited earlier about clitoral blood circulation, the face-to-face or male-on-top with a pillow under the woman’s back was one of the most exciting positions only slightly less exciting than female-on-top.
Bringing the pelvis up with the help of a pillow influences the angle of penetration, however, which means that the bottom partner feels more pressure on the clitoris spot. This is a simple modification of the missionary position which creates opportunities for those who want to spice up the game without changing the position completely.
2. Coital Alignment Technique (CAT)
The Coital Alignment Technique is an advanced version of missionary that was created in the 1980s by the psychotherapist Edward Eichel. Instead of just moving back and forth as in the classical form of the missionary position, the penetrating partner moves higher so that sexual contact with the clitoris is established.
According to several controlled trials conducted using CAT individuals practicing CAT have reported better consistency of orgasms during sex and more frequent simultaneity of orgasms. It may take some practice to coordinate in order to get the angle right. Nonetheless, this is one of the few positions that have been studied clinically and not just through word of mouth.
3. Partner on Top
With the partner on top in control of the angle, depth and the speed of penetration, the cowgirl position is one of the reasons why it is widely known as a good position to achieve orgasm. It allows for stimulation of the clitoris without having either partner's hands busy during penetration, and the ultrasound study showed that when it comes to stimulation of the clitoris, the cowgirl move is the most effective position.
Additionally, the cowgirl position is a great option for people with problems in the lower back, hips or fatigue in conjunction with the receiving partner because it lessens the burden on the partner lying down as opposed to other positions.
4. Reverse Cowgirl
Similar to the former position but facing the other way. The change of position directs the touch to the front vaginal wall where the G-spot stimulation is perceived to be the greatest. It also allows for deep penetration and gives control over the pace of sexual action to the partner. However, as here the degree of direct clitoral stimulation is lower, couples often combine this position with manual stimulation or other means of stimulation.
5. Doggy Style (Rear Entry)
The rear-entry positions guarantee deep penetration and always rank high on the physical intensity scale. It should be noted however, that the same blood flow study also states that kneeling was found to be the least stimulating position, giving almost no blood flow compared to face-to-face positions.
That does not mean that the position is unacceptable, it just means that it will not be successful in reaching orgasm for the partner without any additional stimulation.
6. Spooning
This position entails lying on one side with both partners in the same direction. The position is very convenient since it does not involve a lot of physical efforts and allows looking into each other's eyes and talking to one another. It is perfect for couples that have to deal with fatigue, joint pain, increased weight or pregnancy as it does not put pressure on the stomach.
7. Seated / Face-to-Face
This position is performed while sitting on a chair, edge of a bed or in cross-legged position. It appears that face-to face position is the favorite position of many Czech couples, since in this position individuals can have eye contact, remain close to each other and kiss each other during the process. This position is more about connection, than physical intimacy.
8. Standing (Wall Support)
This position requires some effort and is considered to be rather innovative of all. In this position, one partner is supported by the wall, thus making it stable. The position can work for quick encounters and can be performed outside the bedroom. However, it requires some strength from both partners, thus making it difficult to experience orgasm without added stimulation.
9. Edge of Bed
In this position one partner stays at the edge of the bed while the other partner stands or kneels. It is a good position for couples who are looking for a position for prolonged sex activity, since the standing partner can have better control over depth and angle and can stop easily compared to the positions where continuous effort is required.
10. Side-by-Side (Scissor)
In this position, both partners lie on their sides facing each other wrapping their legs around each other. This position allows shallow penetration and slow-paced sex making it a favorable option for people dealing with pain from deeper penetration or recovering from an operation.
Which Position Suits Your Goal?
A quick reference for matching a position to what you are actually trying to achieve.
Goal | Recommended Position(s) |
Higher chance of orgasm for the receiving partner | Missionary (elevated), CAT, Partner on Top |
Deep penetration | Doggy Style, Reverse Cowgirl |
Low physical effort / fatigue friendly | Spooning, Side by Side |
Managing premature ejaculation | Edge of Bed, Partner on Top |
Pregnancy-safe options | Spooning, Seated, Edge of Bed (with support) |
Emotional intimacy and eye contact | Missionary, Seated Face to Face & Spooning |
Sex Positions During Pregnancy: What Changes
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that sex is generally safe for women with normal pregnancies unless otherwise stated by their doctor [6]. The fetal membranes, the muscle walls of the womb, and mucus found in the cervix act as shield against penetration and recurrent uterine contractions typically do not lead to miscarriage or preterm delivery.
- Comfort is key: Spooning and upright positons put less pressure on a developing abdomen and are usually recommended after the second trimester.
- Don’t lie flat on the back: After about 20 weeks, lying flat can put pressure on an artery, causing dizziness, so elevated positions on the back or lying on the side is preferred.
- Always check with a physician: Certain conditions, such as placenta previa, premature births in the previous pregnancies or unexplained bleeding during pregnancy may prevent sex.
When It's Not Just About Position
Certainly, new positions may help to enhance the pleasure; however, in case you experience problems, such as problems with erections, pain during sexual intercourse, or inability to reach orgasm, no matter what position you use, those problems can never be fixed by new positions. Those are quite common problems and have quite simple solutions nothing to worry about. An AHPRA-registered doctor will help you to find out what causes such problems.
Free, confidential online assessment service is available at DirectMeds for erectile dysfunction in men and treatment, if needed, with discreet delivery via post (TGA approved products only).
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Sex Position for Intercourse
What is the best sex position for female orgasm?
With the help of the ultrasound measurement of the clitoral blood flow it was established that face-to-face positions (partner-on-top or elevating missionary positions) provided the best results in response to the highest levels of the stimulation, due to the increased direct clitoral stimulation. However, what really matters is your body and desires.
Which position allows the deepest penetration?
The most popular answers are doggy style and reverse cowgirl since they provide more directly angled penetration. If you feel uncomfortable with the deep penetration in doggy style, then the side-by-side or the missionary with legs together tends to feel gentler.
What is the coital alignment technique (CAT)?
CAT refers to the variation of missionary position where the inserting individual moves a bit upwards so that there is continuous stimulation of the base of the penis against the clitoris rather than through thrusting but rocking movements. It has been clinically associated with more reliable orgasm during sexual intercourse.
Are certain positions better for beginners?
Missionary and spooning seem to be the best starter positions for novices because they do not demand as much physical effort or skills as standing or reverse cowgirl.
What sex positions are safe during pregnancy?
Based on the recommendations from ACOG, most positions appear to be safe during a normal pregnancy, although spooning, sitting and side positions seem to be more comfortable as the pregnancy advances. The back position should be avoided once the pregnancy exceeds 20 weeks.
Which position helps with lasting longer during sex?
Those positions where the receptive or non-thrusting partner can control the rhythm of the movement like the edge of the bed or partner-on-top are popularly recommended along with other measures for controlling premature ejaculation.
Why is there an orgasm gap between men and women during intercourse?
Men claim they experience orgasms during sex at significantly higher percentages (70%–85%) compared to women (46%–58%) due to differences in the nature of the stimulation and not because of biological inability on the part of women to experience orgasms. Stimulation methods including both clitoral stimulation and penetration have proven to close the gap, according to PMC/NCBI.
Does changing position help if sex is painful?
It might. Shallow positions such as those involving sex face-to-face can help alleviate pain from deep penetration. It is, however, important to consult a doctor when experiencing consistent pain during sex as opposed to trying to accommodate it through positioning.