Editing Sex position (section)

==Exclusively penetrative==
These positions involve the insertion of a phallic object(s) (such as a penis, [[strap-on dildo]], plug, or other [[Sex toy#Flesh-like materials used in sex toys|nonporous object(s)]]) into a vagina, anus or mouth.

[[File:Sexual scene at a red-figure tondo of a kylix at the Museo nazionale (Tarquinia).jpg|thumb|Tondo of an [[Attica|Attic]] [[Red-figure pottery|red-figure]] [[Kylix (drinking cup)|kylix]] by the [[Triptolemos Painter]], {{circa|470 BC}}, [[Tarquinia]] National Museum]]

===Penetrating partner on top with front entry===
{{See also|Missionary position}}
In the [[missionary position]], the participants face each other. The receiving partner lies on their back with legs apart, while the penetrating partner lies on top. This position and the following variations may be used for [[Sexual intercourse|vaginal]] or [[Anal sex|anal intercourse]].

*The penetrating partner stands in front of the receiving partner, whose legs dangle over the edge of a bed or some other platform like a table.<ref name="colville">{{cite book |last1=Nafzawi |first1=Muhammad ibn Muhammad al |last2=Colville |first2=Jim |title=The Perfumed Garden of Sensual Delight |volume=7|date=13 October 2013 |publisher=Kegan Paul International |isbn=978-0-7103-0644-9 |language=Arabic}}</ref>
*With the receiving partner's legs lifted towards the ceiling and resting against the penetrating partner, this is sometimes called the ''butterfly position''. This can also be done as a kneeling position.
*The receiving partner lies on their back. The penetrating partner stands and lifts the receiving partner's pelvis for penetration. A variant is for the receiving partner to rest their legs on the penetrating partner's shoulders.
*The receiving partner lies on their back, legs pulled up straight and knees near to the head. The penetrating partner holds the receiving partner's legs and penetrates from above.
*Similarly to the previous position, but the receiving partner's legs need not be straight and the penetrating partner wraps their arms around the receiving partner to push the legs as close as possible to the chest. Called ''the stopperage'' in Burton's translation of ''[[The Perfumed Garden]]''.<ref name="perfumed garden">''The Perfumed Garden'', Shaykh Nefwazi {{sic}}, translated by Sir Richard Francis Burton, 1886. [http://www.sacred-texts.com/sex/garden/ full text available at Internet Sacred Text Archive] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060903185700/http://www.sacred-texts.com/sex/garden/ |date=2006-09-03 }}</ref>
*The ''[[coital alignment technique]]'', a position where a woman is vaginally penetrated by a man, and the penetrating partner moves upward along the woman's body until the penis is pointing down, the dorsal side of the penis now rubbing against the clitoris.<ref name="grinding">{{cite web |last1=Castleman |first1=Michael |title=Easier Orgasms for Women in the Missionary Position |url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/all-about-sex/201010/easier-orgasms-women-in-the-missionary-position |website=Psychology Today |access-date=19 February 2021 |date=17 October 2010 |quote=Enter the "coital alignment technique" (CAT). It was first introduced back in 1988 by sex researcher Edward Eichel, who claimed that it helped women have orgasms during missionary-position sex. The CAT is deceptively simple: Instead of the man lying on top of the woman chest-to-chest with his penis moving more or less horizontally, the man shifts himself forward so that his chest is closer to one of her shoulders. As a result, his penis moves more up and down. In other words, the man rides higher on the woman's pelvis, and the bony base of his penis makes more contact with the woman's clitoris.}}</ref>
*The receiving partner crosses their feet behind their head (or at least puts their feet next to their ears), while lying on their back. The penetrating partner then holds the receiving partner tightly around each instep or ankle and lies on the receiving partner full-length. A variation is to have the receiving partner cross their ankles on their stomach, knees to shoulders, and then have the penetrating partner lie on the receiving partner's crossed ankles with their full weight. Called the ''Viennese oyster'' by ''[[The Joy of Sex]]''.<ref name="joy">Comfort, Alex, ''The Joy of Sex: Fully Revised & Completely Updated for the 21st Century''. Crown. Fully rev. ed., 2002. {{ISBN|1-4000-4614-9}}, 256 pages.</ref>

===Penetrating from behind===
[[File:Wiki-dstyle.png|thumb|A rear-penetration position, commonly referred to as '[[doggy style]]']]
[[File:A tergo - doggy style - lying sex position.png|thumb|Doggy style in the lying position]]

Most of these positions can be used for either vaginal or anal penetration. Variants include:
*The receiving partner is on all fours with their torso horizontal and the penetrating partner inserts either their penis or sex toy into either the vagina or anus from behind.<ref name= Rogiere>Rogiere, Jean, ''The Little Book of Sex''. Ulysses Press, 2001. {{ISBN|1-56975-305-9}}, 96 pages.</ref>
*The receiving partner's torso is angled downwards and the penetrating partner raises their own hips above those of the receiving partner for maximum penetration.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
*The penetrating partner places their feet on each side of the receiving partner while keeping their knees bent and effectively raising up as high as possible while maintaining penetration. The penetrating partner's hands usually have to be placed on the receiving partner's back to keep from falling forward.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.sexinfo101.com/bulldog.shtml
|title=Bulldog Sex Position
|publisher=SexInfo101.com
|access-date=2015-01-08
|archive-date=2015-01-08
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108131751/http://www.sexinfo101.com/bulldog.shtml
|url-status=live
}}</ref>
*The receiving partner kneels upright while the penetrating partner gently pulls the receiving partner's arms backwards at the wrists towards them.

In the ''[[spoons sex position|spoons position]]'' both partners lie on their side, facing the same direction.<ref name="sex for dummies">[[Ruth Westheimer|Westheimer, Ruth K.]], ''Sex for Dummies''. For Dummies. 2nd ed., 2000. {{ISBN|0-7645-5302-X}}, 432 pages.</ref> Variants of this technique include the following:
*The receiving partner lies on their side. The penetrating partner kneels and penetrates from behind. Alternatively, the penetrating partner can stand if the receiving partner is on a raised surface.
*The receiving partner lies facing down in [[prone position]], possibly with their legs spread. The penetrating partner lies on top of them.<ref name="little book">Rogiere, Jean, ''The Little Book of Sex''. Ulysses Press. 2001. {{ISBN|1-56975-305-9}}.</ref> The placement of a pillow beneath the receiving partner's hips can help increase stimulation in this position.
*The receiving partner lies face down, knees together. The penetrating partner lies on top with spread legs.
*The receiving partner lies on their side with their uppermost leg forward. The penetrating partner kneels astride the receiver's lowermost leg.

===Receiving partner on top===
{{See also|Woman on top}}
[[File:Wiki-cowgirl.png|thumb|The [[cowgirl sex position|'cowgirl' position]]]]

Most of these positions can be used for either vaginal or anal penetration.
When the receiving partner is a woman, these positions are sometimes called the ''woman on top'', or ''cowgirl'' positions.

A feature of these positions is that the penetrating partner lies on their back with the receiving partner on top:
*The receiving partner can [[kneel]] while straddling the penetrating partner, with the participants facing each other.
*Alternatively, the receiving partner can face away from the penetrating partner. This position is sometimes called the ''[[Woman on top#Reverse cowgirl position|reverse cowgirl]]'' position.
*The receiving partner can arch back with hands on the ground.
*The receiving partner can [[Squatting position|squat]] (instead of kneel) facing the penetrating partner.
*The receiving partner can bring forward their knees against the ground.
*The penetrating partner lies with their upper back on a low table, couch, chair or edge of bed, keeping their feet flat on the floor and back parallel to floor. The receiving partner straddles them, also keeping their feet on the floor. Receiving partner can assume any of various positions.
*The ''[[lateral coital position]]'' was recommended by [[Masters and Johnson]], and was preferred by three quarters of their heterosexual study participants after having tried it. The position involves the male on his back, with the female rolled slightly to the side so that her pelvis is atop his, but her weight is beside his.<ref>{{Cite book | publisher= Little Brown and Company | edition=1st | date=June 1970 | isbn=0-316-54985-1 | title=Human Sexual Inadequacy | last=Masters | first=Johnson | page=54}}</ref> This position can also be used for anal penetration, and is not limited to heterosexual partners.

===Sitting and kneeling===
[[File:Wiki-sitting-sp.png|thumb|A couple performing sexual intercourse from a seated position, called the ''lotus position'' or ''lotus flower'']]
Most of these positions can be used for either vaginal or anal penetration.
*The penetrating partner sits on an area surface, legs outstretched. The receiving partner sits on top and wraps their legs around the penetrating partner. Called ''pounding on the spot'' in the Burton translation of ''[[The Perfumed Garden]]''.<ref name="perfumed garden"/> If the penetrating partner [[Lotus position|sits cross-legged]], it is called the ''lotus position'' or ''lotus flower''. The position can be combined with fondling of [[erogenous zone]]s.
*The penetrating partner sits in a chair. The receiving partner straddles penetrating partner and sits, facing the penetrating partner, feet on floor. This is sometimes called a ''[[lap dance]]'', which is somewhat erroneous as a lap dance typically does not involve penetration. The receiving partner may also sit in reverse, with their back to the penetrating partner.
*The penetrating partner sits on a couch or in a chair that has armrests. The receiving partner sits in the penetrating partner's lap, perpendicular to penetrating partner, with their back against the armrest.
*The penetrating partner kneels while the receiving partner lies on their back, ankles on each side of penetrating partner's shoulders.<ref name="perfumed garden"/>

===Standing===
[[File:Wiki-standing.png|right|thumbnail|One partner stands while holding up the other without a support, called the ''Suspended Congress'' in the ''[[Kama Sutra]]'' and ''Ekiben'' in Japanese]]

Most of these positions can be used for either vaginal or anal penetration. In the basic standing position, both partners stand facing each other. The following variations are possible:
*In the basic standing position, both partners stand facing each other and engage in vaginal sex. In order to match heights, the shorter partner can, for instance, stand on a stair or wear high heels. It may be easier to maintain solid thrusts if the woman has her back to a wall. With such a support, the ''[[Kama Sutra]]'' calls this position the ''Suspended Congress''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kamasutra-sex.org/text/ |title=Kama Sutra – the ancient art of love |publisher=Kamasutra-sex.org |access-date=2010-04-19 |archive-date=2008-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906051834/http://www.kamasutra-sex.org/text/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> This position is most often used in upright places, such as a wall in a bedroom or a [[shower]].
*The penetrating partner stands, and the receiving partner wraps their arms around his neck, and their legs around his waist, thereby exposing either the [[vagina]] or [[Human anus|anus]] to the man's [[Human penis|penis]]. This position is made easier with the use of a solid object behind the receiver, as above. To assume this position, it can be easier to start with the receiving partner laying on their back on the edge of a bed; the penetrating partner puts his elbows under their knees, enters them, and then lifts them as he rises to a standing position. In Japan, this is colloquially called the ''[[Ekiben (sexual act)|Ekiben]]'' position, after a specific bento lunch box sold at train stations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jslang.com/details.php?slangn=145|title=ekiben|publisher=JSlang]|access-date=2011-10-02|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425015152/http://www.jslang.com/details.php?slangn=145|archive-date=2012-04-25}}</ref>
*Alternatively, the receiving partner can face away from the penetrating partner which allows for anal sex. This position is varied by having the receiving partner assume different semi-standing positions. For instance, they may bend at the waist, resting their hands or elbows on a table.

===Anal sex positions===
[[File:Wiki-anal missionary.png|thumb|Anal sex between two men in the missionary position]]
{{See also|Anal sex}}
These positions involve [[anal sex|anal penetration]]: 
*[[Doggy style]] penetration maximizes the depth of penetration, but can pose the risk of pushing against the [[sigmoid colon]]. If the receiving partner is male, this increases the chances of stimulating the [[prostate]]. The penetrating partner controls the [[Pelvic thrust|thrust]]ing rhythm. A variation is the ''leapfrog position'', in which the receiving partner angles their torso downward. The receiving partner may also lie flat and face down, with the penetrating partner straddling their thighs. 
*In the [[missionary position|missionary]] positions, to achieve optimal alignment, the receiving partner's legs should be in the air with the knees drawn towards their chest. Some sort of support (such as a pillow) under the receiving partner's hips can also be useful. The penetrating partner positions themselves between the receiving partner's legs. The penetrating partner controls the thrusting rhythm. This position is often cited as good for beginners, because it allows them to relax more fully than is usual in the doggy style position.
*The [[spoons sex position|spoons position]] allows the receiving partner to control initial penetration and the depth, speed and force of subsequent thrusting.
*The ''[[Reverse missionary position|receiving partner on top]]'' positions allow the receiving partner more control over the depth, rhythm and speed of penetration. More specifically, the receiving partner can slowly push their anus down on the penetrating partner, allowing time for their muscles to relax.

===Less common positions===
<!-- T-square position redirects here -->
[[File:Wiki-T-square.png|thumb|The T-square position]]
[[File:Piledriver_Sex_Position_V1.jpg|thumb|A man and a woman having sex in the [[Piledriver (sex position)|piledriver]] position]]
These positions are more innovative, and perhaps not as widely known or practiced as the ones listed above.

*The receiving partner lies on their back with knees up and legs apart. The penetrating partner lies on their side perpendicular to the receiver, with the penetrating partner's hips under the arch formed by receiver's legs. This position is sometimes called the ''T-square''.<ref>{{cite web 
|url=http://www.menshealth.co.uk/sex/better/best-sex-positions 
|title=Three morning sex positions - Rise to the occasion with these pleasurable positions 
|publisher=[[Men's Health (magazine)|Men's Health]] 
|access-date=2015-01-05 
|archive-date=2015-01-06 
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106011703/http://www.menshealth.co.uk/sex/better/best-sex-positions 
|url-status=live 
}}</ref>

*The receiving partner's legs are together turning to one side while looking up towards the penetrator, who has spread legs and is kneeling straight behind the other's hips. The penetrator's hands are on the other's hips. This position can be called the ''modified T-square''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sensualinteractive.com |title=Welcome to Sensual Interactive – Your Sensual Resource Network |publisher=Sensualinteractive.com |access-date=2010-04-19 |archive-date=2017-10-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018010558/http://www.sensualinteractive.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*The ''Seventh Posture'' of Burton's translation of ''[[The Perfumed Garden]]'' is an unusual position not described in other classical [[sex manual]]s.<ref name="perfumed garden"/> The receiving partner lies on their side. The penetrating partner faces the receiver, straddling the receiver's lower leg, and lifts the receiver's upper leg on either side of the body onto the crook of penetrating partner's elbow or onto the shoulder. While some references describe this position as being "for acrobats and not to be taken seriously",<ref>{{Cite book|last= Hooper|first= Anne J.|title= Anne Hooper's Kama Sutra|publisher= DK Publishing|edition= 1st|year= 1998|isbn= 1-56458-649-9|url-access= registration|url= https://archive.org/details/annehooperskamas0000hoop}}</ref> others have found it very comfortable, especially during [[pregnancy]].
*The ''[[piledriver (sex position)|piledriver]]'' is a difficult position sometimes seen in porn videos. It is described in many ways by different sources. In a heterosexual context, the woman lies on her back, then raises her hips as high as possible, so that her partner, standing, can enter her vaginally or anally. The position places considerable strain on the woman's neck, so firm cushions should be used to support her.
*The receiver lies face down legs spread on the edge of the bed and parallel to the floor, while the penetrator stands behind, holding both legs.
*The ''rusty bike pump'' is similar to a piledriver where penetration is achieved from above at a downward angle with the receiving partner bottom side up.

====Others====
*The receiving partner is on the bottom. The penetrating partner lies on top perpendicularly to them.
*The penetrating partner lies on their back, legs spread. The receiving partner is on their back on top of the penetrator, legs spread, facing the opposite direction.
*The penetrator and the receiver lie on their backs, heads pointed away from one another. Each places one leg on the other's shoulder (as a brace) and the other leg out somewhat to the side.
*The receiving partner lies on their back with the penetrating partner lying perpendicular. The receiving partner bends the knee closest to the penetrating partner's head enough so that there is room for the penetrating partner's waist to fit beneath it, while the penetrating partner's legs straddle the receiving partner's other leg. The in-and-out thrusting action will move more along a side-to-side rather than top-to-bottom axis. This position allows for breast stimulation during sex, for partners to maintain eye contact if they wish, and for a good view of both partners as they reach orgasm.
*The penetrating partner sits on edge of a bed or chair with feet spread wide on floor. The receiving partner lies on their back on the floor and drapes their legs and thighs over the legs of the penetrating partner. The penetrating partner holds the knees of the receiving partner and controls thrusts.

===Using furniture or special apparatus===
Most sex acts are typically performed on a bed or other simple platform. As the range of supports available increases, so does the range of positions that are possible. Ordinary furniture can be used for this purpose. Also, various forms of [[erotic furniture]] and other apparatus such as [[Sling (furniture)#Slings for sexual activity|fisting sling]]s and [[trapeze]]s have been used to facilitate even more exotic sexual positions.

===Positions to promote or prevent conception===
{{See also|Birth control#Misconceptions}}

Pregnancy is a potential result of any form of sexual activity where [[sperm]] comes in contact with the vagina; this is typically during vaginal sex, but pregnancy can result from anal sex, digital sex ([[Fingering (sexual act)|fingering]]), oral sex, or by another body part, if sperm is transferred from one area to the vagina between a [[Fertility|fertile]] female and a fertile male. Men and women are typically fertile during [[puberty]]. Though certain sexual positions are believed to produce more favorable results than others, none of these are effective means of contraception.

===Positions during pregnancy===
The goal is to prevent excessive pressure on the belly and to restrict penetration as required by the particular partners. Some of the positions below are popular positions for [[sex during pregnancy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pregnancy-info.net/sex_positions.html|title=Pregnancy Resource: Comfortable Sex Positions|publisher=Pregnancy-info.net|access-date=2010-04-19|archive-date=2021-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308070453/https://www.pregnancy-info.net/sex_positions.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

*Woman on top: takes the pressure off the woman's abdomen and allows her to control the depth and frequency of thrusting.
*Woman on back: like the missionary, but with less pressure on abdomen or uterus. The woman lies on her back and raises her knees up towards her chest. The partner kneels between her legs and enters from the front. A pillow is placed under her bottom for added comfort.
*Sideways: also keeps pressure off her abdomen while supporting her uterus at the same time.
*Spooning: very popular positions to use during the late stages of pregnancy; allowing only shallow penetration and relieves the pressure on the abdomen.
*Sitting: she mounts the sitting partner, relieving her abdomen of pressure.
*[[Doggy style|From behind]]: allowing her to support abdomen and breasts.