- Sex positions that are good for women allow for more contact with the clitoris.
- Cowgirl is a great position because it allows the person being penetrated to be in control.
- The coital alignment technique is a variation on missionary that feels better for the woman.
- Visit Insider's Health Reference library for more advice.
The orgasm gap is no secret. Women are less likely to orgasm from sex than men.
In fact, a large 2017 study found that 95% of heterosexual men say they usually or always orgasm from sex, whereas only 65% of heterosexual women say the same.
Additionally, another 2017 study found that only 18.4% of female participants said sexual intercourse alone was enough to make them orgasm.
It's clear that when it comes to penetrative sex, women's genitals need a little more TLC than their male counterparts. When erogenous zones are stimulated the right way, all sorts of orgasms are possible – it just takes the right positions and add-ons.
Here are five sex-therapist-approved sex positions to help you (the person with a vagina) orgasm during sex.
1. Cowgirl
Cowgirl, or woman on top, is a classic position for womens' pleasure. In this position, you are in control of the motions and speed, so you can experience sex just the way you like it. Plus, your hands are free to stimulate your clitoris, which can help with orgasming.
"Show your partner how you like to be stimulated. Either self-stimulate in front of your partner, or take your partner's hand and show them exactly what you like. Your partner won't know unless you show them," says Jordan Rullo, PhD, certified sex therapist with health app Flo.
How to get into the position:
- Your partner lies flat on the bed.
- You climb on top of your partner and straddle them.
- Then, place your partner's penis or strap-on inside of you.
2. The coital-alignment technique (CAT)
CAT is a subtle variation of standard missionary position that may feel better for women. By switching up the angle of your pelvis, your partner's body will have more direct contact with your clitoris and the surrounding erogenous zone, amping up the pleasure.
Additionally, your partner should focus on slow, back and forth rocking movements, rather than fast in and out movements, so that with every motion, the clitoris is stimulated, says Rullo.
How to get into the position:
- Lie down on the bed with a pillow under your butt so your hips are angled upwards.
- Your partner gets on top of you, positioning themselves so the base of their penis or strap-on is touching the clitoris when they penetrate you.
3. Spooning
Spooning sex is great for female orgasms since it allows for direct access to the clitoris, either with you or your partner's hand, or a vibrator, says Courtney R. Padjen, PhD, LAMFT, sex therapist and director of the Centre for Sexual Wellness. Clitoris stimulation is key, and this position allows for plenty of it.
How to get into the position:
- You and your partner both lie down on your sides, so your partner is spooning you. (You should be the little spoon).
- Your partner adjusts their positioning so that they can penetrate you.
4. Inverted wheelbarrow
If you'd like to get a little more creative and acrobatic while you try to reach orgasm, Padjen recommends trying the inverted wheelbarrow.
"This is another position where there is direct access to the clitoris and the clitoris can be massaged by a hand or stimulated with a vibrator," says Padjen.
How to get into the position:
- Lie down on your back
- Your partner penetrates you while you lift your feet onto their shoulders or around their neck. (This can be done with both partners on the bed, or with you on the edge of the bed and your partner standing.)
5. Doggy style
If you love deep penetration, doggy style is for you. This position is also a good one for G-spot stimulation.
The G-spot is an erogenous zone inside the vagina, located about two inches deep on the front vaginal wall and is where the internal shafts of the clitoris can be stimulated.
If you want to try to have a G-spot orgasm, be sure that you're already highly aroused, Rullo says. Read: foreplay.
To stimulate the G-spot in a unique way, have your partner focus on moving side to side or rocking back and forth rather than fast thrusting motions, Rullo says.
On top of the G-spot action, there is also the option to take one of your hands to touch your clitoris or use a toy on it.
How to get into the position:
- Get on all fours. If it's more comfortable, you can lower down onto your elbows.
- Your partner kneels behind you and enters with their penis or strap-on.
Insider's takeaway
When it comes to orgasming during sex as a woman, most of the time, clitoral stimulation is very important.
Therefore, positions that allow for access to the clitoris are ideal. Play around with the positions listed above and see which works best for you.
Also, don't forget to communicate. Communication can make sex even better when you voice your desires and let your partner know what it takes to bring you to ecstasy.