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- The best sex positions allow for closeness and deep penetration for maximum intimacy.
- Having sex in a spooning position gives you lots of freedom to touch your partner's body.
- Reverse cowgirl is also a great sex position that lets the penetrated partner take the reins.
- Visit Insider's Health Reference library for more advice.
If there's one thing there's no shortage of, it's sex positions. Ever since ancient times, humans have been coming up with sex positions that range from intimate to animalistic and everything in between. You don't always have to spring for the craziest positions to have great sex, though, and there are a handful of reliable positions you may not have considered.
No need to dig up the ancient Kama Sutra — here are six of the best sex positions, recommended by sex therapists.
1. Spooning Sex
How to do it: At its most basic, the partner being penetrated lies on their side while the penetrating partner spoons them from behind and enters.
Why it feels good: This position allows for a great combination of closeness and access.
"It allows for full-body contact between partners, plus the penetrating partner has full access to the vagina-owner's breasts, belly, and vulva," says sex & relationships therapist Stefani Goerlich, LMSW-Clinical, LISW.
This results in lots of caressing. Plus, since the penetrated partner is lying on their side with their legs closed, the vaginal canal feels tighter for the partner who's penetrating.
Who it feels best for: Both partners.
2. Reverse Cowgirl
How to do it: The penetrating partner lies flat on their back with their legs out straight. The partner being penetrated then straddles them, facing away. When straddling, the partner being penetrated places their knees on either side of the penetrating partner's thighs.
Why it feels good: The penetrated partner takes the reins with this position. "For the penetrated partner, this position allows them to control the pace, speed, and depth of the penetration, which can be great for people who might have anxiety around sex or simply be really particular about what works best for them," says Goerlich.
Plus, if the penetrated partner has a vulva, they can bend forward to help stimulate the G-spot. As a bonus, the penetrating partner has a great view during this position.
Who it feels best for: The partner being penetrated.
3. Supported Straddle
How to do it: The penetrating partner sits upright in be or in a chair. The partner being penetrated then climbs on top, facing their partner, and straddles with one knee on either side of the penetrating partner's thighs.
Why it feels good: Similar to reverse cowgirl, the penetrated partner gets to control the depth, speed, and pace, so they can make sure they're getting exactly what feels good for them. "This position is also great for kissing, long embraces, and maintaining eye contact, all of which help to stimulate the release of oxytocin, the bonding hormone," says Goerlich.
Who it feels best for: The partner being penetrated.
4. Triple Dog Dare
How to do it: Similar to doggy style, the partner being penetrated starts on all fours. But then they lower themselves down onto their forearms. The penetrating partner then enters from behind.
Why it feels good: This position is the modified version of doggy style that allows the penetrated partner to be on their forearms. This takes the strain out of their wrists.
This position feels good because the penetrating partner gets to control the speed and pace, and it generally allows for the deepest penetration. Additionally, the position enables some extra fun.
"This position allows for hair pulling and back-scratching by the penetrating partner, as well as giving the penetrated partner lots of room to engage in manual stimulation of their clitoris or perineum," says Goerlich. This is great for partners who, otherwise, struggle to climax during penetrative sex.
Who it feels best for: Both partners.
5. Coital alignment technique (CAT)
How to do it: The partner being penetrated starts lying down on their back with a pillow under the hips and butt so their hips are angled upwards towards their partner's body. This allows for more direct contact with the clitoris, says sex therapist Shannon Chavez, PsyD, CST. The penetrating partner gets on top, missionary style, and enters.
Why it feels good: CAT is a variation of standard missionary that amps up the pleasure. Anytime there's direct contact with the clitoris and surrounding area, pleasure increases for the partner being penetrated. "As the hips are elevated and a partner moves towards the body, there is gliding and friction on the external vulva which is more likely to trigger an orgasm," says Chavez.
This is helpful because many people with vulvas can't orgasm from intercourse alone. A large 2017 study found that 36.6% of women said that they needed to have clitoral stimulation as well in order to orgasm during penetrative sex.
Who it feels best for: Both partners.
6. Lotus Flower
How to do it: The partner doing the penetrating sits in a crossed leg position. The other partner will sit on top, facing the partner, and then wrap their legs around them, says Chavez.
You can also wrap your arms around each other so both your arms and legs are in an embrace.
Why it feels good: Chavez says this position allows for movement, friction, and closeness all in one. "You can make eye contact with a partner and use your whole body to engage your partner and squeeze and grind on each other for enhanced sensation. It's also very intimate and ideal for kissing and hugging during sex," says Chavez.
Who it feels best for: Both partners.
Insider's takeaway
There's an endless variety of sex positions out there, but these six are certainly tried-and-true favorites. Experiment with all of them to determine which feels best for you and your partner, and keep them in your repertoire to switch things up when you find yourself getting stuck in a sexual rut.
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