View source for Sex position

{{short description|Position of the body used for sexual activities}}
{{about|the body positions used for sexual intercourse|the narrative technique used in film and television|Sexposition}}
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[[File:Kama, mithuna artwork in Hindu temples.jpg|thumb|Kama-related arts are common in Hindu temples. These scenes include various sex positions. Above: 6th- to 14th-century temples in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Nepal.]]
A '''sex position''' is a positioning of the bodies that people use to engage in [[sexual intercourse]] or other [[Human sexual activity|sexual activities]]. Sexual acts are generally described by the [[Body position|positions]] the participants adopt in order to perform those acts. Though sexual intercourse generally involves [[Sexual penetration|penetration]] of the body of one person by another, sex positions commonly involve [[non-penetrative sex|non-penetrative]] sexual activities.

Three broad and overlapping categories of sexual activity are commonly practiced: [[Sexual intercourse|vaginal sex]], [[anal sex]], and [[oral sex]] (mouth-on-genital or [[Anilingus|mouth-on-anus]]).<ref name="health.discovery.com">{{cite web|title= Sexual Intercourse| publisher=[[Discovery Channel|Discovery.com]]| access-date=2008-01-12|url=http://health.discovery.com/centers/sex/sexpedia/intercourse.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822040701/http://health.discovery.com/centers/sex/sexpedia/intercourse.html|archive-date=2008-08-22}}</ref> Sex acts may also be part of a fourth category, [[manual sex]], which is stimulating the genitals or anus by using fingers or hands. Some acts may include stimulation by a device ([[sex toy]]), such as a [[dildo]] or [[vibrator (sex toy)|vibrator]]. There are numerous sex positions that participants may adopt in any of these types of sex acts, and some authors have argued that the number of sex positions is essentially limitless.<ref name=autogenerated2>Rogiere, Jean, "	
The little bit naughty book of sex". Ulysses Press. 2001. {{ISBN|1569753059}}</ref>
{{TOC limit|3}}

==History==
[[File:SungaLoveScene.jpg|thumb|A love scene sculpture from the [[Shunga Empire|Sunga]] period ({{circa|1st century BC}})]]
[[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]]
[[Sex manual]]s typically present a guide to sex positions. They have a long history. In the Greco-Roman era, a sex manual was written by
[[Philaenis|Philaenis of Samos]], possibly a [[hetaira]] ([[courtesan]]) of the [[Hellenistic period]] (3rd–1st century BC).<ref name="google">{{cite book|title=Erôs in Ancient Greece|author1=Sanders, E.|author2=Thumiger, C.|author3=Carey, C.|author4=Lowe, N.|date=2013|publisher=OUP Oxford|isbn=9780199605507|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qt7JkvxScSkC|page=287|access-date=2014-12-07|archive-date=2016-09-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160912072351/https://books.google.com/books?id=qt7JkvxScSkC|url-status=live}}</ref> The ''[[Kama Sutra]]'' of [[Vatsyayana]], believed to have been written in the 1st to 6th centuries, has a notorious reputation as a sex manual. Different sex positions result in differences in the depth and angle of sexual penetration. [[Alfred Kinsey]] categorized six primary positions.<ref>6 Positions For Sexual Intercourse - In Order Of Popularity - Sex, Love And Marriage - Book of Lists - Canongate Home</ref> The earliest known European medieval text dedicated to sexual positions is the ''[[Speculum al foderi]]'', (The Mirror of Coitus) a 15th-century [[Catalan language|Catalan]] text discovered in the 1970s.<ref>Michael R. Solomon, editor (1986). ''Text and Concordance of Speculum al foderi, Biblioteca Nacional MS. 3356''. {{ISBN|0-942260-60-0}}</ref><ref>Michael R. Solomon (1990). ''The Mirror of coitus: a translation and edition of the fifteenth-century Speculum al foderi''. Spanish. {{ISBN|0-940639-48-3}}</ref>

==Exclusively penetrative==
[[File:10 Vaginal Sex Positions.png|thumb|Ten illustrations of sexual positions involving [[Penile-vaginal intercourse|penile-vaginal penetration]]|300x300px]]
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.

===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 receiving partner may also sit in reverse, with their back to the penetrating partner. 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 typically reach fertility 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.

==Non-exclusively penetrative==
===Oral sex positions===
[[Oral sex]] is genital stimulation by the mouth. It may be penetrative or non-penetrative, and may take place before, during, or following intercourse. It may also be performed [[69 (sex position)|simultaneously]] (for example, when one partner performs cunnilingus, while the other partner performs fellatio), or only one partner may perform upon the other; this creates a multitude of variations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sexinfo101.com/sp_oralsex.shtml|title=Oral Sex Positions|publisher=Sexinfo101.com|access-date=2010-04-19|archive-date=2016-05-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160522004804/http://www.sexinfo101.com/sp_oralsex.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Fellatio====
[[File:Wiki-fellatio02.png|thumb|Modern drawing of fellatio]]
''[[Fellatio]]'' is oral sex performed on the penis. Possible positions include:
* '''Sitting'''
** The receiver lies on their back while the partner kneels between the receiver's legs.
** The receiver lies on their back while the partner lies off to the side of their legs.
** The receiver sits in a chair, the partner kneels in front of them between their legs.
* '''Standing'''
** The receiver stands while the partner either kneels in front of them or sits (in a chair or on the edge of a bed, etc.) and bends forward.
** The receiver stands while the partner, also standing, bends forward at the waist.
** The receiver stands or crouches at the edge of the bed, facing the bed. The active partner lies on the bed with their head hanging over the edge of the bed backward. The receiver inserts their penis into the partner's mouth, usually to achieve ''[[deep throat (sexual act)|deep throat]]'' penetration.
* '''Lying'''
** While the active partner lies on their back, the receiver assumes the missionary position but adjusted forward.
** The active partner (with breasts) lies on their back, and the receiver inserts their penis between the breasts, and into the mouth.

====Cunnilingus====
[[File:Detail of Édouard-Henri Avril (23).jpg|thumb|19th-century depiction of cunnilingus (detail) by [[Édouard-Henri Avril|Paul Avril]]]]
''[[Cunnilingus]]'' is oral sex performed on the vulva. Possible positions include:
*The receiver lies on her back as in the missionary position. The active partner lies on their front between their legs.
*The active partner sits. The receiver stands facing away and bends at the hips.
*The active partner sits. The receiver stands or squats facing towards partner and may arch their back, to create further stimulation.
*The active partner lies on their back while the receiver kneels with their legs at their sides and their vulva on their mouth. In other words, the receiver sits on the partner's face.
*The receiver rests on all fours as in the doggy style position. The partner lies on their back with their head under their vulva. Their feet may commonly extend off the bed and rest on the floor.
*The receiver stands, possibly bracing themself against a wall. The active partner kneels in front of them.
*The receiver sits on the bed with their legs open, the active partner kneels in front of them.
*The receiver is upside-down (standing on hands, held by partner, or using support, such as bondage or furniture), with the active partner standing or kneeling (depending on elevation) in front or behind. Such a position may be difficult to achieve, or maintain for extended time periods, but the rush of blood to the brain can alter stimulation's effect.
*The receiver stands on hands, resting each leg on either side of the active partner's head, with the active partner standing or kneeling facing them. Depending on which way up the receiver is facing, different stimulation and levels of comfort may be available.

====Sixty-nine====
[[File:Wiki-sixtynine.png|thumb|The 69 position]]

Simultaneous oral sex between two people is called ''[[69 (sex position)|69]]''. They can lie side-by-side, lie one on top of the other, or stand with one partner holding the other upside down.

====Anilingus====
[[Image:Wiki-analoral.svg|thumb|Woman performing anilingus on another woman]]

''[[Anilingus]]'' is oral sex performed on the anus. Positions for anilingus are often variants on those for genital-oral sex. Possible positions include:
*The passive partner is on all fours in the [[doggy position]] with the active partner behind.
*The passive partner is on their back in the [[missionary position]] with their legs up.
*The passive partner on top in the [[69 (sex position)|69]] position.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gaylifeuk.com/gay-sex-guide/rimming.html|title=Rimming|author=Adam Cowell|work=gaylifeuk.com|access-date=12 March 2016|archive-date=29 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529100945/http://www.gaylifeuk.com/gay-sex-guide/rimming.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>Morin, J. (1998). Anal pleasure and Health. Oakland, CA: Down there press.</ref>
*The ''[[rusty trombone]]'', in which a male stands while the active partner performs both anilingus from behind, generally from a kneeling position, and also [[Handjob|manually stimulates the standing partner's penis]], thus somewhat resembling someone playing the [[trombone]].<ref name="dictionary">Tate, Jordan. (January 9, 2007) The Contemporary Dictionary of Sexual Euphemisms. Publisher [[St. Martin's Press]] {{ISBN|0-312-36298-6}}</ref>

===Other positions===
*''[[Fingering (sexual act)|Fingering]]'' of the [[vulva]], vagina or anus.
*''[[Fisting]]'': inserting the entire hand into the vagina or [[rectum]].

==Non-penetrative==
{{Main|Non-penetrative sex}}
[[Image:Franz von Bayros 003.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Drawing by [[Franz von Bayros]] showing an act of fingering]]

''Non-penetrative sex'' or ''frottage'' generally refers to a sexual activity that excludes penetration, and often includes rubbing one's genitals on one's sexual partner. This may include the partner's genitals or buttocks, and can involve different sex positions. As part of [[foreplay]] or to avoid penetrative sex, people engage in a variety of non-penetrative sexual behavior, which may or may not lead to orgasm.

*''Dry humping'': frottage while clothed. This act is common, although not essential, in the dance style known as "[[grinding (dance)|grinding]]".
*''[[Handjob]]'': manual stimulation of a partner's penis. 
*''[[fingering (sexual act)|Fingering]]'': manual stimulation of a partner's vulva. 
*''[[Footjob]]'': using the feet to stimulate the genitals.
*''[[Mammary intercourse]]'': using the breasts together to stimulate the penis through the cleavage.
*''[[Axillary intercourse]]'': with the penis in the armpit. Commonly known as "bagpiping".
*''[[Edging (sexual practice)|Orgasm control]]'': By self or by a partner managing the physical stimulation and sensation connected with the emotional and physiologic excitement levels. Through the practice of masturbation, an individual can learn to develop control of their own body's orgasmic response and timing. In partnered stimulation, either partner can control their own orgasmic response and timing. With mutual agreement, either partner can similarly learn to control or enhance their partner's orgasmic response and timing. Partnered stimulation orgasm techniques referred to as expanded orgasm, extended orgasm or orgasm control can be learned and practiced for either partner to refine their control of the orgasmic response of the other. Partners mutually choose which is in control or in response to the other.

The [[Sexual slang|slang]] term ''humping'' may refer to masturbation—thrusting one's genitals against the surface of non-sexual objects, clothed or unclothed; or it may refer to penetrative sex.

===Genital–genital rubbing<!--'Genital–genital rubbing' and 'Genital-genital rubbing' redirect here-->===
{{Main|Intercrural sex|Frot|Tribadism}}

'''Genital–genital rubbing'''<!--boldface per WP:R#PLA--> (often termed '''GG rubbing''' by [[Primatology|primatologists]] to describe the ubiquitous behavior among female [[bonobo]]s<ref name="songweaver">{{cite journal |author=de Waal FB |title=Bonobo sex and society |journal=[[Scientific American|Sci. Am.]] |volume=272 |issue=3 |pages=82–8 |year=1995 |pmid=7871411 |url=http://www.primates.com/bonobos/bonobosexsoc.html |quote=Perhaps the bonobo's most typical sexual pattern, undocumented in any other primate, is genito-genital rubbing (or GG rubbing) between adult females. One female facing another clings with arms and legs to a partner that, standing on both hands and feet, lifts her off the ground |doi=10.1038/scientificamerican0395-82 |bibcode=1995SciAm.272c..82W |access-date=2015-10-24 |archive-date=2005-12-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051213030103/http://www.primates.com/bonobos/bonobosexsoc.html |url-status=live | issn = 0036-8733 |url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal 
| last1 = Paoli | first1 = T. 
| last2 = Palagi | first2 = E. 
| last3 = Tacconi | first3 = G. 
| last4 = Tarli | first4 = S. B. 
| title = Perineal swelling, intermenstrual cycle, and female sexual behavior in bonobos (Pan paniscus) 
| doi = 10.1002/ajp.20228 
| journal = American Journal of Primatology 
| volume = 68 
| issue = 4 
| pages = 333–347 
| year = 2006 
| pmid = 16534808 
| s2cid = 25823290 
}}</ref>) is the sexual act of mutually rubbing genitals; it is commonly grouped with ''frottage'', as well as other terms, such as ''non-penetrative sex'' or ''outercourse'':
*''Intercrural sex'' or ''interfemoral sex'': the penis is placed between the partner's thighs, perhaps rubbing the [[vulva]], [[scrotum]] or [[perineum]].
*''Frot'': two males mutually rubbing penises together.
*''Tribadism'': two females mutually rubbing vulvae together.
*''Docking'': inserting the [[glans penis]] into the [[foreskin]] of another penis.

==Group sex==<!-- This section is linked from [[Group sex]] -->
{{Main|Group sex}}
[[File:Wiki-doublepen.png|thumb|Double penetration]]

People may participate in [[group sex]]. While group sex does not imply that all participants must be in sexual contact with all others simultaneously, some positions are only possible with three or more people.<ref name="Swinger Orgies and Group Sex">{{cite web|url=http://swingersocial.com/swinger-blog/?page_id=1248 |title=Differences Between Threesomes, Group Sex and Orgies |publisher=The Swinger Blog |date=October 2010 |access-date=April 15, 2012 |author=Wojick, Helen |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207203029/http://swingersocial.com/swinger-blog/?page_id=1248 |archive-date=February 7, 2012 }}</ref>

As with the positions listed above, more group sex positions become practical if [[erotic furniture]] is used.

===Threesomes===
{{Main|Threesome}}
[[File:Erotic scenes Louvre G13 n1.jpg|thumb|Threesome in Ancient Greece]]
When three people have sex with each other, it is called a ''threesome''. Possible ways of having all partners in sexual contact with each include some of the following:
*One person performs oral sex on one partner while they engage in receptive anal or vaginal intercourse with the other partner. Sometimes called a ''spit roast''.<ref name="Dictionary of Slang">{{cite web | url=http://www.peevish.co.uk/slang/s.htm | title=Spit Roast Threesome | date=November 1996 | access-date=April 14, 2012 | author=Duckworth, Ted | archive-date=August 15, 2001 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010815030240/http://www.peevish.co.uk/slang/s.htm | url-status=live }}</ref>
*The ''369'' position is where two people engage in oral sex in the 69 position while a third person positions himself to penetrate one of the others; usually a man engaging in sex doggie-style with the woman on top in the 69 position.<ref name="Sex Position 369">{{cite web | url=http://www.swingersocial.com/lifestyle-sex-defintions | title=Lifestyle Definitions - 369 | publisher=Swinger Social Network | access-date=April 14, 2012 | archive-date=September 13, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130913000216/http://www.swingersocial.com/lifestyle-sex-defintions | url-status=dead }}</ref>
*A man has vaginal or anal sex with one partner, while himself being anally penetrated by another (possibly with a [[strap-on dildo]]).
*Two participants engage in [[Woman on top#Cowgirl position|cowgirl]] position, a third straddles man's face allowing him to go down on them. Generally called a ''double cowgirl.''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-01 |title=Threesome Sex Positions You Can Totally Pull Off |url=https://www.menshealth.com/sex-women/a19546844/threesome-sex-positions/ |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=Men's Health |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Double Cowgirl Threesome Position |url=https://www.kinkly.com/position/double-cowgirl-threesome-position/ |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=Kinkly - Straight up Sex Talk With a Twist |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-09-20 |title=Threesome Sex Positions for Everyone! From Double Cowgirl to the Bridge, Get Into Porn Star Mode With These Scorching Hot Positions {{!}} 🛍️ LatestLY |url=https://www.latestly.com/lifestyle/threesome-sex-positions-for-everyone-from-double-cowgirl-to-the-bridge-get-into-porn-star-mode-with-these-scorching-hot-positions-1209860.html |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=LatestLY |language=en}}</ref>
*Three partners lie or stand in parallel, with one between the other two. Sometimes called a ''sandwich''. This term may specifically refer to the ''double penetration'' of a woman, with one penis in her anus, and the other in her vagina or of a male, with two penises in his anus.
*Two participants have vaginal/anal sex with each other, and one/both perform oral sex on a third.
*Three people perform oral/vaginal/anal sex on one another simultaneously, commonly called a ''daisy chain''.
*The slang term ''lucky Pierre'' is sometimes used in reference to the person playing the middle role in a threesome, being anally penetrated while engaging in penetrative anal or vaginal sex.<ref>
{{cite book
|title=The Concise New Partridge Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English
|editor1-last=Dalzell
|editor1-first=Tom
|editor2-last=Victor
|editor2-first=Terry
|edition=2
|publisher=Routledge
|year=2014
|isbn = 9781317625117
|page=1966
}}
</ref>

===Foursomes===
{{Main|Foursome (group sex)}}

*A ''469'' is a four-person sexual position where two individuals engage in 69 oral sex while a third and a fourth person both position themselves on each end to penetrate the two engaged in simultaneous oral sex; similar to a 369, with the addition of a fourth person.<ref name="469 Sex Position">{{cite web | url=http://www.swingersocial.com/lifestyle-sex-defintions | title=Lifestyle Definitions - 469 position | publisher=Swinger Social Network | access-date=April 14, 2012 | archive-date=September 13, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130913000216/http://www.swingersocial.com/lifestyle-sex-defintions | url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[File:Fourgy Inked Colour.png|thumb|Two men and two women ringed in a circular foursome sex position performing four combinations of oral sex: M–F, F–F, F–M, M–M]]

===With many participants===
These positions can be expanded to accommodate any number of participants:
*A group of males [[masturbation|masturbating]] is called a ''[[circle jerk (sexual practice)|circle jerk]]''.
*Sexual intercourse involving multiple women in which one man is the central focus is known as ''reverse gangbang''.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Frank |first=Katherine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xXelMQEACAAJ |title=Plays Well in Groups: A Journey Through the World of Group Sex |date=2013 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Incorporated |isbn=978-1-4422-1868-0 |pages=8 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801205929/https://books.google.com/books?id=xXelMQEACAAJ |archive-date=1 August 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Sophie Saint |title=How To Safely Fulfill Your Hot Gang Bang Fantasy |url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/first-gangbang-fantasy-orgy |access-date=2024-02-29 |website=www.refinery29.com |language=en}}</ref>
*A group of males masturbating and ejaculating on one person's face is known as ''[[bukkake (sex act)|bukkake]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of Bukkake |url=https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/bukkake |website=Lexico Dictionaries {{!}} English |publisher=Oxford Dictionary on Lexico.com |access-date=18 February 2021 |language=en |archive-date=12 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712190420/https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/bukkake |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Dictionary.com">{{cite dictionary |url=http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bukkake |title=Bukkake |dictionary=dictionary.com |access-date=April 14, 2012 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061804/http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bukkake |url-status=live }}</ref>
*A group of men, women, or both, each performing oral sex upon each other, in a circular arrangement, is a ''daisy chain''.<ref>{{cite web |title=2 Women In The MFF Daisy Chain Oral Sex Position |url=https://allstarpositions.com/daisy-chain-sex-position/ |website=All Star Positions |access-date=18 February 2021 |date=15 January 2021 |archive-date=18 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318152617/https://allstarpositions.com/daisy-chain-sex-position/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*When one woman or man is given the serial or parallel attention of many, often involving a queue (''pulling a train''), it is often termed a ''[[gang bang]]''.

===Multiple penetration===<!-- Linked to by the redirects Double penetration & Triple penetration -->

A person may be sexually penetrated multiple times simultaneously. Penetration may involve use of fingers, toes, [[sex toy]]s, or penises. Scenes of multiple penetration are common in [[pornography]].

If one person is penetrated by two objects, it is generically called ''[[double penetration]]'' (''DP'').<ref name="DP">{{cite web|url=http://www.swingersocial.com/lifestyle-sex-defintions/d|title=Double-penetration|publisher=Swinger Social Network|work=Lifestyle Definitions|access-date=July 23, 2012|archive-date=June 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613230019/http://www.swingersocial.com/lifestyle-sex-defintions/d|url-status=dead}}</ref> Double penetration of the [[vagina]], [[Human anus|anus]], or mouth can involve:
*Simultaneous penetration of the anus by two penises or other objects. This is commonly called ''double anal penetration (DAP)''.{{citation needed|date=March 2016}}
*Simultaneous penetration of the vagina by two penises or other objects. This is commonly called ''double vaginal penetration (DVP)'' or ''double stuffing''.<ref name="DVP">{{cite web|url=http://www.swingersocial.com/lifestyle-sex-defintions/d|title=Double vaginal penetration|publisher=Swinger Social Network|work=Lifestyle Definitions|access-date=July 23, 2012|archive-date=June 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613230019/http://www.swingersocial.com/lifestyle-sex-defintions/d|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*Simultaneous penetration of the vagina and anus. The ''[[shocker (hand gesture)|shocker]]'' accomplishes this using several fingers of one hand.{{anchor|Spit roast}}
*Simultaneous penetration of the mouth and either the vagina or anus. If the penetrating objects are penises, this is sometimes called the ''spit roast'', the ''Chinese finger trap'', or the ''Eiffel tower''.{{citation needed|date=March 2016}}

== Cultural differences and preferences ==
Sexual practices vary between cultures. Latin American couples that recorded their sexual activities do not practice the missionary position as much as couples from United States reported. The duration of sexual intercourse seems to be similar amongst European and Latin American couples.<ref>
{{cite journal
	| last1 = Weiss
	| first1 = Petr
	| last2 = Brody
	| first2 = Stuart
	| date = January 2009
	| title = Women's Partnered Orgasm Consistency Is Associated with Greater Duration of Penile–Vaginal Intercourse but Not of Foreplay
	| journal = The Journal of Sexual Medicine
	| volume = 6
	| issue = 1
	| pages = 135–141
	| doi = 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.01041.x
| pmid = 19170844
	}}</ref><ref>
{{cite journal
	| last1 = Monge-Nájera
	| first1 = J.
	| last2 = Rodriguez
	| first2 = M.
	| last3 = Gonzalez
	| first3 = M. I.
	| date = 2017-03-14
	| title = Time to deconstruct the concepts of "foreplay" and "intercourse": the real structure of human sexual encounters
	| journal = UNED Research Journal
	| volume = 9
	| issue = 1
	| pages = 59–64
	| doi = 10.22458/urj.v9i1.1679
| doi-access = free
	}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Bondage positions and methods]]
==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
===Historical===
*''[[Kama Sutra]]''
*''[[The Perfumed Garden]]''
*''[[Speculum al foderi]]''

===Modern===
*{{cite book|last1=Comfort|first1=Alex|last2=Quilliam|first2=Susan|author-link2=Susan Quilliam|title=[[The Joy of Sex]]|year=2008|publisher=Mitchell Beazley|location=London|isbn=978-1-84533-429-1}}
* {{cite book|last=Gillian|first=Max|title=The Illustrated Guide to Extended Massive Orgasm|url=https://archive.org/details/illustratedguide0000boda|publisher=Hunter House|year=2002|isbn=0-89793-362-1}} (235 pages)
* {{cite book|last=Hooper|first=Anne J.|title=Sexopedia|publisher=DK Publishing|year=2002|isbn=0-7894-8958-9}} (272 pages)
* {{cite book|last=Kemper|first=Alfred M.|title=Love Couches Design Criteria|location=Los Angeles|year=1972|lccn=75-36170 <!-- dead -->|oclc=3592145}} (101 pages—design criteria for assistive furniture, with sections on accommodation of disabled persons.)
* {{cite book|last1=McMeel|first1=Andrews|first2=Lisa|last2=Sussman|title=Sex Positions|publisher=Carlton Publishing Group|year=2002|isbn=1-84222-266-X}} (96 pages)
* {{cite book|author1=Emma Taylor |author2=Lorelei Sharkey |title=Position of the Day: Sex Every Day in Every Way |publisher=Chronicle Books |year=2003 |isbn=0-8118-3957-5 |url=https://archive.org/details/positionofdaysex00tayl}} (376 pages)

==External links==
* {{Commons category-inline|Sex positions}}

{{Sex}}
{{Human sexuality}}
{{Sex positions}}
{{Sexual urban legends}}

[[Category:Sex positions| ]]
[[Category:Sexual acts|*]]
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