20 Best Sex Positions Based on Science for More Stimulation

While there are many factors that come in to play when talking about lasting longer in bed, one key dynamic is the sex positions you can use to help keep the fun going.

Dr. Laura Berman, PhD
Human sexuality and relationship expert
by Dr. Laura Berman, PhD Last updated 04/16/2024
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We’ve put together the best sex positions based on science that can help both partners be satisfied.

In the past, not much research has been focused on specific sex positions. But in recent years, studies have come to some interesting conclusions. 

A research article in the National Library of Medicine reviewed techniques that women use to make vaginal penetration more pleasurable.

Researchers concluded that the primary way women made sex most pleasurable was through angling. 

Angling involves lowering, raising, or rotating the pelvis/hips during penetration to adjust where inside the vagina the penis or sex toy rubs. In other words, it’s more pleasurable when she has control.

The second primary way women enjoyed sex was through shallowing. Shallowing involves penetrative touch that’s just inside of the entrance of the vagina, but not too deep inside and not on the outside.

A different study also explored the frequency and pleasurability of certain positions. While men and women did not differ on which positions they frequently used, there was a clear difference when it comes to pleasurability.

Females orgasms were more likely to occur with face to face positions with the female above or sitting face to face positions.

All of these positions fulfill at least one of the criteria we’ve mentioned above. Here are the best sex positions for ograsm-inducing mind-blowing fun.

Best Sex Positions For Fun New Pleasure

1. The Yab-Yum

yab yum sex position

How to do it: The man sits cross-legged on the bed or the floor, and the woman straddles his hips, facing him, allowing him to enter her from the front. Partners can then proceed to rock and back forth.

Why it feels good: It's a very intimate position, great for pleasing the receiving partner and getting feedback from their reactions.

The slow rocking motion allows for more g-spot stimulation. This stimulation can help the receiving partner be more likely to orgasm.

This position also allows for more control to determine the angle and the pace of penetration.

2. Cowgirl

Cowgirl sex position

How to do it: To perform this position the penetrating partner should be lying on their back. This allows the partner to mount them, straddle their hips, and be penetrated from an upright position.

Why it feels good: Similar to the previous position, the receiving partner has almost complete control over the speed and depth of penetration. 

The cowgirl position allows for more angling and shallowing to make her experience more pleasurable. Since the receiving partner is in control, she can limit any pain experienced as well.

3. Spooning

Spooning sex position

How to do it: Both partners lie on their sides, your front pressing against her back like the spooning cuddle position. You're the big spoon, she’s the little spoon.

The receiving partner should separate her legs a little. The penetrating partner should find the vagina with their hand, and enter from behind.

Why it feels good: The short strokes target the g-spot, making it a great one for the receiving partner. 

Focus on grinding your hips against her butt, and try some clitoral stimulation with your fingers at the same time.

The strokes available in this sex position will be very short, preventing the long wild thrusts that cause most men to experience premature ejaculation.

4. Side By Side

How to do It: This is similar to spooning, but the partners face each other. Lying on your sides face to face, the receiving partner lifts their free leg and wraps it around the penetrating partner's hip. The penetrating partner’s hips are then able to access the vagina.

Why it feels good: Both partners control how deep they thrust, resulting in a sex position that is both active and passive for both partners.

The penetrating partner relinquishes some control, allowing him to focus on sensations while limiting how much he can thrust.

5. The Cross

The Cross sex position

How to do it: Sorry for the flashbacks, those of you who went to Catholic school, but this has nothing to do with that.

It involves the penetrating partner lying on their side and the receiving partner lying on their back.

Their torso at a 90-degree angle to the penetrating partner's torso, her legs draped over the receiving partner’s hips, her butt exposed to the front of the pelvis.

Why it feels good: There's not much range of motion for you to go nuts within this position, nor is it easy to thrust uncontrollably when your hips are at rest.

The angles available here are really versatile, and lying on the side may make things less strenuous for the penetrating partner.

Additionally, there’s easier access to the clitoris. Studies have shown that clitoral stimulation during intercourse increases the likelihood of orgasm.

6. The Lazy Dog

Lazy dog sex position

How to do it: The receiving partner crouches on all fours while the penetrating partner kneels and enters from behind.

Why it feels good: It’s thought to be good for stimulating the g-spot. It’s also easier on partners who may have back issues.

There’s not as much clitoral stimulation through penetration alone in this position, but the penetrating partner can still use their hands to intensify the experience.

7. Woman On Top

woman on top sex position

How to do it: Similar to cowgirl, the woman climbs on top of the penetrating partner but lies chest to chest, like an inverted missionary position.

Why it feels good: This position allows the woman to grind her clitoris against the man’s shaft without the vigorous thrusting that causes premature ejaculation.

8. Sit On The Throne

The throne sex position

How to do it: For this position the penetrating partner should sit on a chair and have the top partner with their back facing them.

Then the receiving partner should lower into a seated position on the lap, with the penis being inserted as she does so.

Why it feels good: The woman has control and will usually grind against the hips, enjoying the deep penetration without long or fast thrusts. She might bounce a little, but she gets enough squats at the gym.

9. Grinding Missionary

Grinding missionary sex position

How to do it: The receiving partner lies on their back with their knees close to their chest. The penetrating partner holds themselves up with their arms, pushes their hips between the thighs, and penetrates deeply, only grinding their hips.

Why it feels good: Without the long, intense thrusts, it's easy for the penetrating partner to keep themselves from being overstimulated.

The receiving partner will love the front-action grinding, as it rubs her clit while filling her vagina fully.

10. The Standing Ovation

Standing ovation sex position

How to do it: The receiving partner can lie on a table, bed, or flat furniture of some kind. They can have a nice comfy pillow to place at the bottom of their back. The penetrating partner stands facing her, lifts her butt slightly, and inserts himself inside her.

Why it feels good: This position offers deep penetration and intimacy. The penetrating partner has the option to thrust fast or slow, which also creates a great opportunity to take a break if needed.

This position greatly benefits her as the pillow will lift her pelvis slightly, allowing for the opportunity to target her G-spot more effectively.

Positioning and getting used to the pillow may take a minute or two, but everything else is smooth sailing once that is comfortable and in the right place.

11. Raised Kneeling

Kneeling sex position

How to do it: The receiving partner lies on her back, as in the missionary position, with her legs splayed. The penetrating partner kneels upright, entering her missionary style from a perpendicular position.

Why it feels good: The penetrating partner cannot thrust as deeply from this position or with as much force as you don't have the leverage of your free hips.

You are also in control and free to dial it back if things get too intense.

Moreover, the tension required to maintain the kneeling position can distract you from your pleasure just enough to delay orgasm.

Maintaining this kneeling position can be strenuous. You may delay orgasm, but this position can be hard to maintain.

12. Coital Alignment Technique

Coital Alignment Technique Position

How to do it: The receiving partner will lay on her back like a missionary, only with a pillow or blanket underneath her to gently arch her hips upwards.

Then, the penetrating artner will enter from above, but will use his hands to support himself in a push-up like position.

Why it feels good: The coital alignment technique allows for a lot of movements, whether hard and pounding or gentle and flowing.

One study found that the coital alignment technique helped women to be more likely to achieve an orgasm.

13. Little Dipper

little dipper position

How to do it: The penetrating partner will be lying down on his back either on the bed or the floor. 

From there, the receiving partner will sit on him like in the cowgirl position; however, she will position herself at a right angle to him. 

The view the penetrating partner should be getting should be of the receiving partner’s side profile.

For some modifications, she can:

  • Bend her legs at the knees to ride in a cowgirl-like manner
  • Lean back and use her arms for support
  • If on the ground, raise her legs onto a sofa or coffee table for a more intense session

Why it feels good: It’s a woman on top position that allows the receiving partner to adjust the penetration to her liking. It’s also a unique new way partners can try enjoying intercourse with each other. 

14. The Wheelbarrow

wheelbarrow position

How to do it: The receiving partner will get into a pushup-like position on the ground, with her hands firmly planted for support.

The penetrating partner will hold onto her legs, and lift her lower body up to his groin. He will enter from behind while holding onto her. 

Her hands will remain on the ground, and she can bend or extend her elbows for more support.

Why it feels good: The angle of penetration from this position can stimulate both the G-spot and the A-spot, which may increase the chances of orgasm for the receiving partner.

15. Upstanding Citizen

Upstanding Citizen position

How to do it: The penetrating partner will stand upright. The receiving partner will wrap her arms around his neck, and both of her legs around his back while he is standing upright. The penetrating partner can hold onto her legs for support.

Why it feels good: This position offers great intimacy as it provides very close contact which is perfect for kissing, hugging, and warmth.

16. Three Legged Dog

Three Legged Dog Position

How to do it: The receiving partner will stand facing her partner, and she’ll wrap one leg around his back allowing him to enter from the front. She can either be leaning against a wall or standing normally, depending on preferences.

Why it feels good: This positions allows for variety in how this intimate act occurs, including:

  • Fast and hard sex
  • Gentle and romantic sex
  • Different angles to change depth and sensations

17. Standing Doggy Style

standing doggy style position

How to do it: Similar to the traditional doggy style, the receiving partner bends over in a standing position, placing her hands against a wall for support. The penetrating partner will hold onto her hips and enter from behind.

Why it feels good: It may be a more comfortable position for those who have knee problems. It also allows for G-spot stimulation and deeper penetration. The receiving partner can stimulate their clitoris at the same time for increased pleasure.

18. Piledriver

Piledriver position

How to do it: The receiving partner will rest her back on the ground, and then lift her legs in a V-shape over her head. She should also curve her body so that only her head and shoulders are touching the ground.

The penetrating partner will then hold onto her legs, and enter from above while in a semi-squatting position.

Why it feels good: This position great for hard and aggressive sex, cervix penetration, tantric sex, and edging. It can also provide A-spot stimulation as well.

19. The Butterfly

the butterfly position

How to do it: The receiving partner will be lying on the bed with her hips close to the edge. The penetrating partner will enter and bring her legs to his shoulders.

Why it feels good: The physical intensity of the butterfly position is low, making it easy to keep a consistent rhythm throughout the experience. 

20. Standing Spoon

Standing spoon position

How to do it: Both partners will stand straight. The penetrating partner will enter from behind. Some modifications to this position include:

  • Pressing the receiving partner against the wall
  • Slightly kneeling
  • Having the receiving partner grind and bend forwards at times (turning it into a modified standing doggy position)
  • Going slowly to turn it into sensual edging

Why it feels good: The standing spoon is ideal for slower, more romantic sex. Like the traditional spooning position, the standing spooning position will provide g-spot stimulation. It also involves shorter strokes which may limit premature ejaculation.

Takeaways

It's important to keep in mind that this is not a complete list. There are several positions meant to enhance sex in many different ways. 

The 20 sex positions listed above are just a great place to get started. Feel free to expand your horizons to spice things up in the bedroom.

Trying new positions can provide better stimulation during sex, which may increase orgasm and intimacy. Finding a sex position that works for both partners may be challenging, but it can be worth it in the end.

These positions will be a good test to see if they help men prolong intercourse.And if not, there are plenty of solutions out there like Promescent.

Learn more about how you can treat premature ejaculation with this “In the Bedroom" video with Dr. Laura Berman, a leader in sexual medicine, from the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).

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Dr. Laura Berman

Dr. Laura Berman PhD is an acclaimed relationship expert, award-winning radio host on her show 'Uncovered Radio' and a NY Times best-selling author. Dr. Berman has a doctorate from New York University with an emphasis on human sexuality. She is also a member of AASECT, SSSS, the International Society for the study of Women's Sexual Health and the American Urologic Society.

Sources:

Absorption Pharmaceuticals LLC (Promescent) has strict informational citing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic or research institutions, medical associations, and medical experts. We attempt to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references and only citing trustworthy sources. Each article is reviewed, written, and updated by Medical Professionals or authoritative Experts in a specific, related field of practice. You can find out more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

  • Hensel DJ, von Hippel CD, Lapage CC, Perkins RH. Women's techniques for making vaginal penetration more pleasurable: Results from a nationally representative study of adult women in the United States. PLoS One. 2021;16(4):e0249242. Published 2021 Apr 14. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0249242. Accessed on Apr, 16, 2024.
  • Krejčová L, Kuba R, Flegr J, Klapilová K. Kamasutra in Practice: The Use of Sexual Positions in the Czech Population and Their Association With Female Coital Orgasm Potential. Sex Med. 2020;8(4):767-776. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2020.07.003. Accessed on Apr, 16, 2024.
  • Shirazi T, Renfro KJ, Lloyd E, Wallen K. Women's Experience of Orgasm During Intercourse: Question Semantics Affect Women's Reports and Men's Estimates of Orgasm Occurrence. Arch Sex Behav. 2018 Apr;47(3):605-613. doi: 10.1007/s10508-017-1102-6. Epub 2017 Oct 27. Erratum in: Arch Sex Behav. 2017 Nov 10;: PMID: 29079939. Accessed on Apr, 16, 2024.
  • Premature Ejaculation | In the Bedroom with Dr. Laura Berman | Oprah Winfrey Network. 2011 March 08. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m65fmElLaPk. Accessed Apr, 16, 2024.
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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