Missionary & Face-to-Face

Classic Missionary

Partner on top, face-to-face. Penetrating partner supports weight on forearms.

Clitoral stimulation: Moderate — enhanced with coital alignment technique (CAT)

Depth control: Moderate — receiver can tilt pelvis to adjust

Muscles used: Core, shoulders, glutes, hip flexors (top); pelvic floor, hip flexors (bottom)

Calories burned: 150-200 cal/30min (top); 50-70 cal/30min (bottom)

Best for: Intimacy and eye contact, Beginners, Pregnancy (first trimester), Conception attempts

Caution: Top partner: wrist/forearm strain with prolonged support. Avoid in late pregnancy.

Lotus / Yab-Yum

Penetrating partner sits cross-legged; receiving partner sits in their lap, legs wrapped.

Clitoral stimulation: High — constant pelvic contact

Depth control: Moderate — shallow penetration, grinding motion

Muscles used: Core, hip flexors, quadriceps (both partners)

Calories burned: 100-150 cal/30min each

Best for: Maximum intimacy, Clitoral stimulation, Slow, connected sex, Tantric practice

Caution: Can be tiring for legs/hips. Not ideal for those with knee problems.

Rear-Entry

Doggy Style

Receiver on hands and knees; penetrating partner kneels behind.

Clitoral stimulation: Low — manual stimulation needed

Depth control: Deep — one of the deepest positions. Receiver controls by arching/flattening back.

Muscles used: Glutes, hip flexors, core (top); arms, core, quadriceps (bottom)

Calories burned: 150-250 cal/30min (top); 80-120 cal/30min (bottom)

Best for: Deep penetration, G-spot/P-spot stimulation, Partners with larger body types, Pregnancy (second trimester)

Caution: HIGHEST risk position for penile fracture. Cervical discomfort possible. Lower back strain for receiver.

Prone Bone

Receiver lies flat face-down; penetrating partner lies on top from behind.

Clitoral stimulation: Moderate — mattress/pillow provides indirect stimulation

Depth control: Shallow-moderate — tighter fit, reduced depth

Muscles used: Core, glutes (top); pelvic floor (bottom)

Calories burned: 100-150 cal/30min (top); minimal (bottom)

Best for: Tighter sensation, Lazy/low-energy sex, Those who find doggy too deep, Partners with back pain (receiver)

Caution: Top partner must support weight to avoid crushing. Limited depth may be frustrating for some.

Receiver on Top

Cowgirl

Receiver straddles penetrating partner face-to-face, controlling depth and rhythm.

Clitoral stimulation: High — receiver controls grinding angle for clitoral contact

Depth control: Full control — receiver sets depth and pace

Muscles used: Quadriceps, glutes, core, hip flexors (top); minimal (bottom)

Calories burned: 150-200 cal/30min (top); 50-80 cal/30min (bottom)

Best for: Female orgasm (highest probability position per studies), Receiver control, Partners with back pain (bottom), Pregnancy (all trimesters)

Caution: Quadriceps fatigue. Penile fracture risk if receiver lifts too high.

Reverse Cowgirl

Receiver faces away from penetrating partner while on top.

Clitoral stimulation: Low — different angle limits clitoral contact

Depth control: Full control by receiver — angle stimulates anterior wall

Muscles used: Quadriceps, glutes, core (top); minimal (bottom)

Calories burned: 150-200 cal/30min (top)

Best for: Visual stimulation, G-spot/P-spot stimulation angle, Variety

Caution: SECOND highest risk for penile fracture. Careful with extreme angles. Can strain penis downward.

Side-Lying / Spooning

Spooning

Both partners lie on same side, penetrating partner behind.

Clitoral stimulation: Low-moderate — hands free for manual stimulation

Depth control: Shallow — limited depth, gentle penetration

Muscles used: Minimal for both — very low energy

Calories burned: 50-100 cal/30min each

Best for: Morning sex, Pregnancy (all trimesters, especially third), Back pain, Post-surgery, Low energy / fatigue, Arthritis

Caution: May be difficult to maintain penetration. Limited depth.

Face-to-Face Side

Partners lie facing each other on their sides.

Clitoral stimulation: Moderate — close body contact

Depth control: Shallow-moderate

Muscles used: Minimal — intimate but low effort

Calories burned: 50-100 cal/30min

Best for: Intimacy, Pregnancy, Disability accommodations, Slow sex

Caution: Angle can be tricky. May need pillow support.

Seated

Lap / Chair

Penetrating partner sits on chair/edge of bed; receiver sits on top (facing toward or away).

Clitoral stimulation: High (facing) — pelvic grinding. Low (facing away).

Depth control: Moderate-deep — receiver controls

Muscles used: Core, quadriceps, glutes (receiver); minimal (seated partner)

Calories burned: 100-180 cal/30min (receiver)

Best for: Small spaces, Different surface heights, Mobility-limited seated partner, Wheelchair users

Caution: Chair stability important. Back support helps.

Standing

Standing Face-to-Face

Both partners standing, face-to-face. May require height adjustment or wall support.

Clitoral stimulation: Low-moderate — depends on alignment

Depth control: Limited — gravity and balance challenges

Muscles used: Quadriceps, calves, core, arms (both partners)

Calories burned: 200-300 cal/30min (both)

Best for: Quickies, Shower sex (with caution), Spontaneity

Caution: Height difference challenges. Slippery surfaces are dangerous. Most physically demanding category.

Pregnancy (1st trimester)

Recommended: Missionary, Cowgirl, Side-lying

Avoid: None specifically — comfort is key

Pregnancy (2nd trimester)

Recommended: Cowgirl, Spooning, Doggy style, Side-lying

Avoid: Prolonged lying flat on back after 20 weeks (vena cava compression)

Pregnancy (3rd trimester)

Recommended: Spooning, Side-lying, Seated, Modified cowgirl

Avoid: Missionary (weight on belly), Flat on back (vena cava)

Lower Back Pain

Recommended: Spooning, Prone bone, Modified missionary (pillow under hips)

Avoid: Doggy style (if receiver), Missionary (if top partner)

Hip Replacement

Recommended: Missionary (bottom position), Spooning, Standing

Avoid: Positions requiring extreme hip flexion, adduction, or internal rotation

Arthritis

Recommended: Spooning, Side-lying, Supported seated

Avoid: Any position causing joint pain — listen to your body

Obesity

Recommended: Doggy style, Edge of bed, Cowgirl, Standing/bent over

Avoid: Missionary can be difficult with weight distribution

Erectile Difficulties

Recommended: Cowgirl (receiver maintains contact), Spooning (less performance pressure)

Avoid: Standing (gravity works against erection)

Conception Optimization

Recommended: Missionary, Doggy style, Elevated hips

Avoid: No scientific evidence any position prevents conception