Missionary Sex Position: Everything You Need to Know About

Want to be the captain of your own sexual pleasure? Look no further than the magnificent Missionary Sex Position!

According to Debra Laino, DHS, an AASECT-certified sex therapist and professor at Jefferson University and Wilmington University, “Missionary sex can be hot because of the intensity it can bring on—the skin-to-skin contact, eye contact, the close-up smells of each other’s bodies, and just the mere closeness of two bodies”.

Get ready for an exciting adventure in the bedroom! The Missionary sex position is a must-try for anyone who wants to add some spark to their intimate moments. It’s perfect for both experienced lovers and those just starting out.

We’ve got all the tips and tricks to make your experience even more amazing. So, let’s heat things up and have some fun!

Missionary sex position

What is the Missionary sex position?

The missionary sex position is a classic sexual position in which a person lies on their back with their legs spread while their partner lies on top of them, facing them. This position is one of the most commonly used and traditional sexual positions, and it provides a high level of intimacy between partners.

Many people enjoy the intimacy and closeness of the missionary position, and it can also be used for slower, more romantic sex. The missionary position is also a comfortable and accessible position for many people, making it a good option for those who may be new to sex or who have limited mobility.

Missionary sex position data chart

ElementsValue
Alternate name(s)Matrimonial, Mama-Papa position, English-American position, Male superior position
Position type(s)Face to face, Lying down, Man on top
ComplexityEasy level
ControlMan
Best locationBed
PenetrationDeep penetration
StimulationClitoral stimulation, P-spot stimulation
PettingBreast kissing, Kissing
Feasibility*10
Impressiveness**9
Romanticness***10
*Feasibility: This refers to how easy it is to perform the position. This ranges from 1 (very difficult) to 10 (very easy).
**Impressiveness: This refers to how visually impressive or exciting the position is. This ranges from 1 (not impressive at all) to 10 (extremely impressive).
***Romanticness: This refers to how romantic or intimate the position is. This ranges from 1 (not romantic at all) to 10 (extremely romantic).

Advantages and disadvantages

advantages and disadvantages of Missionary sex position

Advantages of Missionary position

  • Intimacy: The missionary position provides a high level of intimacy, as partners are facing each other and can maintain eye contact, touch, and kiss.
  • Accessibility: The missionary position is a comfortable and accessible position for many people, making it a good option for those who may be new to sex or have limited mobility.
  • Comfort: The missionary position is a relatively relaxed position, allowing partners to lie comfortably and enjoy slower, more romantic sex.

Disadvantages of Missionary position

  • Limited stimulation: Some people may find that the missionary position does not provide enough stimulation, especially for the person on the bottom.
  • Lack of control: The person on top has the most control over the depth and pace of penetration, which may be frustrating for the person on the bottom.
  • Uncomfortable for some: The missionary position may be uncomfortable for people with back or knee pain or for those with limited mobility, as it can put pressure on these areas.

How to do Missionary sex position?

How to do Missionary sex position

  1. Find a comfortable surface: Choose a flat, supportive surface like a bed to perform the position on. Make sure there’s enough room to move and use a pillow or cushion for support if needed.
  2. Start:The woman lies down on her back with her legs spread, and the man sleeps over her, facing her.
  3. Control the penetration: The person on top can control the pace, angle, and depth of penetration, while the person on the bottom can reach up and touch their partner’s body.
  4. Add intimacy: The close proximity of bodies in the missionary position enhances intimacy and physical sensations such as skin-to-skin contact and the smells and sounds of each other’s bodies.
  5. Exploration: Explore different angles, speeds, and depths of penetration to find what feels best for both partners. Open communication is crucial in this step as both partners should feel comfortable expressing their preferences and trying new things. Experimenting with different techniques and variations can keep things exciting and enhance the sexual experience.

What the man does in the Missionary position

Role in the position

In the missionary position, the man is the “active” partner and is on top of the woman. The man controls the pace and depth of penetration and can change the angle of his hips to provide different sensations.

Supports the woman

The man should support the weight of his body on his arms, rather than lying on top of the woman. This will reduce pressure on the woman’s chest and allow for deeper penetration. The man can also use his legs to help control the rhythm of thrusting, which can be especially helpful if the woman is tired.

Stimulates the woman

The man can use his hands to stimulate the woman’s breasts, clitoris, or other sensitive areas during intercourse. He can also lean in for deep kisses or whisper into the woman’s ear for added intimacy. Eye contact can also be maintained, adding to the physical and emotional intimacy of the moment.

What the woman does in the Missionary position

Role in the position

In the missionary position, the woman is lying down with her legs spread, while her partner is on top of her, facing her. The woman plays a passive role in this position, allowing her partner to control the depth and pace of penetration.

Controlling the depth and pace of penetration

The woman can use her legs or hips to control the depth and pace of penetration. She can wrap her legs around her partner’s hips to control the angle and depth of penetration, or she can move her hips to control the pace.

Touching herself or her partner

The woman can use her hands to touch herself or her partner during sex. She can reach down and stimulate her clitoris, or she can caress her partner’s body. The close proximity of bodies in the missionary position also provides opportunities for kissing, hugging, and other forms of physical intimacy.

Likeness for the position

Do men like the Missionary sex position?

The answer to whether guys like the Missionary position is subjective and depends on individual preferences.

Some men may enjoy the missionary position because it offers a high level of intimacy and physical closeness with their partner. This position can also be a good option for those who prefer slow and romantic sex. Additionally, the man is in control of the pace and depth of penetration, which some may find enjoyable.

On the other hand, some men may not enjoy the missionary position because it can be less visually stimulating, or they may prefer positions that allow for more vigorous movement. Ultimately, individual preferences and experiences with the missionary position will vary.

Do women like the Missionary sex position?

Again, the answer to whether women like the Missionary position is subjective and depends on individual preferences.

Some women may enjoy the Missionary position because of the intimacy and closeness it provides, as well as the ability to touch and kiss their partner. Additionally, the close proximity of bodies in the position can enhance physical sensations, including skin-to-skin contact and the smells and sounds of each other’s bodies.

However, some women may not enjoy the Missionary position because it may not provide enough stimulation or control over the depth and pace of penetration. In these cases, women may prefer to try different positions to find what works best for them and their partner. Ultimately, the best sexual position is the one that feels good and enhances the experience for both partners.

Ultimately, sexual preferences are personal and can vary greatly between individuals. It is important to discuss what positions you both enjoy and are comfortable with to ensure a positive sexual experience.

How to master Missionary position

Mastering the Missionary sex position involves a combination of technique, comfort, and communication between partners. Here are a few tips to help you master this position:

  1. Experiment with different movements: Try thrusting in a rhythmic pattern, grinding your hips, or experimenting with shallow and deep thrusts to find what feels good for both partners.
  2. Use your body weight: You can use your body weight to control the intensity of the thrusts and make the experience more comfortable for both partners.
  3. Pay attention to physical sensations: Pay attention to the physical sensations you are both experiencing, and adjust your movements accordingly.
  4. Experiment with different angles: Experimenting with different angles, such as lifting your legs or changing the angle of your pelvis, can help increase stimulation and enhance the experience for both partners.
  5. Incorporate other stimulation: Consider incorporating other forms of stimulation, such as oral sex, manual stimulation, or toys, to enhance the experience. The close proximity of bodies in the missionary position makes it easy to reach and stimulate other erogenous zones during sex.

With these tips, you and your partner can work together to master the Missionary position and enjoy the many benefits it has to offer.

Tips and tricks to spice up the experience

Here are 3 ways to spice up the Missionary position:

  1. Use props: Adding a cushion or pillow under your hips can change the angle of penetration, providing new sensations. You can also use a sex toy for added stimulation.
  2. Try shallow penetration: Instead of deep thrusting, try shallow, slow movements to focus more on the sensations of friction and pressure.
  3. Experiment with restraints: Introduce restraints, such as handcuffs or ties, to add a new level of excitement to the missionary position.

Health and safety considerations

While the Missionary sex position offers numerous benefits and allows for more control and customization, it’s essential to consider the physical, emotional, and safety considerations that come with this position.

Physical considerations

  1. Physical comfort: Missionary can put a lot of strain on your neck, back, and hips, especially if you’re doing it for a prolonged period of time. Consider using pillows or other props to help support your body and prevent discomfort.
  2. Body size: Missionary can be a bit of a challenge if there’s a significant size difference between partners. The penetrating partner may find it difficult to maintain their balance, while the receiving partner may have trouble finding a comfortable position.
  3. Physical Limits: Everyone has different physical limits, and so respect those limits during sex. If either partner is feeling exhausted, it’s okay to take a break and try again later.

Emotional considerations

  1. Trust: Missionary position is an intimate position that requires a high level of trust between partners. Build trust and establish clear communication to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience.
  2. Emotional Wellbeing: Consider your emotional wellbeing before engaging in sexual activity. If you’re feeling anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed, wait until you’re in a better emotional state before engaging in sexual activity.
  3. Relationships: Sexual activity like missionary can have a significant impact on relationships, both positive and negative. Always consider the emotional state of your relationship and make sure that both partners are on the same page before engaging in sexual activity.

Safety considerations

  1. Protection: Practicing safe sex reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy. Make sure to use condoms, dental dams, or other forms of protection as appropriate.
  2. Avoid dangerous angles: Missionary position can put pressure on the neck and head, especially if the woman’s neck is bent backward. Make sure to avoid dangerous angles and use cushions or pillows to provide support and comfort.
  3. Physical Safety: Missionary position can be physically demanding, so make sure that both partners are comfortable and safe throughout the experience. If either partner experiences pain or discomfort, immediately stop and adjust accordingly.

Variations of Missionary position

The Missionary position can be varied in several ways to create new and exciting experiences for both partners. Some common modifications of Missionary sex position include:

  • Kneeling Missionary: The kneeling missionary position involves the man kneeling between the woman’s legs instead of being on top of her. This can change the angle and depth of penetration for added sensation.
  • Legs on Shoulders: In this variation, the woman raises her legs and places them on the man’s shoulders, which can increase depth and sensation.
  • Modified Missionary: The modified missionary involves the woman placing a pillow under her hips to change the angle of penetration and increase stimulation.

It is important to communicate with your partner about what feels good and what modifications work best for both of you.

Similar sex positions to try

  1. Spooning
  2. Reverse Missionary
  3. Reverse Cowgirl
  4. 69
  5. Doggy Style

FAQs

1. Why is this sex position called Missionary?

The origin of the name “missionary” has been a topic of debate and speculation, with some suggesting it comes from a view within the Christian church that this position was considered the “correct” or moral way to have sexual intercourse, as opposed to other positions that were seen as more animalistic, such as doggy style. However, this theory has been disputed, and the exact reason for the name remains uncertain. Nevertheless, it is widely recognized as a traditional, face-to-face sexual position where the man is on top of the woman.

2. Is Missionary sex position safe during pregnancy?

The missionary position can be safe for some women during pregnancy. Generally, it is recommended to avoid positions that put pressure on the abdomen during the later stages of pregnancy. In the early stages, the missionary position can be a good option because it allows for shallow penetration and can help to avoid putting pressure on the uterus. However, as the pregnancy progresses, it may be more comfortable to try alternative positions that are more comfortable and do not put pressure on the uterus or the back.

During pregnancy, it is important to be mindful of positions that may be uncomfortable or pose a risk to the growing fetus. And if you’re feeling any kind of discomfort during Missionary, consult with a doctor to ensure that the sexual activity is safe for you and your baby.

3. Can you get pregnant in Missionary sex position?

Yes, pregnancy is possible in the Missionary sex position or any other sexual position. Pregnancy occurs when sperm fertilizes an egg, and this can happen regardless of the sexual position.

You can use contraception if you do not wish to become pregnant.


 

References:

  1. EL-Gharib, Mohamed & Albehoty, Sherin. (2018). Sex and reproduction
  2. Adams, Cecil. “Why Is the ‘Missionary Position’ Called That?” The Straight Dope, 21 Aug. 1992
  3. Lombaard, Christo. “Orgasms and hallelujahs, or, Christian spirituality and sexuality: A missionary position.” Missionalia: Southern African Journal of Mission Studies 37.1 (2009): 103-123.
  4. Sex Positions – Photos, Tips & New Ideas. https://sexual-health-resource.org/sex_positions.htm. Accessed 2 Apr. 2023.
  5. Hwang, Madison. “11 Missionary Positions That Are Anything But Vanilla.” Let’s Eat Cake, 24 July 2020, https://www.letseatcake.com/missionary-sex-position/.