Predictability is a good thing sometimes. I like knowing my electric bill always stays under $22 (the perk of living in a 300-square-foot studio), that my dad is basically always available on Sunday afternoons for a phone call, and that I can always re-watch episodes of Gilmore Girls on Netflix during work-from-home days. There’s something about knowing you don’t have to worry about something, that it’ll just always be the same way.
Sex isn’t necessarily one of those things.
Getting into a sexual routine in a relationship is inevitable. We like what we like! But after a while, doing the same old stuff gets boring, and we all know what happens when sex with our partner gets boring: Both parties are irritable, frustrated, and insatiably horny (so much so that your sex drive can even drop). The easiest way to get out of a routine is, without a doubt, to try a new position. It’s the timeless way to make sex fun and exciting without really having to experiment all that much (I will always recommend switching things up to keep your sex life spicy, don’t get me wrong).
These aren’t positions that will “make him go crazy”; these are positions that will enhance your and your partner’s pleasure. So, what do you have to lose? Whether you’ve already tried these and forgot about them or just want a slight variation of your usual missionary (no shame, missionary is h-o-t), we’ve got you covered.
21 Sex Positions To Try
1. Cocooned Cowgirl
Cowgirl is considered a basic, but a lot of people are uncomfortable on top, whether it is their body or not knowing what to do. If this is a new position to you, try putting your legs in different positions to see which is the most comfortable for you. Cocooned Cowgirl is when the penetrating partner lies flat on their back and the receiver stays on top with their knees on either side of them. Instead of staying upright, though, the receiver will press their torso against their partner, and place their elbows on either side of their face. Keeping this skin-on-skin contact, grind back and forth against each other and simultaneously enjoy clitoral stimulation and ample access to the G-spot.
2. Legs Above the Shoulders
This is something people shy away from if they don’t think they’re flexible enough, but you’d be surprised! This position doesn’t require insane flexibility, but it is helpful if your partner helps you. This is a good one because it pushes your legs together, making your vagina tighter and convulse around their penis or fingers. This position is nicknamed the “G-Whiz” because it makes hitting your G-spot so easy. (I hope this one just made it to the top of your list!)
Have your partner come as close to you as they can in missionary, and then lift up your legs, using their shoulders and chest to hold them up (see, you don’t have to be that flexible).
3. The Corkscrew
Any position where you’re lying on your back is a go to because it’s so accessible and great if you’re feeling a bit lower energy. This position puts pretty much all of the control on your partner, which is especially hot. The key to this position is that your partner is standing or kneeling on the bed to enter you at a different angle, rather than the standard missionary. If you’re fond of spooning during sex, this is a great way to shake it up without giving up on your precious time in bed.
4. X Marks the Spot
This move gives you deep penetration and increases your chance of having an internal orgasm because of the angle the penetration is coming from, and the best part is that it requires minimal exertion from the penetrating partner. Find a flat surface—like a bed or table—and have the receiving partner lay flat on their back with their legs in the air, crossed at the knees or ankles (whichever is more comfortable). From there, the penetrating partner can use their partner’s legs to pull themselves in deep.
5. Pretzel Missionary
If you have a vulva, set yourself up as you would as a bottom for standard missionary. Have your partner lean over you, placing their hands on either side of your face, then wrap your legs around their back, crossing your legs at the ankles to resemble the salty snack (hence the position’s namesake). This slight change in positioning will give the penetrating partner deeper access, which in turn will provide you with more internal G-spot stimulation.
6. Oral Sex: Upside-Down Head Over the Bed
Getting in a rut with oral sex positions is very real. Lay on your back with your head over the edge of the bed and tilt back so you’re upside down. This can be done with a partner who has a vagina or penis, but it’s much easier with a penis just based on the angle. Your partner will enter your mouth in a totally different way than normal, and the view is extra hot.
7. Sitting Face-to-Face
You can do this position on a bed, on a couch, or in a chair. The face-to-face of this position allows you to connect with your partner and is obviously super sexy. Experiment with them sitting all the way up and you on top, straddling them, or you can try sitting up against a chair and them penetrating from the front. You could also try wrapping your legs around them; this allows you to get even closer and more intimate, and it makes doing your kegels while they’re inside you super easy (and super, super hot).
8. Spooning
This is a great position to try in the morning *wink wink*. If you’re having sex with a person with a penis, obviously, you’ll want to be the little spoon position, but you could be big or little spoon if you’re having penetrative sex with fingers. This allows you and your partner to get super close. The penis or fingers are coming from a different angle, so it might feel different and hit your G-spot more easily. Woohoo on that! If it’s easier, you can lift up your top leg here as well.
9. The Swoon
Looking to create a passionate sex scene straight out of a romance novel? Look no further than the swoon. This position is great for spur-of-the-moment sex and also works with any form of penetration from a sex toy, penis, or fingers. Lean against a wall and bring your partner close so you’re chest to chest with one another. From there, take one leg and wrap it around your partner’s hip, and have them hold onto the back of your thigh and upper back as they move in accordingly.
10. The Sexy Snuggle
This move is all about savoring each other, building intimacy, and maximizing skin-to-skin contact. Lie on your sides so you’re facing each other. Then, start by making out. Touch each other and take things slow as a way to build tension and desire. Finally, when you’re ready, hook your leg over your partner’s and have them penetrate you. This penetration can be whatever you want: fingers, a strap-on, a vibrator or dildo, a penis, etc.
11. The Bridge
This can be done for penetrative or oral sex. We all know what a glute bridge looks like, right? Basically, this position requires holding a glute bridge in the typical missionary position. The elevation allows your partner to get deeper and puts your vagina in a different position. This one also gives easy access for your partner (or you) to stimulate the clitoris while penetrating or going down on you. All wins for everyone involved if you ask me.
12. The Cowboy
We all know Cowgirl, but far too often, Cowgirl becomes the default without ever considering the alternative: Cowboy. Instead of the standard Cowgirl straddle, Cowboy involves you laying on your back with your knees up and your partner straddling you with your knees behind them. It might feel a little complicated at first, but once you get the position going, the orgasms will come.
13. The Standing Pretzel
Sex positions like the standing pretzel are underrated because though they might require a bit of maneuvering to get into, the payoff is always worth the effort. Start with a sturdy base (be careful if you’re in the shower!), hold one or both legs up, and wrap around your partner however you’d like. Experiment by adjusting your legs to find out what gives the best penetration. If you maintain eye contact, this position is great for fostering early-morning intimacy with your partner, which is a total bonus.
14. The Ankle Choker
Looking for a good stretch and some energy? You’ve come to the right place. If you have a vulva, lay on your back and have your partner get on their knees. While they’re lifting you up, wrap your ankles around their head, and the rest is all about finding a speed and rhythm that’ll beat your alarm.
This is a great position for couples who both enjoy being dominant. They can lift or drop your hips any way they want, and you can tighten your ankle grip to give direction.
15. Oral Sex: Rolling On Your Side
This works for both giving and receiving oral sex. If you’re giving, have your partner lay on their side while you’re facing them. This could be at the edge of the bed or in the middle with you laying on your side as well (this could also entail every middle schooler’s favorite number, the 69 position!). If you’re receiving, you could follow the same steps: lay on your side and have your partner come from the side. This will look differently depending on your anatomy as well as the person you’re giving oral sex to, but the main focus here is switching perspectives so you’re not directly facing each other. Again, we’re trying to change the angle to hit different parts of both the clitoris and the penis, so keep that in mind as you’re trying this position. The views are also quite good in this position, so you’re bound to both be super turned on.
16. Hands Behind Ankles
You’ll definitely be able to skip your yoga class with this one. Think of it like a pilates move meets doggy style. With careful maneuvering, the penetrating partner gets behind the receiving one, who then pulls their legs into a back stretch of the century (go as far as you can!). Ideal for dirty talk, this position is great for providing amazing anal or vaginal penetration. If you’re more on the kinky side, add a pair of cuffs to the mix. There’s always time for a bit of bondage.
17. Laying on the Edge of the Bed
A different twist on missionary and the legs above the shoulders position, this one involves your partner standing next to the bed while you’re laying at the edge. You can add in the legs-above-the-shoulders position here, or you can keep your legs pulled into the chest, held out in a “V” shape, or whatever feels comfortable. What’s good about this position is that your partner is firmly planted on the ground, so they’re able to thrust deeper and more controlled (meaning faster or slower, whichever you prefer!).
18. The Linguini
Sure, the name is a little funny—but it gives serious results if you’re looking for a position that allows for much deeper penetration. However, despite the minimal skin-to-skin contact and closeness of this position, it can still be really intimate because both partners can look each other in the eye while they’re going at it. Have the receiving partner lie on their side while the giving partner kneels directly behind their butt with one knee between their legs and leans ever-so-slightly over their partner, using their back to steady themselves as they go in. Of course, if your partner has a penis or is using a strap-on, you’ll want to be the bottom, but if you’re using fingers or having non-penetrative sex, you can be the top or bottom.
19. Tawdry in the Tub
Haven’t you heard? Shower sex is so 2023. Now, it’s time for bathtub sex to take the spotlight and get the hype it deserves. This position is ideal for eye contact and intimacy, while never sacrificing penetration. Sit face-to-face with your partner, and make sure the receiving individual throws their legs over the penetrator’s shoulders.
This is the perfect choice for starting your weekend off with a bang (literally and figuratively), or ending it on a relaxing, intimate nite with your partner. Spice this position up by turning on the shower head and letting the water mist down on you both. Or add a blindfold to heighten the sensation.
20. In The Bath
Does it get any hotter than touching yourself in the bath while your partner watches? Reminder for when things are getting boring: just add water. Not only will the bath have you all relaxed, but you’ll have full control over your own pleasure if you’re the one touching yourself. And if they’re touching themself too? Even hotter.
21. Soap n Grope
Shower sex is always a favorite because it’s great for multitasking getting clean and gettin’ some. If you’re operating as the submissive partner, lay yourself (comfortably!) up against a shower wall and arch your back for ideal penetration. Both parties can heighten this position with lots of hands-on play, gripping, and grabbing. And don’t forget that a removable shower head and shower-friendly lube can be great additions to some more extensive shower playtime.