The missionary position is a sexual position in which the penetrating partner lies on top of the receiving partner, controlling the speed and depth of penetration. Missionary is a common sex position that couples of any [gender identity](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gender-identity-guide) or sexual orientation can use for penetrative sex, fingering, or dry humping sessions. 
The missionary is a classic position with many significant benefits:

1. __Facilitates intimacy__. A major benefit of the missionary position is its focus on closeness. Missionary is one of the best ways to bond with your partner because it’s intimate by nature: Being face-to-face allows for ample eye contact, skin-to-skin contact, and easy access to one another’s bodies. 
2. __Clitoral stimulation__. The missionary position can be gratifying for vulva owners because the penetrative partner’s pubic area grinds against the clitoris during the act, offering simultaneous stimulation.
3. __Gateway to other activities__. Missionary is a gateway position that allows for an easy transition into oral sex, double penetration (with a butt plug), or positions like the [lotus](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/lotus-sex-position-explained), which also prioritizes face-to-face contact.
4. __Hands-free pleasure__. Missionary is a hands-free position, which means you can use your hands to freely explore your partner’s [erogenous zones](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/erogenous-zones-guide) or incorporate a sex toy into the mix. Learn other techniques for having a [hands-free orgasm](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/hands-free-orgasm-explained). 
5. __Simplicity__. Simplicity makes it a fantastic starting place for all kinds of variations. While the limited depth of penetration can be an issue for some, you can adjust the position by changing the angle for deeper penetration.

Consider traditional missionary sex as one level of many. Here are a few ways to customize the reliable position:

1. __With sex toys__: The missionary position is a hands-free position that makes it easy to incorporate toys for additional stimulation. You can use cock rings or external vibrators for clitoral stimulation (like bullet or palm vibrators).
2. __Deep penetration missionary__: Raising the legs and pelvic floor allows for deeper penetration during missionary. Place a pillow behind the lower back of the receiving partner, who then wraps one or both legs around the penetrating partner’s torso or hips. If the receiving partner is particularly limber, they can rest their legs on the shoulders of the penetrating partner in a variation known as the seashell or oyster. This variation allows for easier access of the G-spot or G-area, a two- to three-inch section along the anterior wall of the vaginal canal. 
3. __Coital alignment technique (CAT)__: This technique prioritizes external clitoral stimulation. To perform CAT during missionary sex, the receiving partner shifts down a few inches, so their vulva aligns with the base of the penetrative partner’s penis or [strap-on dildo](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/strap-on-dildos-explained). The penetrating partner can then apply pressure to the top of the vulva using a grinding motion that directly stimulates the clitoris. 
4. __The Floating Rider__: To perform the floating rider, one person lies down with knees bent, and the receiving partner is on top, facing the penetrative partner (like the [cowgirl position](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cowgirl-position-explained)), resting against their thighs. The penetrative partner can then support and lift the receiving partner’s hips with their forearms and hands while thrusting. 
5. __Edge of the World__: This variation is a great, low-impact tweak to standard missionary. To perform this position, the receiving partner lies on their back on the edge of a bed, table, or any lifted surface so that both partners’ genitals are at the same height. The penetrative partner can then enter the receiver with ease, looking into each other’s eyes and using their hands to explore each other’s bodies.

Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and learn more about open <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> with your partners, experimenting in the bedroom, and being your own best sexual advocate with a little help from Emily Morse (host of the wildly popular podcast *Sex With Emily*). 
There’s plenty to love about this missionary position—a simple, effective position, which you can customize to create a mind-blowing sexual experience.

There’s plenty to love about this missionary position—a simple, effective position, which you can customize to create a mind-blowing sexual experience. 

Missionary Sex Position: 5 Benefits of the Missionary Position 

The missionary position is a sexual position in which the penetrating partner lies on top of the receiving partner, controlling the speed and depth of penetration. Missionary is a common sex position that couples of any <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gender-identity-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gender-identity-guide","linkCopy":"gender identity","category":null}'>gender identity</a> or sexual orientation can use for penetrative sex, fingering, or dry humping sessions.

What Is the Missionary Position?

The missionary is a classic position with many significant benefits:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Facilitates intimacy. A major benefit of the missionary position is its focus on closeness. Missionary is one of the best ways to bond with your partner because it’s intimate by nature: Being face-to-face allows for ample eye contact, skin-to-skin contact, and easy access to one another’s bodies. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Clitoral stimulation. The missionary position can be gratifying for vulva owners because the penetrative partner’s pubic area grinds against the clitoris during the act, offering simultaneous stimulation. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Gateway to other activities. Missionary is a gateway position that allows for an easy transition into oral sex, double penetration (with a butt plug), or positions like the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/lotus-sex-position-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/lotus-sex-position-explained","linkCopy":"lotus","category":null}'>lotus</a>, which also prioritizes face-to-face contact. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Hands-free pleasure. Missionary is a hands-free position, which means you can use your hands to freely explore your partner’s <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/erogenous-zones-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/erogenous-zones-guide","linkCopy":"erogenous zones","category":null}'>erogenous zones</a> or incorporate a sex toy into the mix. Learn other techniques for having a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/hands-free-orgasm-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/hands-free-orgasm-explained","linkCopy":"hands-free orgasm","category":null}'>hands-free orgasm</a>. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Simplicity. Simplicity makes it a fantastic starting place for all kinds of variations. While the limited depth of penetration can be an issue for some, you can adjust the position by changing the angle for deeper penetration. </li></ol>

5 Benefits of the Missionary Position

Consider traditional missionary sex as one level of many. Here are a few ways to customize the reliable position:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. With sex toys: The missionary position is a hands-free position that makes it easy to incorporate toys for additional stimulation. You can use cock rings or external vibrators for clitoral stimulation (like bullet or palm vibrators). </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Deep penetration missionary: Raising the legs and pelvic floor allows for deeper penetration during missionary. Place a pillow behind the lower back of the receiving partner, who then wraps one or both legs around the penetrating partner’s torso or hips. If the receiving partner is particularly limber, they can rest their legs on the shoulders of the penetrating partner in a variation known as the seashell or oyster. This variation allows for easier access of the G-spot or G-area, a two- to three-inch section along the anterior wall of the vaginal canal. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Coital alignment technique (CAT): This technique prioritizes external clitoral stimulation. To perform CAT during missionary sex, the receiving partner shifts down a few inches, so their vulva aligns with the base of the penetrative partner’s penis or <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/strap-on-dildos-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/strap-on-dildos-explained","linkCopy":"strap-on dildo","category":null}'>strap-on dildo</a>. The penetrating partner can then apply pressure to the top of the vulva using a grinding motion that directly stimulates the clitoris. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. The Floating Rider: To perform the floating rider, one person lies down with knees bent, and the receiving partner is on top, facing the penetrative partner (like the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cowgirl-position-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cowgirl-position-explained","linkCopy":"cowgirl position","category":null}'>cowgirl position</a>), resting against their thighs. The penetrative partner can then support and lift the receiving partner’s hips with their forearms and hands while thrusting. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Edge of the World: This variation is a great, low-impact tweak to standard missionary. To perform this position, the receiving partner lies on their back on the edge of a bed, table, or any lifted surface so that both partners’ genitals are at the same height. The penetrative partner can then enter the receiver with ease, looking into each other’s eyes and using their hands to explore each other’s bodies. </li></ol>

5 Missionary Position Variations

Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and learn more about open <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> with your partners, experimenting in the bedroom, and being your own best sexual advocate with a little help from Emily Morse (host of the wildly popular podcast Sex With Emily).

Let’s Talk About Sex

There’s plenty to love about this missionary position—a simple, effective position, which you can customize to create a mind-blowing sexual experience.

There’s plenty to love about this missionary position—a simple, effective position, which you can customize to create a mind-blowing sexual experience. 
