The following is a list of common and not so common positions for sexual intercourse and other sexual activities between people. This is a list of usual modes, particulars, and features in which couples physically position themselves for sexual intercourse. Some sexual positions are variations on fundamental positions, while some are more innovative. In fact, some of these positions are also found among bonobos.
In the Indian Kama Sutra and Arabic Perfumed Garden, the act and manner of sex was an art-form. In the Khajuraho statues, it has religious meaning. The Joy of Sex was one of the first widely accepted modern sex manuals.
Note that the sex positions listed are descriptive, not prescriptive. Real sex between experienced partners will usually shift from position to position during a single session, at the whim of those involved.
There are also a vast number of positions for cunnilingus, fellatio and mutual masturbation, which are too numerous to list here.
Since the most common sexual activity worldwide is heterosexual vaginal intercourse, the positions listed are described in terms of one male and one female participant.
However, most of these positions can also be adapted as anal sex positions, although some with difficulty due to the different angle of rectal vs. vaginal entry. Similar provisions apply for frottage, tribadism, the use of double-ended dildos or strap-on dildos, and so on.
Warning: some positions which require the penis to be bent backwards relative to the normal erect position can only be accomplished with the penis in a semi-soft state. Great care should be taken in positions that risk bending the erect penis to avoid the danger of damaging the penis through penile fracture.
There is no single agreed standard for nomenclature of sex positions. The medical literature tends to use very general terms such as "male superior sex position" and "female superior sex position", or Latinate terms such as coitus more ferarum ("intercourse in the manner of an beast"). The terms used in sex manuals are often fanciful, and differ from manual to manual. The jargon of the pornography industry for sex positions has entered the mainstream vocabulary in some cases, and has at least the benefit of being specific.
The terms used here draw on all of these sources. Where possible, the most commonly used term is used.
These are the most widely known positions, and are widespread and prevalent during the act of sex.
These positions are more innovative, and perhaps not as widely known and practised as the ones listed above.
These are positions not commonly encountered. These are rarely experienced or observed. They are not regularly nor customarily engaged in. These are not in conformity with regular practice of sex.
Most sex acts are typically performed on a bed or other platform. As the range of supports available increases, the range of positions that are possible increases (for example, see the sitting and standing positions above).
Various forms of erotic furniture and other apparatus such as fisting slings and trapezes have been used to facilitate even more exotic sexual positions.
Some of the positions below are popular positions for sex during pregnancy.
Introduction
Nomenclature
Common positions
Less common positions
Sitting / Kneeling sex positions
Standing sex positions
Non-penetration or low-penetration sex
Unusual positions
Acrobatic skill / extreme agility required
Use of special apparatus
Group sex
Various assemblages of people, having the common characteristic structure of participating in a sexual act. Positions for pregnancy
See also
Compare with: lordosis behavior in other animalsBooks
External links