There are many reasons to have sex — finding pleasure, connecting with a partner, even relieving stress. If you’re feeling stressed, though, it might be more difficult to stay fully engaged during intercourse. Trying new things in the bedroom can help achieve that.
“When we’re stressed, it’s often harder to feel desire or to stay in the moment, because our mind is distracted and wandering,” says Justin Lehmiller, PhD, senior research fellow at the Kinsey Institute, author of Tell Me What You Want, and member of the Men’s Health Advisory Panel. “Trying something new can create this immersive experience that lets us be in the moment and raises sexual arousal.”
Fortunately, bringing variety into your sex life is easy, even in a long-term monogamous relationship. Switching up sex positions is a low-risk way to do exactly that.
Need some fresh ideas? Here are 51 of the best sex positions out there.
At Men’s Health, we aim to describe sexual experiences as inclusively as possible. While the positions on this list have traditionally been associated with penis-in-vagina sex, they can be adapted by couples of all genders and sexual orientations and identities. We encourage readers to modify any position to suit their bodies, preferences, and needs. To avoid making assumptions about gender or anatomy, we use nongendered language throughout this article. The “giving partner” or “giver” refers to the partner doing the penetrating, whether with a penis, a strap-on, or even fingers. The “receiving partner” or “receiver” refers to the partner being penetrated, either vaginally or anally.
Missionary Sex Positions
“Cowgirl” Sex Positions
Doggy Style Sex Positions
Whether you stick with a classic or branch out into something entirely new, the best sex position is ultimately the one that works for you and your partner — so experiment freely and communicate openly along the way.
