One of the best parts of sex is exploring different positions and seeing how her body feels. From G-spot focused sex positions like doggy or cowgirl to the many iterations of missionary, there’s almost no limit to what you can try. However, not all sex positions are created equal — and some stand a better chance of helping you reach orgasm than others.
according to a Study 2018 published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, only 18 percent of the women studied reported that internal (vaginal) sex alone was enough for an orgasm. Meanwhile, 37 percent said clitoral stimulation was necessary for orgasm, and another 36 percent said clitoral stimulation during sex made their orgasm feel better. This means that when having sex, it’s a good idea to know some sex positions that can easily target the clitoris.
Below are the five best sex positions for orgasm, ranging from beginner positions to more advanced positions. Each is clitoral friendly and can help you reach orgasm while still in the positions you love. Each position is customizable for both partnered and solo sex, but always talk to your partner before trying anything new – and throughout the experience! – to make you both feel as comfortable and sexy as possible.
1. From sitting to standing
How it goes: Lean over the edge of the bed with your stomach down and your feet on the floor. Then have your partner stand behind you and enter from behind. You can keep your legs on the floor or wrap them around your partner’s waist, whichever feels most comfortable.
Tip for stimulating the clitoris: With your partner standing behind you, encourage them to reach around your waist to stimulate your clitoris with their fingers or a vibrator.
Why we love it: “I really despise any position that requires work, so ‘sit to stand’ is my choice. My boyfriend loves it because he doesn’t have to work as hard as he is standing and thrusting. I like bringing a mood into it,” says Julie, 25.
2. Doggy style
How it goes: Just get on all fours on a comfortable surface like the bed, floor, or couch. If more comfortable, you can also extend your arms forward and lower your head to the bed or floor (almost like a child’s pose, but your hips should be elevated). Let your partner penetrate you from behind.
Tip for stimulating the clitoris: This position is great for self-stimulation as it spreads your legs for easy access. With your fingers or a vibrator (a small vibe like Dame’s fin is especially great as it attaches to your fingers), gently stimulate your clitoris. As a bonus, “Doggy style allows you or your partner to reach out and stimulate your clitoris,” says Polly Rodriguez, sex expert and CEO of Unbound.
Why we love it: “Doggy style remains my favorite for many reasons – there’s something super animal about it (I mean of course; hence the name) that gets me dirty in a good way doing it in that position and I love it that the position allows either my partner or I (or whatever new toy I’m trying out) to add some clitoral stimulation to the mix,” says author Danielle Page, 29.
3. lotus
How it goes: Have your partner sit on the bed with their legs straight or crossed. (It may be helpful to have pillows behind your partner’s back for extra support.) Lie down on them so that you face each other. You can stay on your knees or wrap your legs around them. This intimate position lets you rock back and forth for optimal clitoral stimulation.
Tip for stimulating the clitoris: Since you’ll be essentially sitting on your partner’s lap, try rubbing against their body, hand, or fingers to stimulate your clitoris. You can also ask your partner to use a vibrator directly on your clitoris (or nipples) and tease you with the sensation.
Why we love it: “I love how intimate Lotus feels. I can kiss my partner and get a lot of grinding action against my clitoris. It’s the best,” Brianna, 31, tells POPSUGAR.
4. Elevated Missionary
How it goes: Lie on your back with your legs apart and place two pillows under your bottom. The extra buoyancy makes it easier for your partner to penetrate you and also gives you some much-needed G-spot and clitoral stimulation.
Tip for stimulating the clitoris: This position is great for incorporating your favorite sex toy. That Satisfyer love triangle is a particularly good option as it is light in hand and provides both vibration and air pulsation to the clitoris.
Why we love it: “If I put some pillows under my butt, I can align my pubic bone with my partner’s pelvis,” says Grace*, 31. “It’s called the coital alignment technique and it makes orgasm easier.”
5. Cowgirl
How it goes: With your partner lying flat on their back, climb onto it and sit over them with your legs on either side of their body. Mix up your moves between loops and bigger thrusts up and down to enjoy being on top. You can also do a reverse cowgirl, which is the same position except you’re facing away from your partner, toward their feet.
Tip for stimulating the clitoris: While on top you can either touch your own clit or ask your partner to. If you and your partner both enjoy vibrators, you could try a vibrating cock ring (which fits over a penis or dildo and is compatible with most strap-on dildos). Cock rings are great because they give both partners pleasure, and when you’re on top you can rub yourself into the ring while it stimulates your clitoris. Gate 2 by LELO is a great option.
Why we love it: “[When] she [are] In addition, you have more control over clitoral contact and over yourself,” says Rodriguez.
“I like to straddle him on the couch while he’s almost hunched over a bit, and I can spread my legs wide enough to rub my clit against his pelvis,” says Candice, 23.
6. Flat Puppy
How it goes: Lie on your stomach with your legs closed and pressed together. Then, have your partner climb onto you in a push-up position and enter you from behind. This version of the classic doggy-style position facilitates orgasm by allowing for G-spot stimulation. It also relieves you of stress as you can lie on your stomach and relax.
Tip for stimulating the clitoris: This position can be a bit tricky as you are lying on your stomach with your legs together. To add clitoral stimulation, try a hands-free sex toy such as a Dames Eveas it fits snugly against your labia and over your clitoris.
Why we love it: “Me and my boyfriend currently love doggy style, but very low on the bed (like my hips at a very obtuse angle), with my legs between his. I like it because I like feeling his whole body on mine, and Doggy is great because he can hit the g-spot. When I have my legs closed all the sensations get better for both of us because it makes me tighter,” says Gabby, 22.
7. Open-legged spoon
How it goes: Lie on your side in a classic spoon position, then spread your legs outward in opposite directions. Have your partner lie on their side behind you (like a big spoon) and penetrate you.
Tip for stimulating the clitoris: Both you and your partner will be within reach of your clit, so use your hands, fingers, or a toy. You can even take turns touching your clitoris and guiding your partner’s hand or fingers with your own to show them what you like.
Why we love it: “This position is fantastic for lazy people like me. I can just sit back and use a vibrator on my clitoris without having to worry about anything else. I also love how sexy I look from this angle with so little effort,” she says Maria*, 32. “It’s easy for me to cum like this because I know I look great and it gives me confidence. ” *Names have been changed to ensure confidentiality.
— Additional reporting by Sara Youngblood Gregory