The missionary position is a well-known favourite, and one of the most widely used sex positions where one partner lays on their back while the other lies on top facing them. It’s a staple in many intimate relationships because of the comfort, ease and simplicity that it brings.
However, it’s also known for its standardised technique and meets with some criticism for being the least adventurous position. But like all sex positions, it comes with both positive and negative aspects.
Vicki explores both the advantages and disadvantages of the missionary position.
While missionary can occasionally get a bad rap, it’s labelled as the most used position for a reason – we must love it. Missionary has a ton of benefits that we might not even consider in the heat of the moment.
Missionary position is the go-to for many first-time couples as it allows them to create a greater connection. Eye contact enhances the emotional connection and makes for a much more sensual experience. It also opens up the avenue to kissing and more intimate sexual acts such as caressing the breasts and nipples.
Our bodies naturally slot together into a missionary position, meaning that there’s no need for enhanced strength or power when thrusting and no need to hold yourself in a single position for an extended period. The missionary position also offers the most stability, while the bed, sofa or practically any other surface can support the weight of both people.
The close proximity of both partners also makes missionary position a winner when it comes to communication. You can adequately communicate what you like and dislike through noises, faces and movements while still enjoying a sensual experience. This can remove the awkwardness of trying to understand your partner’s body without any visual cues and could also reduce the ever-terrifying orgasm gap which could lead to disappointment.
Missionary position between a man and a woman is the optimum position to massage the G-spot. The elusive G-spot is located on the inside wall of the vagina closest to the front of the body. The penis naturally bends slightly in this direction, giving the man more chance of successfully stimulating the woman to climax.
While all that great G-spot stimulation is going on, the grinding effect will also provide extra sensation to the outside of the vagina, rubbing easily against the clitoris and vulva to create dual sensation. Positions that operate face-to-face have the unique ability to stimulate multiple erogenous zones simultaneously with a single motion, potentially leading to a combined orgasm.
The missionary position has been labelled by medical professionals as the most effective position to achieve conception. This is because the sperm is deposited closest to the cervix during missionary, giving the couple more chance of successfully conceiving.
During pregnancy, the missionary position also offers lots of advantages. To the woman, it can take a ton of strain off their hips and legs, with the ability to lay down and take the weight removing the responsibility of controlling the centre of gravity and also reducing the weight that a man would feel if she were on top. This reduces issues such as sciatica, which are common during pregnancy.
These issues can be relieved even further using a pillow underneath the hips or a variety of other sex furniture designed to remove stress and strain.
We also offer a range of wonderful sex toys for pregnancy and check out our blog on embracing sex during pregnancy for more information.
The position is also recommended to more senior people for similar reasons. It takes the strain of legs and hips for both partners and doesn’t require them to remain in the same positions for long periods.
Thrusting during missionary is also not as physically demanding as other positions, such as doggy style, reducing pressure on the knees and other joints but still also getting in some exercise as an additional benefit.
Also check out our blog on top sex positions and sex toys for seniors.
After covering all the wonderful benefits of the missionary position, let’s cover off a few of the criticisms.
Depending on the weight and body shape of both partners, the person on the bottom may experience some discomfort due to the extra weight added to their hips. The position also allows for limited movement, meaning that adjusting to make sex more comfortable could be a challenge.
Luckily though, the increased communication on offer with the missionary position means that partners can manoeuvre themselves without awkwardness.
For those who like to take control, missionary may not be the ideal position if you happen to be the partner on the bottom. This is the perfect position to sit back and take your pleasure gladly.
Now, the main criticism of the missionary position is the lack of variety. It’s the obvious and easy position for beginner couples or those that are used to the same sensations. If you’re the type of person who likes to spice things up, then you might find missionary a little dull with limited opportunities to access other erogenous zones.
The missionary position offers numerous benefits in terms of intimacy and ease, especially those experiencing physical limitations. It’s a comfortable position that can offer maximum stimulation to both partners, ensuring satisfaction.
However, there are a few drawbacks in that it doesn’t allow for adventure or access to other erogenous zones. As with any sex position, there’s room for improvement, so it’s recommended that you start off there and, if you’re comfortable enough, switch up your positions during the session to enhance your experience and add a touch more excitement.
