11 Sex Positions That'll Maximize Pleasure For Both Partners

How to do it:

Get on all fours while your partner lowers onto their knees and enters you from behind, either with their penis or a sex toy. To get more comfortable, you can drop down to your elbows and forearms. If you want to up the intensity, arch your back. That’ll allow for deeper penetration.

Why it maximizes pleasure for both partners:

People with penises love it because they can penetrate very deeply in this position. As for those with vaginas, doggy style hits the G-spot perfectly, and even if you don’t end up experiencing a vaginal orgasm, it can still feel fantastic.

It also tickles quite a few fancies. “Doggy style is the perfect position for voyeurs and exhibitionists alike, with the partner in the rear receiving a bird’s-eye view,” says Dr. Jess O’Reilly, sexologist, host of the Sex With Dr. Jess podcast. “If the partner in front has a clitoris, you can reach down and rub for extra stimulation or reach around and play with their nipples.”

How to do it:

While your partner lies on their back, straddle their hips, and then ride them.

Why it maximizes pleasure for both partners:

When a person with a vagina is on top, they have total control over their orgasm. “Cowgirl allows the riding partner to control the depth, angle, rhythm, and to change things up, you can have the supine partner bend their knees and experiment with different angles of penetration,” says O’Reilly.

For people with penises, this sex position is pleasurable because they know the chances of their partner climaxing are pretty good, while they get to just lie there and enjoy themselves.

How to do it:

Get into doggy style position, then grab a vibrator to stimulate the clitoris. It often works best if the person who is kneeling has the vibrator, since they’ll have both hands free.

Why it maximizes pleasure for both partners:

Not only does the person in front get their clitoris and G-spot stimulated at the same time, making this one of the best sex positions for having the elusive blended orgasm, but their partner also gets to enjoy the vibrations as they trickle down to them.

“Doggy with vibe offers the best of all worlds from penetration and voyeurism to rubbing, grinding, and vibing,” says O’Reilly. Consider a wearable toy so you can use your hands to explore.

How to do it:

With one of you on top and one on the bottom, facing in opposite directions, place your face between your partner’s legs and begin oral stimulation.

“To change things up and relieve the physical pressure, try lying on your sides instead of lying on top of one another,” says O’Reilly. It’s about choosing what’s most comfortable for both of you.

Why it maximizes pleasure for both partners:

If both partners enjoy giving and receiving oral, 69 can be an amazing experience because you're both being pleasured simultaneously. It’s also a position that feels equal — and even a little bit relaxing — because one person isn’t doing all the work.

How to do it:

With your partner flat on their back, straddle their hips and face away from them — just like cowgirl, but you’re turned around so your back is to them.

Why it maximizes pleasure for both partners:

Similar to traditional cowgirl, reverse cowgirl is one of the best sex positions for clitoral orgasm. “You can use your hands to rub your clitoris or grind against your partner’s thighs while they get a killer view,” O’Reilly says.

As for the companion with the penis (or strap-on), they get to lie there, thrust, and focus on the sensation of being stimulated vigorously (or slow and easy) by their partner.

How to do it:

Lie on your back on a flat surface with your legs crossed in the air while your partner, who’s standing, penetrates you. They can hold onto your ankles for extra support.

Why it maximizes pleasure for both partners:

The tightness you create with your crossed legs also creates a snugness in your vagina that’s a sensation you’ll both really enjoy. This particular tightness is actually why this position is great for people with smaller penises.

“This shallow penetration may be just what you need to stimulate the sensitive outer section of the vaginal canal while your partner can enjoy the full thrusting motion,” O’Reilly explains.

How to do it:

Have your partner lie on their back with one of their knees bent. Straddle the bent knee, then lower yourself onto their penis or strap-on while facing away from them. If your partner has a vulva, you can also use this position to grind against it.

Why it maximizes pleasure for both partners:

This one is another great sex position for clitoral stimulation because you can easily rub your pubic bone and clit against your partner’s thigh or vulva to orgasm.

Secondly, it allows for rear entry into the vagina, penetrating deeper and creating more sensation for both of you. “Sideways straddle also allows you to experiment with eye contact and teasing,” O’Reilly adds. “There is something beguiling about looking back at your lover — even for a few fleeting moments.”

How to do it:

If things are getting hot and heavy in the living room, get on your knees and bend over the back or side arm of the sofa. Have your partner penetrate you as they would in doggy style. This position is essentially doggy style except on the couch, which makes it more comfortable.

Why it maximizes pleasure for both partners:

“Sofa brace allows you to break with your usual bedroom routine and experience the thrill of changing locations,” says O’Reilly. “Use the arm of the sofa for extra stimulation of the external lips and clitoris.”

How to do it:

For this position, you can start either by lying down on your stomach as your partner climbs on top and penetrates you from behind, or in traditional doggy style and lower yourselves down together. The goal is to fully rest on your stomach.

Why it maximizes pleasure for both partners:

Rear vaginal penetration is always a winner for both partners. And, similar to the sofa brace, you have the comfort of the bed against you, as opposed to putting pressure and weight on your wrists and knees.

Because your bodies are on top of each other, either you or your partner will have easy access to stimulating your clitoris, in addition to the phenomenal penetration.

“Try this one with a few pillows beneath your hips so that you can still play with the arch of your back, but can also relax and enjoy the ride without using your core strength or tiring out your muscles,” O’Reilly says. “Changing the pillow height can allow you to find the perfect fit/angle — and you might find that your preferences change throughout the course of the month depending on your menstrual cycle, which can affect cervical position and sensitivity.”

How to do it:

Get into the classic cuddle position with your hips slightly higher than your partner's. They can enter you from behind or use a toy. If it's too tight of a fit, using lube or lifting your top leg can make all the difference.

Why it maximizes pleasure for both partners:

It’s the perfect lazy position to try when you’re both in the mood but nobody wants to do all the work. It also allows you to get extra close, and since no one needs to hold themselves up, you also get to keep- all of your focus on one another.

How to do it:

While your partner sits in a chair, face them and lower yourself down onto their lap. Hold onto their shoulders or the back of the chair as you grind on them. They can wrap their arms around your waist or help you bounce up and down.

Why it maximizes pleasure for both partners:

This move is super hot because it allows you to maintain eye contact and make out a little, which can be tough to do in other positions. Since you’re face-to-face, it's also a great pose for dirty talk. Use the closeness to whisper your fantasies into their ear so they know exactly what to do.