If your sex life is feeling a bit monotonous - maybe it’s time to switch up the positions a bit. The missionary sex position is one of the most popular positions in the world, and there’s no secret why. The missionary position is intimate and close to skin. But, if you want more flexibility or crave deeper penetration, it may not always hit the spot. If you love the missionary sex position but want more… read on for 5 new exciting variations!

But first...

What is the Missionary Sex Position?

The missionary sex position is a position with one partner on top of the other. Facing face-to-face, this position is an excellent starting position that provides close intimacy.

How to Do the Missionary Sex Position

The receiving partner lays flat on their back with their legs spread. This is best down on a flat surface for the easiest penetration. The penetrating partner will come close, facing them. To get close they should kneel and scoot forward to come between the receiver’s legs. Once close, they should place their hands on either side of the receiver’s head. This is so they can lean in and line up for penetration. Thrusting is then done in a forward motion. It's not only the penetrating partner who can take control... the receiving partner can thrust upwards to meet them too.

Why Try the Missionary Sex Position?

The missionary sex position offers an almost full skin-to-skin experience. This makes it perfect for couples who desire added closeness during sex. As well as being intimate in touch, this position is face to face meaning you can kiss and nuzzle in. This easy positioning is great for those with little flexibility. There is no vigorous riding or positioning required to enjoy this sex position. There's no kneeling or standing, making it easy to align yourselves. Couples of all heights can enjoy the missionary sex position.

Looking to take it to the next step? If you find yourself wanting more, then read on for five new missionary sex variations to try, ranked from easiest to hardest.

Variation 1: The Side Winder Sex Position

Difficulty rating: 1/5

A lot changes with a bit of a tilt! The traditional missionary sex position allows for direct forward thrusting. However, the Side Winder means you can angle your penetration. This gives a different sensation.

How to do the Side Winder Sex Position

Begin in the missionary sex position. In missionary, the penetrating partner’s legs sit between the legs of the receiver. For the Side Winder, the penetrating partner will keep only one leg between. Depending on what angle you are after, either leg can lift to rest on the outside. Moving the left leg over top and out will direct penetration to a right angle, and vice versa. The penetrating partner can move their chosen leg out and over. Or, the receiving partner can shift one of their legs under and in.

Why Try the Side Winder Sex Position?

Everyone’s anatomy is unique, including their pelvic positioning. If you have a tilted pelvis, the Side Winder is an excellent option. It's also an alternative if hitting the cervix during deep penetration causes pain. Instead of thrusting forward towards the cervix, this position has a diagonal entry. This direction helps to avoid direct contact with the cervix. However, you still can achieve g-spot stimulation.

Variation 2: The Closed Missionary Sex Position

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

Closed Missionary is a beginner-friendly missionary sex variation to try. Love missionary but find yourself craving more sensation? The intense friction the Closed Missionary offers is here to help.

How to do the Closed Missionary Sex Position

Begin with the receiving partner lying flat on a bed or other surface. The penetrating partner can climb over the top of them to straddle them. The penetrating partner should have their legs on either side. Having the legs of the receiving partner slightly open will help for penetration. Once settled inside, the receiving partner can close their legs until their legs are side by side. Be careful to go slowly as a swift closing can be abrupt! This position feels intense and tight for both penetrating and receiving partners. If any discomfort occurs, be sure to have extra lube on hand or open the legs slightly of the receiving partner. Like the missionary sex position, thrusting is a forward motion.

Why Try the Closed Missionary Sex Position?

For those who love to feel every motion to the fullest, the Closed Missionary sex position is an excellent option. This tight-squeeze position adds friction and intensity to each movement. If you lack sensation in missionary, this tight squeeze helps. This is also great for if you have an underactive pelvic floor. The Closed Missionary restricts movement in a positive way to deliver on sensation. However, you don’t compromise on closeness. Similar to the missionary sex position, you'll enjoy full skin-to-skin contact along the body.

Variation 3: The Koala Sex Position

Difficulty rating: 3/5

If you love the intimate hold of the missionary sex position – the Koala takes this even further! Depending on your flexibility (and leg strength), this position can vary in difficulty.

How to do the Koala Sex Position:

Begin in the missionary sex position. Ensure the penetrating partner is close to lying flat on top. The receiving partner then brings their legs up to rest on the partner’s back (or butt). If space allows, the receiving partner can then cross the feet. This way they can wrap the legs and lock them into position. If space is difficult due to size or other factors - we have a fix. Instead of wrapping, allow the heels to rest on either side of the lower back, or the butt cheeks. If you want to go for a full koala carry, use your arms too. Wrap the arms around the upper shoulders or back to hold on.

Looking to take it further? If you can lock the feet and hold on, the penetrating partner can pull upwards. This will pull the receiving partner’s lower back off the flat surface. They can then hold on for support.

If you want to elevate this position more, hold on! In Koala the receiving partner can be completely lifted off the bed or surface. Both partners will need a reasonable amount of strength to achieve this. The receiving partner will hold need to hold on tight. The penetrating partner will brace with their hands to stay steady. They can then tilt and thrust with their pelvis to achieve penetration.

Why Try the Koala Sex Position?

With the legs elevated, the Koala sex position allows for deep penetration. For those looking for intense g-spot stimulation, the Koala offers the perfect position. Not only is there intense depth with thrusts, but the legs-up approach helps to tilt the pelvis. This upward tilt is the perfect way to hit the g spot! You also don’t compromise on the close intimacy of the traditional missionary sex position.

Variation 4: The Half Pretzel Sex Position

Difficulty Rating: 4/5

We’re taking the classic missionary sex position… an extra 90 degrees for the receiver! This legs-up position requires a bit of flexibility to achieve, but it’s well-rewarding. Want to stretch your sex position repertoire? The Half Pretzel offers an exciting angle to explore.

How to do the Half Pretzel Sex Position

Depending on your flexibility, there are two ways to get into the Half Pretzel position.

If you need extra assistance, it’s best to begin in a similar style to the missionary sex position. The receiving partner lays flat on a surface with their legs spread open. The penetrating partner should be on their knees, rather than lying flat. This will help as they move in- between them. Lean back once close to give space for the receiving partner to place their legs upwards. Their legs will then rest on either side of the chest or shoulders. With the legs raised the penetrating partner can get settled. This may require leaning forward again to position themselves correctly.

If you have the flexibility to spare, begin in the missionary position. The receiving partner can then spread their legs wide to bring them up high and to the front. The legs will then rest on the front of the penetrating partner.

Why Try the Half Pretzel Sex Position?

If you enjoy a bit of added aerobics, the Half Pretzel position adds a pleasant stretch. You also still maintain a tight entry for intense sensation. Plus, thanks to having the legs up, this position offers added access to penetrate deeper. Without the legs in the way, you also receive indirect clitoral stimulation. During thrusting, the penetrating partner’s upper pelvis hits closely to the clitoris.

Variation 5: The Viennese Oyster Sex Position

Difficulty Rating: 5/5 (Flexibility is important)

The Viennese Oyster is not the entrée in this position – it’s the main course! This position is for those looking to push their sexcapades to the maximum level of flexibility. The Viennese Oyster offers an intensity like no other. This intense acrobatic sex position requires a great amount of flexibility to achieve its full capacity. However, you don’t have to do the full stretch to achieve a pleasant intensity.

How to do the Viennese Oyster Sex Position

We recommend warming up a bit before trying the Viennese Oyster. Using the Half Pretzel shape is an excellent way to start stretching the legs, and to transition to the Viennese Oyster sex position.

Begin in the Half Pretzel shape (see above). Ensure the receiver’s back and head are lying completely flat. This will make sure the neck does not feel cramped. The penetrating partner can then use their body to push the legs forward slowly. This is best done by pushing the legs closer to the knees to maintain balance. If the receiving partner is feeling a bit unsteady, ensure you are pushing the legs downward toward their ears. Be careful not to roll them up and over! To avoid this, the receiving partner’s back should always remain flat. It can also help to spread the legs slightly to avoid added tension and resistance in the pelvis. Most will feel a stretch doing the Viennese Oyster. To help keep the legs down, pressure will need to be applied. The penetrating partner can do this by using their arms or chest during sex.

This position is not an easy one to transition to for most. It's best to take your time and ensure you do some added stretching before. You also don’t have to have the legs fully up beside the ears. Even a slight stretch further from the Half Pretzel shape can deliver a whole new level of sensation.

Why Try the Viennese Oyster Sex Position?

If you thrive on getting a full sex workout, the Viennese Oyster delivers an intense stretch for the receiver. Also, the legs-up approach leaves the receiver open for all sorts of play. This position offers the ability for either vulva penetration, oral, or anal play. With the legs up and above, the pelvis tilts backward. This tilt assists in angling the G-spot perfectly for deep penetration and stimulation.

Looking for More? Add a Position Enhancer!

If you’re mixing it up with a new position, why not help yourself to a handy position enhancer? These accessories aid flexibility and stability during sex. If you want to try a new position, but comfort is a barrier… these enhancers are here to help.

Kinki Plush Foam Pillow$77.95Shop NowStrict Padded Thigh Sling Position Aid$113.95Shop Now

Bit of a pillow princess? If you find yourself stacking pillows to help elevate your body (or pelvis) for new positions, the Kinki Plush Foam Pillow is for you. This foam pillow is a tilted block shape. It’s firm, but not too hard, so you don’t have to worry about losing the angle you want. In positions like the Koala, this cushion can rest under the butt of the receiver. Try having the slim end towards the small of the back, and the upwards angle tilting the pelvis up. This position elevates the hips, making it easier to grip a partner close with your legs.

Or, if you are trying out the Half Pretzel, place the foam pillow in the same position as above. By elevating the hips, the receiver may find it easier to lift their legs. The tilt of the pelvis with the block causes less resistance in the hip joints. With the large end of the foam pillow facing the penetrating partner, it’s also an excellent knee stop. This position ensures a partner doesn’t go too deep at first. The foam pillow helps to halting their forward thrusting movement.

We aren’t all super flexible – and that’s why the Strict Padded Thigh Sling Position Aid is here. This positioning aid helps to pull the legs closer to the chest. This makes it a perfect accompaniment to the Half Pretzel or Viennese Oyster position. This sling is also padded, ensuring comfort around the neck. The two straps tie around either leg, with the sling being adjustable. Using the buckles, you can determine how taunt the sling is. Plus, you can always adjust this during play. In positions like the Viennese Oyster, the sling helps to support the legs. Instead of the penetrator having to push against them or hold them – the sling does the work. For both the Half Pretzel and the Viennese Oyster positions, we recommend raising the legs before applying the straps. This will help avoid a harsh and quick stretch when pulling them to a 90-degree angle or further.

P.s. Shoutout to our Instagram for the voted winner "Half Pretzel" sex position name!

Want more? Read on with…

• The Side Saddle Sex Position: How To Do It & Why It's So Good
• How Do I Initiate Sex with my Partner
• What Are the Best Sex Positions for G-Spot Orgasms