What is the missionary sex position?
It's the easiest and the safest - but what is the missionary sex position?
MISSIONARY is known to be one of the most popular sex positions.
It's great for those who aren't particularly flexible or are unable to get into some of the more difficult positions.
What is the missionary sex position?
Originating from the late 1960s or early 1970s, some experts believe the name is from allegedly being favoured by Christian missionaries working among indigenous peoples.
Typically, the missionary position traditionally has the male partner on top and the female on the bottom, although this can be altered to a woman on top, or to any gender combination.
One partner will lie on their back, and the other will climb on top and while facing them will begin to thrust.
Communication is key, as the partner on top will usually have more control over depth and speed.
The missionary position can be used for either vaginal or anal penetration.
Are there variations of the missionary sex position?
There are a number of variations on this position.
Some might require more flexibility or stamina, but others require less.
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Wrap-around
This is a pretty simple variation to missionary where all the bottom partner needs to do is wrap their legs around their partner’s waist.
This can allow for deeper penetration and maximum pleasure.
The leg glider
The leg glider is a great position for plus-size women.
To get into this position the woman lies on her left side with her left leg, left side, and left arm all on the bed. Her right leg will be resting on top of her left leg and her right arm will be resting on her body.
She'll then raise her life leg as high as she wants and can either bend her leg or lean it against her partner if needed.
He will then enter while in a seated position.
The hook
The hook position is one that’s driving couples wild.
To get into this position you’ll first get into the traditional missionary position, with the man on top.
The “hook” part comes into play with the woman hooking her legs up and over his shoulders – typically with the ankles just resting on the shoulders.
The man leans over the woman, supporting his weight in his hands, and opening his thighs slightly to straddle her.
Is the missionary sex position safe?
Since missionary is one of the easiest sex positions, it also makes it one of the safest.
The positions can even be used during the early stages of pregnancy, according to Dr Monica Grover, a double board-certified gynecologist, and chief medical officer at VSPOT.
In July 2022, Grover told that missionary is safe during the first trimester "as long as you are still comfortable lying on your back and withstanding any pressure on top of your abdomen from your partner."
Dr Betsy Greenleaf, a doctor of osteopathic medicine and a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists added that the position is also safe during the second trimester but noted that it might be uncomfortable for the mother.
“Typically, by 20 weeks, the top of the uterus has reached the level of the mother’s belly button,” she explained.
“Though missionary sex is still possible during this period, the mother may become more uncomfortable depending on how much her partner leans on her abdomen.”
If it becomes too much, Grover recommends doggy style or the spooning sex positions.