Your anatomy is why sex feels better in some positions and not others
By Sara Twogood, MD
In my “Want to see an MRI of people having sex? Read on!” blog post, I showed you MRI images of penile vaginal intercourse to help illustrate what female and male anatomy looks like during sex.
The study that published the images, “Magnetic resonance imaging of male and female genitals during coitus and female sexual arousal”, shows the penis enters the vagina and moves upwards at an angle of about 120 degrees (from the base of the penis to the tip) - almost parallel to the woman’s spine. They described the erect penis as a “boomerang” shape.
These anatomic details are important to explain why sex feels better in some positions and not others and why it’s not the same for everyone. I’m specifically talking females (because I’m a gynecologist) and penetrative sex - either with penis or vibrator (because that’s what this study was about). Remember, most females need clitoral stimulation to orgasm, so it’s important to consider how the clitoris is stimulated as well.
All that being said, here are a few well known sex positions and, based on anatomy, the potential good / bad of each.
(please appreciate my G rated images and why yoga can help with better sex too!)
Missionary position
(female bottom, male on top, facing each other)
Anatomy: The “boomerang” shaped penis bounces off the anterior (front) part of the upper vagina, right next to the bladder.
Good: If the female lifts the hips at an angle (like on an incline), the anterior middle part of the vagina can be stimulated. This is where the “female prostate” / G spot is located – where a small percentage of females feel a lot of sexual stimulation. But don’t worry – nothing is wrong with you or your anatomy if this does not give you pleasure.
Bad: If there are bladder issues like UTIs or painful bladder syndrome, or pelvic floor dysfunction of the anterior muscles, having sex in this position can cause even more pain.
Considerations: It’s difficult to get clitoral stimulation from this position unless it’s done by hand.
Cowgirl
(male bottom, female on top, facing each other)
Anatomy: similar to missionary – the penis tip is in the anterior part of the vagina, near the bladder.
Good: The movements can be female controlled – including the depth of penetration and hopefully stimulation of the clitoris.
Bad: Same as missionary – the anterior part of the vagina and bladder are usually stimulated.
Doggy Style
(female bottom, male behind, both facing same direction)
Anatomy: The penis will bounce off the posterior (back) part of the upper vagina and cervix, near the rectum.
Good: This position allows for deep penetration because the posterior part of the vagina is the deepest. Also, as the penis enters the vagina, it has potential to stimulate the “G-spot”.
Bad: For people who have endometriosis, bowel issues, or pelvic floor dysfunction of the posterior muscles, doggy style may irritate these conditions.
Considerations: Direct clitoral stimulation is non-existent unless done manually.
There are MANY other positions to have sex – including side lying, standing up, edge of bed, legs more open or closed … But my point is that each position has good and bad components to it.
Your body is dynamic. Even over the course of a cycle, the position of the cervix and uterus change slightly, which can make intercourse feel different at different times of the month. Different male partners will have different size and shape of penises as well (not to mention different preferences / what feels good to them).
So use this information to move around during sex. Pay attention to what feels good for you. Experiment and keep experimenting. If one position is no longer working for you – mix it up and try another!
Study: Schultz, Willibrord Weijmar; Pek van Andel, Ida Sabelis, Eduard Mooyaart. Magnetic resonance imaging of male and female genitals during coitus and female sexual arousal. British Medical Journal vol 319: 1596-1600. 18-25 Dec 1999