Missionary position

The missionary position is one of many possible sex positions. The woman lies on her back with her legs spread apart and usually bent. The man lies on top of her and penetrates her vagina or anus with his penis. Mostly, however, vaginal intercourse is meant when talking about the missionary position. The man either supports himself with his arms or rests his upper body on his partner. Theoretically, this position is widespread and can be classified as one of the most unexotic sex positions. It is therefore sometimes used as a synonym for boring sex, similar to daisy sex. During sex in the missionary position, it is mainly the man who controls the rhythm and depth of the push. The woman is more restricted in movement due to the supine position, but can also do pelvic thrusts. If the woman wants greater control over the rhythm and depth of penetration, this position is less suitable.

In most animals (e.g., dogs or horses), the male mounts the female from behind, penetrating with his penis from behind. This position is described as doggystyle and is the most common form of mating in the animal kingdom. In the missionary position, on the other hand, sex takes place belly to belly and this is extremely rare in animals. It has only been observed sporadically in some great apes and rodents. The main advantages of the missionary position are, on the one hand, the simultaneous stimulation of the clitoris and, on the other hand, the possibility to see the facial expressions of the sexual partner. Both factors can contribute to an increase in pleasure and are therefore two strong arguments that this sex position is not as boring as its reputation. The missionary position is often preferred by couples who want to look into each other's eyes and kiss during sex. Many teenagers also choose this sex position for their first time because penetration is easy in this position. Other sex positions sometimes need a bit more practice to get the penis to enter the vagina well.

For couples who want a baby, the missionary position is recommended for conception because the sperm flows towards the uterus in the supine position. The woman should continue to lie on her back for a while after sex if she wants to get pregnant. In late pregnancy, however, many women find belly-to-belly penetration uncomfortable and the penetration may be too deep. The missionary position is also common with same-sex partners. With gay partners, anal sex can also take place in the missionary position. Lesbian partners like it when both vulvas touch each other in the missionary position. The origin of the name of this sex position is disputed today and not clearly proven. The assumption that missionaries advertised or prescribed this position to natives in the colonies is not proven.