7 Top Sex Positions For Female Orgasm (Field-Tested!)

Sitting Sex PositionMastery Sex Position

If sex isn't doing much for you, you're far from the only one, and it might come down to the positions you're using (or not using, depending on how you look at it). Maybe you default to certain positions because your partner prefers them or because it feels like you're supposed to. But your body won't necessarily respond with an orgasm just because the position isn't built with your pleasure in mind. Below you'll find some of the top sex positions for reaching female orgasm, plus tips for getting there more often and more easily.

Why Orgasm During Sex Doesn't Always Happen

A lot of people equate "sex" with penis-in-vagina penetration, but most women simply won't climax from that alone. The reason is that most women need direct clitoral contact to orgasm, and penetration on its own rarely provides that. So why do so many couples default to these positions anyway? Because that's what movies and pop culture show us, even when it's not what actually gets women off.

If you already climax from penetration, your clitoris is probably positioned close to your vaginal opening and sensitive enough to respond. You're less likely to orgasm from penetrative sex alone if the gap between your urethra and clitoris is greater than roughly the length from your thumb tip to its first knuckle (about an inch) [1]. Plenty of women, though, have roughly that distance, meaning penetration alone won't cut it for them.

Curious whether your anatomy falls into the lucky under-an-inch category? Slip a thumb inside your underwear and check. Or grab a small hand mirror, squat over it, and get a clearer look at your own anatomy.

Related: Where Is the Clitoris?

Some women also orgasm more readily during sex because their G-spot is especially responsive and they happen to be in positions that reach it. Worth knowing: the G-spot is really just the internal extension of the larger clitoral structure [2] [[3] (more on the anatomy), reachable through the vaginal canal with fingers, a toy, or a penis.

So the best sex positions for female orgasm are generally ones that give you or your partner access to your clitoris for stimulation. Other strong options line up your clitoris against your partner's pelvis or another body part for friction. A handful of these positions are also great for hitting the G-spot, useful if you're someone who can orgasm that way.

Top Sex Positions For Female Orgasm

Here are a handful of the best options for climaxing. Got a favorite that's missing? Drop it in the comments below!

1. Cowgirl

Woman On Top Sex PositionReverse Cowgirl Sex Position

Being on top puts you in charge of angle, pace, and depth. And generally speaking, positions where the woman is in control tend to be the most orgasm-friendly.

Why is that?

Being in the driver's seat means you can dial in exactly the stimulation you need. You can also reach down to touch your clit — or bring a toy into play — with your man lending a hand too. Try this trick to help tip you over the edge: have your partner wrap two fingers around the base of his penis, one on either side. His knuckles then give you something firm to grind against as you ride him.

Feeling nervous about taking the top spot? That's totally normal! Here's how to build confidence riding your man.

2. Doggy Style

Piledriver Sex PositionCorner Doggy Style Sex Position

Doggy style earns its place on this list less for clitoral contact (tips here) and more for its G-spot potential. If your orgasms come mostly from G-spot stimulation, doggy could be your go-to. Height mismatches can make this position awkward, so try tucking a pillow under your knees or kneeling on furniture while he enters from behind. If holding the position is tough, a pillow under your stomach can help too.

Don't worry if clitoral stimulation is more your thing — doggy still leaves plenty of room for you or your partner to reach between your legs and help things along.

This guide to bringing her to orgasm can help too.

3. Coital Alignment Technique

Spread Legs Sex PositionDrill Sex Position

The Coital Alignment Technique, or CAT, was built specifically to solve the orgasm gap that plain missionary often creates. It's been shown to make climaxing during sex easier [4].

CAT differs from standard missionary in a couple of key ways. First, your man positions himself higher up your body than he normally would. Second, you tilt your hips upward so your clitoris sits closer to his pelvis (a pillow under your hips makes this easier), letting you grind against him. He then shifts from thrusting to more of a rocking motion.

See more variations on doggy style here.

4. Lotus

Sitting Sex PositionMastery Sex Position

This one won't suit every body type, but it's worth a shot if you think it might work for you two. To get into Lotus, your man sits down first with his legs crossed. You then climb into his lap, wrapping your legs around his back — locking your ankles behind him if it's comfortable.

The closeness of this position makes it especially intimate, since you're face-to-face and can kiss freely throughout. You'll also find that rocking, rather than thrusting, tends to work better here, which is part of why it's such a favorite for women.

Get more tips for making Lotus work for your bodies.

5. Thigh Tide

Sybian Sex PositionSitting Sex Position

This is a spin on Reverse Cowgirl built around grinding. The only change needed is having your partner bend one knee with his foot planted flat on the bed, raising his thigh in front of you. Grind against it as you rock your hips, all while keeping the same control you'd have in standard Cowgirl.

Wrapping your arms around his raised knee gives you a little extra stability if you want it.

6. Rear Entry

Cross Sex PositionWashing Machine Sex Position

You might not expect this one to make the list, but hear us out. Even though it typically has you lying flat on your stomach while he enters from behind — making it an easy, low-effort position — a few tweaks can turn it into a serious source of clitoral stimulation.

Try tucking a pillow under your hips to grind against; a firmer, narrower pillow works especially well. Or lift your hips with a softer one and slide your favorite vibrator between your body and the pillow. Some sex pillows even come with built-in slots for holding a vibrator in place!

More on the Rear Entry sex position.

7. Missionary

Bulldog Sex PositionHang Loose Sex Position

We've already covered why plain Missionary often falls short for women, but done right, it can absolutely get you to the finish line. Start by touching your own clit, or invite your man to do it if there's enough space between your bodies. You might also consider a small curved vibrator tucked between you both during sex. Lelo's Lily or Dame's Eva are both worth a look.

If you're into toys generally, a vibrating cock ring is another option. Beyond helping your man last longer, models with an attached vibrator can add extra sensation for you too. Look for one with a vertical vibrator element for maximum effect.

Read: How to Use a Cock Ring

Now that you've got a list of the best sex positions for female orgasm, here's some additional advice you shouldn't skip.

Tips For Reaching Orgasm During Sex

Beyond trying these positions, a few extra habits can help you get more out of your time in bed.

• Bring in toys. For a lot of women, toys make orgasm far easier — or even necessary. They also outlast your hand or your partner's stamina, as long as the batteries are charged, and they take some of the pressure off your partner to maintain an erection the whole time.
• Don't rely solely on penetration. Sure, penetrative sex usually does the trick for men, but that's not the case for plenty of women. That doesn't mean orgasm is off the table — just that penetration alone might not get you there. Add fingers (his or yours) and mouths into the mix to boost your odds. Even a well-placed thigh can do the job.
• Grind it out. Grinding and humping are excellent ways to stimulate your clitoris, though not every position allows for it. Some of the best options let you grind against your partner's body while he's still inside you. Grinding against a pillow works too.
• Keep pillows handy. They're not just for humping — pillows also make certain positions easier to get into or hold long enough to finish. Firmer pillows work best for positioning, and brands like Liberator make memory-foam pillows designed specifically for sex.
• Don't skip the lube. Lube eases initial penetration, but it also helps things last longer. If you're someone who needs a bit more time to get there (nothing wrong with that), lube is a genuine ally.
• Never skip foreplay. The more turned on you are before penetration even starts, the better your odds of orgasming once it does. Start earlier in the day with flirty texts, slip into lingerie after a relaxing bath, add in a sensual massage (tips here), and make out before any clothes come off. Foreplay does half the work when it comes to orgasm. Find plenty more foreplay tips here.

Want more ways to enjoy sex and orgasm?

Orgasm Doesn't Have To Be The Goal

Even with this rundown of great sex positions for female orgasm, remember that climaxing doesn't have to be the point of every sexual encounter. Plenty of pleasure exists outside of orgasm. In fact, fixating too hard on finishing can sometimes be exactly what keeps you from getting there, and it can pull your attention away from the pleasure that's already happening.

If it feels good, keep doing it. Stay focused on sensation and pleasure in the moment, orgasm or not. There's nothing wrong with that!

Let Go Of Your Inhibitions

This might sound backwards for an article about orgasm-friendly positions, but sometimes the real obstacle is that you're holding yourself back. If you're stuck worrying about how you look, sound, or what happens when you climax, it's time to release that. Get out of your own head. Our guide to shaking off sexual anxiety can help.

Or just throw a towel down if you're a squirter worried it's actually urine. Does it even matter? Do whatever feels good. Read more here.

Worried a partner will judge you for needing a toy to finish? Just ask if he wants to watch you come. Anyone worth inviting into your bed will say yes without hesitation.

Researchers who study female sexuality call inhibitions like these "sexual brakes." The dual-control model describes how we all carry both accelerators (turn-ons) and brakes (turn-offs) [5], and both can shift depending on context [6]. So whatever you can do to ease off those brakes, especially around orgasm, can make sex more enjoyable overall, even on nights you don't climax.

We hope this rundown of the best sex positions for female orgasm was useful. Every woman deserves to orgasm during sex. But if it's still not happening easily for you, don't stress. There's absolutely nothing wrong with you!

November 18, 2017