For millennia, questions have been raised about sexual positions. Which positions provide maximal gratification for both partners? Are some positions immoral?
Which positions are best in pregnancy, in persons with disabilities and debilitating medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, spinal-cord injuries, severe arthritis, low-back pain, in women who experience deep dyspareunia (painful sex on deep thrusting), in men who are not well endowed or too well endowed, in obesity?
This week, we will unravel the mystery of sexual positions and provide you with a variety of options which should enhance your sex life. There are only five or six sexual positions with many variations on each theme. The main positions are described below:
In this position, the receiving partner lies on her back and the penetrating partner lies on top of the receiving partner facing her. It is called the missionary position. Among humans, the missionary position is the most commonly used sex position.
In his study, Kinsey focused on American women, and stated that 91 per cent of married women surveyed reported using this position most often, whereas nine per cent reported using it exclusively.
In this position, the receiving partner assumes the dominant role and again, there are many variations, such as the lateral coital position, recommended by Masters and Johnson, where the penetrative partner lies on his back, with the receiving rolled slightly to the side so that her pelvis is atop his. There is also the cowgirl or reverse cowgirl position where the penetrating partner lies on his back and the receiving partner kneels on top of the penetrator.
Penetrating from behind
Typical examples are the sexual spoon position where the penetrative partner lies on his side, with his knees bent and the receptive partner lies on her side, with her back pressed against the penetrative partner and the doggy position, also known as kitty style, retro copulation, rear entry, or by its Latin name, coitus more ferarum ('sex after the custom of beasts'), in which the receiving partner is on all fours with her torso horizontal. The penetrating partner inserts from behind.
The T-square position
The receiving partner is on the bottom. The penetrating partner lies on top, perpendicularly to her.
Standing position
One partner stands while holding up the other without a support or with the support of furniture
Sitting and kneeling
Typical examples are: the lotus position in which the penetrating partner sits with the legs outstretched. The receiving partner sits on top and wraps her legs around the penetrating partner. This is called pounding on the spot and the lap dance in which the penetrating partner sits in a chair. The receiving partner then straddles the penetrating partner and sits, facing the penetrating partner, feet on floor.
Sexual positions and religion
Although the Bible does not mention sexual positions, from the sixth to 16th centuries, church authorities taught that intercourse should be face-to-face, man-on-top, primarily because they believed that semen would flow with gravity, leading to conception. Exceptions were made for couples dealing with illnesses, obesity or pregnancy.
The mediaeval Catholic Church observed that animals copulated in the ventro-dorsal ('doggy style') position, and concluded that it was unnatural to humans. According to John Bancroft's 'Human Sexuality and Its Problems', Thomas Aquinas believed that crimes against nature included intercourse in unnatural positions, with the missionary position being considered the only natural one.
It is commonly believed that the term 'missionary position' arose in response to Christian missionaries, who taught that the position was the only proper way to engage in sexual intercourse. However, the missionary position has been used for millennia.
Robert Francoeur notes that evidence of the missionary position's use appears in ancient pottery and art in the Fertile Crescent, as well as in the art of Early Greeks, Romans, Peruvians, Indians, Chinese and Japanese. The majority of the positions described in the Kama Sutra involve the woman lying on her back with her legs in a variety of positions
What positions are best for you?
The missionary position is comfortable, allows deep penetration, eye contact, kissing and closeness, but if your partner is heavy or suffers from arthritis (hip, knee, leg or arm) or you are pregnant this position is not recommended. The missionary position can cause the man to reach orgasm quickly compared to other positions, which can be a problem if the couple seeks to reach simultaneous orgasm.
The female-dominant position is ideal where the person lying down is heavier, less athletic or has back problems. It is also a useful approach for men who suffer from premature ejaculation and during early pregnancy since it offers the benefit of the women being in control of the depth and angle of penetration. Women who experience deep dyspareunia might find this position more comfortable.
The lateral-coital position provides both sexes flexibility for free sexual expression. It is highly recommended for men who are challenged by premature ejaculation
overweight couples
Retro copulation is excellent for overweight couples as it imposes less strain on their muscles. It is also good for men who are not well endowed as this position shortens the vaginal canal and makes penetration feels deeper. It is also excellent for G-spot stimulation and during pregnancy, but it can be painful for some women during deep thrusting.
Spooning is recommended for couples of different weights, pregnant women, women who do not enjoy deep thrusting and the elderly with arthritis or those who are less mobile. It is deemed to be the most intimate and relaxed position for intercourse.
Standing is a useful approach for arthritics to make. The man is behind and the woman uses furniture at a comfortable height for support and balance.
Sitting positions do not allow deep thrusting but they are good for couples of different sizes if the lighter one is on top, they are also good if a woman is pregnant.
Whether you are young or old, pregnant, arthritic, obese or totally disease free, there are sexual positions which can add sparkle to your love life.
Source - The Sex Book (by Suzi Godson with Mel Agage)
Dr Alverston Bailey is a medical doctor and immediate past president of the Medical Association of Jamaica. Send comments and questions to editor@gleanerjm.com or fax 922-6223.
