A perfect date night can be incredibly intimate and memorable, from the main course to the final treat. And speaking of treats, delectable sweets aren’t the only indulgence you and your partner can share. If you’re looking to add something truly special to your next intimate encounter (or anytime, really), I’m here to share the sexual positions most likely to result in orgasm for women. To get the expert advice, Elite Daily consulted with sex educator Lola Jean and Jess O’Reilly, PhD., host of the @SexWithDrJess podcast—and you might find their suggestions quite delightful.
Being imaginative, spontaneous, and introducing novelty into your sex life—whether it involves partnered penetration or solo play—can significantly enhance the experience. Jean points out that there’s technically no “guarantee” of an orgasm during penetrative sex, as the vulva’s sensitivity is constantly changing, particularly around the menstrual cycle. “Moreover, most individuals with vulvas need clitoral or external stimulation in order to achieve an orgasm,” she explains. So while the positions listed below are excellent choices for heated moments, they are not the only ways to achieve release. (In fact, Jean added, when it comes to intimacy, “We should be questioning and challenging ourselves on how we define sex and why the sole focus remains on penetrative acts.”)
Below, you will find sex positions that significantly boost your chances of climaxing, primarily because they are movements that facilitate clitoral stimulation. (However, Jean notes that although “you can access the clitoris internally—the so-called G-spot—it’s important to recognize this area is also part of the clitoris, and it doesn’t make one form of orgasm [internal or external] superior to the other.”) These are moves you can try with a partner, but many can also be easily adapted for solo pleasure. If you identify as femme, here are some positions to experiment with.
1. The Elevated Foundation
You can completely revamp the classic Missionary position just by placing a pillow underneath you! While Missionary often gets a reputation for being simple, this variation is truly rewarding.
Lie on your back, get into Missionary, and place your softest pillow right under your hips. This action should slightly raise your entire lower body off the surface, enabling deeper entry during penetration. Wrapping your legs around your partner can add even more depth. Jean highlights this position as fantastic due to “the elevated and curved position of the pelvis” it creates.
“When you lift your hips or arch your back (similar to the ‘Cat’ pose in yoga), you reduce the distance of your pelvis, allowing for easier access to your [G-spot]. This position is also physically comfortable since the hips are one of our strongest and most stable areas. Grind your hips side-to-side and in circles for added clitoral stimulation through body-on-body friction,” she advises. For more command in this position, Jean suggests having your partner “stay still as you move and grind on them, and vice versa, to find which combination of motions feels best.”
2. The Hinged Embrace
This is another great modification of Missionary, which Jean notes is a popular position for several reasons. “By raising and ‘folding’ your body in half, you shorten the distance of your pelvis. You are also in a hinged position, so every time your partner leans forward, you increase the angle of your elevation,” she says. If you experience any vaginal discomfort, Jean advises avoiding this position since it offers less control over penetration depth.
Carol Queen, staff sexologist at Good Vibrations, tells Elite Daily that this position is excellent for dynamic pelvic movement because you essentially move like a **“folding chair”—**which gives the position its name. With your legs resting on your partner’s shoulders, it allows for a bit more movement than if you were lying flat.
3. Intimate Side-Lying
For this position, get into a cozy, side-by-side spooning position and let your partner enter you from behind. “The close proximity of this position, combined with the relative rigidity of your legs and genitals, makes this option great for those who might find extensive movement uncomfortable,” Jean explains. “Stay stable and focus on small hip movements, while also engaging your pelvic floor muscles against each other.” (Yes, that goes for both of you.) She adds, “It’s important to remember many intimate positions can be uncomfortable for individuals even with lots of lubrication. This position is a great gentle start to ease into things and boost your own natural wetness.”
Dr. O’Reilly suggests bringing a “pleasure air toy” into the side-lying position, noting the We-Vibe Melt is an excellent slim-profile toy for couples. She says, “Many people call these ‘suction toys,’ but they create powerful pleasure using tiny air waves applied directly to the head of the clitoris (or any area you choose). The Melt is perfect for partnered play (you can even control it via an app if you want), allowing either of you to take charge.”
Jean also recommends using a product like OhNut that benefits both people. Queen suggests a couple of other “pro-orgasmic tools,” including cock rings and the We-Vibe Unite. She notes that most of these items enhance sexual positions and provide effective clitoral stimulation.
4. The Rider’s Delight
There is nothing quite like being on top to give you complete command over your pleasure. You dictate the speed, the depth of entry, and the internal angles being engaged. So, get on top, lower yourself onto your partner, and begin moving up and down. “If you truly want to maximize your chance of climaxing via penetrative sex, this should be your first choice because this position provides the easiest access for external stimulation,” Jean advises.
Queen notes that the Cowgirl position allows “the ‘rider’ to concentrate fully on what brings them the most pleasure. Not only can the person on top easily touch their own clitoris, but their partner can too.” By leaning forward in this position, you can achieve “clit-to-pubic bone pressure,” which can help the rider reach climax.
Dr. O’Reilly suggests trying out the Sleeping Cowgirl variation. She says, “Instead of sitting upright, lie down and squeeze your legs together. Your partner can still thrust in and out while you grind against their body, increasing the likelihood of an orgasm.”
5. The Backward Glide
The regular Cowgirl is great, but you get even more control with the reverse version of this classic position.
Get on top as you normally would, but turn your body around so your back is facing your partner. When you are reversed, the angle of entry allows for easier, more continuous access to the G-spot. Dr. O’Reilly suggests, “Have your partner bend their legs with their feet flat on the bed. You can then rub yourself against their thighs for added friction.”
If you are not focused on penis-vagina contact, Queen mentions that you can enjoy pleasure from positions like Cowgirl and Reverse Cowgirl by trying strap-on sex with a dildo. “These can look much like a penis, but not everyone prefers that, so they can also have very different shapes and be thought of as pleasure tools rather than optional body parts,” Queen says.
6. The Double Elevation
Lie on your stomach and have your partner lie on their stomach on top of your back. The visual should resemble both of you attempting to do “the worm.” Your partner can either support themselves on their hands in a slight push-up position or simply let their stomach rest on your back. Now, lift your hips so they can enter you from behind.
Jean says, “This position is wonderful for deeper penetration with minimal movement required, while also providing close physical contact and a nice, firm weight from their body on top of yours. It’s also an easy position on both partners’ hips.”
Dr. O’Reilly suggests “wrapping your hands around your vulva with your palm on your pubic mound and your fingers along your inner lips to create a pocket. Grind, pulse, rub, and press to your heart’s content.” She says you can also use the We-Vibe Touch toy for an extra boost.
7. The Edge-of-Bed Lift
If keeping both partners on the bed is becoming repetitive, try shifting things around. Your partner can stand on the floor in front of the bed while you slide down to the very edge of the mattress and open your legs. Your partner can enter you while standing, and the perpendicular angle makes your clitoris more accessible, making it easier for them—or you—to touch it. Lift your hips slightly and place one leg on your partner’s shoulder for even deeper entry.
Queen notes that the height of both your bed and your partner will affect this position. She recommends adding a pillow under your hips or trying sex position furniture.
And if you want to turn the intensity up, Dr. O’Reilly says, “Try this same position but from behind (by rolling onto your stomach) with a few pillows tucked beneath your hips.”
8. The Gentle Swirl
This position requires very little strenuous effort. Have your partner sit up normally while you straddle them, facing each other. Now, instead of bouncing up and down, simply swirl your body around and rock back and forth, hitting the area of your G-spot repeatedly. Lean backward for better access to the clitoris.
Similar to Cowgirl, Jean says this position allows you “to get your grind on” and control the amount of pressure you desire. According to WomensHealthMag.com, straddling your partner is a fantastic move because it places you in complete control. You decide how quickly or slowly to move for ultimate pleasure.
In addition to these options, Dr. O’Reilly suggests further movements you can try, including the Rocking Horse: “Sit all the way down and rock your hips from front to back. Imagine yourself sensually riding a rocking horse for this move”; Sitting on your knees: “Lean backward in a kneeling position and pump up and down”; or creating variation by “alternating between 10 very shallow pumps and 10 deep ones pressing your outer lips and lower thighs into [your partner’s] hips/pelvis.”
