Missionary position

Wiki-missionary

Édouard-Henri Avril (12)

Vaginal intercourse - Rocking 1

Erotic plaque depicting an intercourse between a male and a female in a missionary position. From Iraq, Old Babylonian Period, 2000-1500 BCE. Ancient Orient Museum, Istanbul

Sexual scene at a red-figure tondo of a kylix at the Museo nazionale (Tarquinia)

Indiaerotic2

Missionary position is a common sexual intercourse position, often considered the most traditional form. In this position, the person lying on their back (often the woman in heterosexual pairings) is penetrated by the person on top (often the man in heterosexual contexts). The position is known for its ability to facilitate eye contact and physical closeness, making it popular among couples seeking intimacy during sexual activity.

Description

In the missionary position, the bottom partner lies on their back with legs apart, while the top partner lies on their front, between the bottom partner's legs. This position may involve variations in leg positions, such as the bottom partner wrapping their legs around the top partner's back or placing their legs on the top partner's shoulders for deeper penetration. The missionary position allows for significant physical contact and the ability to embrace, kiss, and maintain eye contact, which can enhance emotional intimacy.

History

The term "missionary position" arose in the 20th century, with some attributing its origin to Western missionaries, who purportedly advocated for this position as the proper way for married couples to engage in sexual intercourse. However, this origin story is widely considered a myth. The position itself predates these missionaries and has been depicted in art and literature throughout human history.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Intimacy: The face-to-face nature of the missionary position promotes emotional closeness and eye contact.
• Control: The top partner can control the depth and pace of penetration, which can be beneficial for both partners.
• Accessibility: It is a relatively easy position to adopt, requiring no special equipment or high levels of flexibility.

Disadvantages

• Physical strain: The top partner may experience physical strain or fatigue from supporting their body weight.
• Limited clitoral stimulation: The position may not provide sufficient clitoral stimulation for some women to achieve orgasm without additional manual or vibratory stimulation.

Variations

Several variations of the missionary position exist to enhance pleasure or comfort. These include the use of pillows under the bottom partner's hips to adjust the angle of penetration, the top partner supporting themselves on their elbows or hands to reduce weight on the bottom partner, and the bottom partner placing their legs on the top partner's shoulders for deeper penetration.

Cultural Perceptions

The missionary position has been variously seen as a symbol of vanilla sex due to its traditional and widespread use. However, its popularity endures because it facilitates intimacy and can be easily adapted to suit the needs and desires of both partners.

See Also

• Sexual intercourse
• Human sexual activity
• Sex position