- For the book by Christopher Hitchens, see The Missionary Position (book).
The missionary position is a common human sex position also used by certain other species including bonobos[1] and armadillos.[2] In his seminal study Sexual Behavior in the Human Female (1953), researcher Alfred Kinsey stated that 91 percent of married receptive partners surveyed reported using this position most often, whereas nine percent reported using it exclusively. The position essentially involves the partners lying face to face, with the receptive partner underneath with their legs spread apart.
Basic position
In intercourse in the missionary position:
- The receiving partner lies on their back, with their legs either spread flat (horizontally on the same surface as their back), drawn up toward their chest, or wrapped around their partner. The receiving partner can wrap one or both of their legs around the penetrating partner at various heights: at the back of the penetrating partner's legs, at their buttocks or back, or over their shoulders. Generally, the higher the receiving partner lifts their legs, the deeper the penetration.
- The penetrating partner lies on their belly on top of the receiving partner, with their legs between the receiving partner's legs, and their phallus at the same level as the receiving partner's orifice to facilitate penetration.
Variants
Through the use of penises, strap-on dildos, and anal and/or vaginal sex, any pair of people can practice the missionary position.
Anal sex
In the anal sex variant of the basic missionary position, the partners lie, as in the basic position, face-to-face with the receiving partner on the bottom. In order to achieve the correct insertion angle, the receiving partner's legs are usually raised, sometimes onto the penetrating partner's shoulders.
Vaginal sex
In the vaginal sex variant of the basic missionary position, the partners lie, as in the basic position, face to face, with the receiving partner on the bottom. Use of a pillow and/or raising of legs is usually not necessary, although it can add to the experience of intercourse.
Side entry
In this position, the receiving partner lies on their side to receive penetration. The receiving partner's upper knee usually will need to be drawn towards their chest somewhat. The penetrating partner kneels with one leg on each side of the receiving partner's lower leg, and penetrates. Alternatively, the penetrating partner can stand if the receiving partner is on a raised surface.
Using a raised surface
In this variant, the penetrating partner stands up, and the receiving partner lies on their back, on a surface at or somewhat below the penetrating partner's waist height. The receiving partner then lifts their own pelvis if necessary. The penetrating partner may support the receiving partner's weight with their hands. The receiving partner places their orifice in alignment with the phallus. A bed is usually the most convenient place for the receiving partner to lie, and this surface is usually lower than the penetrating partner's waist, so the penetrating partner may have to lean over the receiving partner, or the receiving partner may place a pillow or other object beneath their tailbone to elevate their orifice. A combination of these can be applied. Generally speaking, surfaces such as tables and countertops tend to be closer to the proper height. If the position can be accomplished with minimal leaning on the penetrating partner's part, partners are free to caress each others' bodies during intercourse.
Legs up
This position was exceptionally popular in Ancient Greece and is commonly depicted on Attic pottery of the Classical Period.[3] The conspiring women in Aristophanes' Lysistrata likely refer to it when they take an oath "not to lift high their Persian slippers" (ου προσ τον οροφον ανατενό τό Περσικα).[4]
The rap group 2 Live Crew was likely referring to this position in their 1989 song "Put Her in the Buck" as the following lyrics suggest:
It's a position in sex that's done by the masses. It ain't the sixty-nine or what your learned in classes. It increases the intensity of the coital act. Legs up high, known as The Buck.
Origin of the term
There is a common belief that the term "missionary position" arose in response to teachings by Christian missionaries that this sex position was the only "proper" way to engage in sexual intercourse. This view is unconfirmed [1] but may be true.
References
- ^ Frans de Waal, "Bonobo Sex and Society", Scientific American (March 1995): 82-86.
- ^ "The Biogeography of the Nine-Banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)". Raquel Avila. 1999.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|year=(help)CS1 maint: year (link) - ^ Catherine Johns, Sex or Symbol?: Erotic Images of Greece and Rome, London: Routledge, 1999.
- ^ Aristophanes, Lysistrata, 229: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0035;query=card%3D%236;layout=;loc=254
External links
- Schultz, W. W. (18 December). "Magnetic resonance imaging of male and female genitals during coitus and female sexual arousal". BMJ. 319: 1596–1600. PMID 10600954.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=and|year=/|date=mismatch (help); Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - "Why is the "missionary position" called that?". The Straight Dope. Cecil Adams. 1992-08-21.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|year=(help)CS1 maint: year (link) - SexInfo101.com – A review of the "legs up" variant with transitions into other positions.
- Kamasutra.to Sculpture of the missionary position.