Tips & Tricks on How to Do Missionary

Whether you're just starting to explore sex or simply looking to switch things up, it's worth taking a closer look at the missionary position. Often dismissed as basic or boring, missionary sex can actually be incredibly intimate and satisfying when done right. It offers the perfect opportunity to connect with your partner, both physically and emotionally, while focusing on shared pleasure.

Curious to learn more? We’ve got you covered. From classic techniques to creative twists, read on for everything you need to know about missionary sex and how to make it even better.

What Is the Missionary Position?

When it comes to sex positions, few are as iconic as missionary. According to popular lore, the name comes from Christian missionaries who supposedly promoted it as the “proper” way to have sex. Whether or not that story is true, one thing’s clear: missionary has stood the test of time.

In the classic version, the receiving partner lies on their back and opens their legs, while the giving partner positions themselves on top for easy, face-to-face penetration. The position is beloved for its simplicity, comfort, and the intimacy it allows—offering couples a chance to stay connected, make eye contact, and enjoy each other fully.

Missionary Position Variations

Looking to spice up the classic missionary position? Just a few simple adjustments can completely change the experience—for both you and your partner.

Whether you want deeper penetration, more clitoral stimulation, or just a new angle to try, these creative variations put a fresh twist on a timeless favorite. Try a few and see which ones take your connection and pleasure to the next level.

Go Deeper

For even deeper penetration, the receiving partner can wrap their legs around the giving partner. This opens them up more deeply. For receiving partners with vaginas, being on top in missionary style sex may be just the thing they need to stimulate their G-spot and make them orgasm.

Swap Positions

Though traditionally, missionary style sex has the giving partner on top, there’s no reason it has to be this way. Next time you’re in a missionary sex position, switch places. The receiving partner can lie on top, while the giving partner lies beneath. This gives the receiving partner more power in the position. They can adjust the angle or control the speed more easily. 

Side by Side

Sometimes, it can be uncomfortable for one partner to lie on top of the other, especially if there’s a dramatic size difference between the two partners. If this is the case, try doing missionary sex while lying on your sides facing each other. 

Pillow Support

A simple pillow can make a big difference. Placing a pillow under the receiving partner’s hips tilts the pelvis upward, changing the angle of penetration and helping you find the G-spot. This variation also reduces strain on the lower back, making the position more comfortable for longer sessions and potentially even more pleasurable for both partners.

Additional Tips for Missionary Position

Great sex isn’t just about finding the right position: it’s also about connection, communication, and knowing how to make the most of the moment. Missionary might be a classic, but with the right approach, it can feel anything but basic. Use these tips to make missionary sex better.

Don’t Forget Foreplay

Foreplay is anything that happens before sex that gets your mind and body prepared for the “act.” Foreplay may be physical, like cuddling, touching, or making out, or it might be mental. Sexting, flirty conversation, or even watching an erotic movie together may all be considered foreplay. 

Foreplay isn’t just a fun thing to do; it triggers psychological and physical reactions that make sex better. During foreplay, blood flow increases to the genitals. The vulva and clitoris swell, the vagina self-lubricates, and the penis becomes erect. Many types of foreplay, like kissing and cuddling, also trigger the release of “feel-good” hormones like oxytocin and dopamine that satisfy the pleasure-seeking parts of your brain.

Use Lube

While the vagina is self-lubricating, there are a number of reasons you may want to use lube to make missionary sex better. Many people experience vaginal dryness, either as a result of menopause or because of medications or other health conditions. Even for those who don’t struggle with vaginal dryness, lube simply makes sex feel better. It reduces friction and increases sensation.

Many lubes also have added sensation to add a new layer of pleasure to sex. Explore warming or tingling lubes. For those who are interested in lubes to last longer in bed, delay lubes may be able to help.

Try Toys

Just like lube can introduce sensations that help you become better at missionary, so can sex toys. Vibrating toys and cock rings enhance your pleasure and help stimulate areas of your body that may not be stimulated by the missionary sex position.

Conclusion

Whether you’re trying a new twist on missionary or exploring entirely different positions, lube can make the experience smoother, more comfortable, and even more pleasurable.

The right lube enhances sensation, reduces friction, and helps you stay focused on the moment. For the best selection around, discover K-Y. With a variety of water and silicone-based options, there’s something for everybody and every experience. Shop K-Y and take your pleasure, and your sex life, to the next level.