The missionary position is a common human sex position. 100% of married females surveyed by Alfred Kinsey in Sexual Behavior in the Human Female reported using this position most often, and 9% reported using it exclusively.
 The missionary position
In the missionary position:
- The woman lies on her back, with her legs spread either flat (horizontally on the same surface as her back), drawn up towards her chest, or wrapped around the man. She can wrap both or just one leg around him, and on four different levels: resting on the back of his upper shins, around his thighs, around his buttocks/back or over his shoulders. Generally, the higher she lifts her legs, the deeper the penetration
- The man lies on his stomach on top of the woman, with head and feet aligned, his legs between her legs, and his groin at the same level as hers to facilitate penetration
It is said that the name "missionary position" arose because this sex position was supposed to have been taught by Christian missionaries as the only "proper" sex position. The term is believed to have originated sometime between 1945 and 1965. Another possible explanation is that the term was coined by indigenes when first saw missionaries having sex in this position, unusual amongst them.
Advantages of the missionary position:
- Both partners can see each other, and make eye contact. The man gets feedback from the woman's facial expressions and sounds
- They can combine sex with kissing on the mouth including French kisses
- They can both caress one another
- Penetration is relatively deep
- The groin presses on the clitoris, depending on how performed
- This position can produce a relatively quick male orgasm if so desired, but the control allows many men to go longer without orgasm
- Many women enjoy the sensation of being somewhat submissive to the male, and being able to caress him as she choose
- This position requires very little suppleness from either partner
- This position is not very tiring, and the woman particularly remains relatively relaxed. However orgasm is most easily attained when the woman flexes the pubococcygeus muscles around the vagina. This type of sex is usually very sensual and emotional for both the male and female
Disadvantages of the missionary position:
- Either the man's weight is placed upon the woman (sometimes, but not always uncomfortable for the woman) or he must support his weight upon his arms and knees (tiring for the man)
- It can be difficult for partners to manually stimulate the clitoris
- There is an absence of visual stimulation, as it is difficult to see each others bodies
- This position sometimes produces a quick male orgasm (premature ejaculation)
- The man may get rug burns from the strain of this position
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