Staring into each other's eyes and synchronizing your breath for deep, passionate sex can be pretty mind-blowing. But what if you’re looking to literally go deep? You know, as in explore spaces no penis, dildo, or strap-on has gone before with sex positions designed for deep penetration? Well, that's pretty freaking hot, too.
“Deeper penetration can provide multi-sensory stimulation to different erogenous zones on the body, including more friction on the clitoris, stimulation of the G-spot and A-spot, and even cervical stimulation,” says Shannon Chavez, PsyD, an AASECT-certified sex therapist and psychologist. But the kind of sex you’re used to might play a role in how pleasurable deep penetration is for you, she says.
If you don’t do sex positions for deep penetration on the reg, you may want to consider taking a few steps to make yourself as comfortable as possible when you do try them out, Chavez says. She also recommends using lubrication, which can help you both get deep and feel comfortable in the process.
Keep in mind that deep penetration isn’t for everyone. “Different anatomy types can make deeper penetration painful,” Chavez says. “Some people have an inverted uterus or cervix, which can cause some discomfort with penetration. Others may experience conditions like endometriosis or chronic pelvic pain that can cause pain through inflammation and tightness in the pelvic floor muscles.”
Meet the experts: Shannon Chavez, PsyD, CST, is an AASECT-certified sex therapist and psychologist based in Beverly Hills. Kimberly Evans, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified OB-GYN and sexual health expert based in Houston. Ian Kerner, PhD, is a sex therapist based in New York and the author of She Comes First.
And, for some people, deeper penetration doesn’t provide as much stimulation as other positions, Chavez says. For others, it’s amazing.
How can I enjoy deep penetration safely?
If you’re looking to dive all the way into deep penetration, there are a few safety considerations you’ll want to keep in mind. For starters, it’s a good idea to understand that the intensity of this kind of sex may lead to discomfort or potentially even injury, if you're not careful.
If you’re taking the right precautions, “deep penetration can be enjoyable for both partners and can help build trust and close intimacy in a relationship,” says board-certified OBGYN and sexual health expert Kimberly Evans, MD, FACOG.
If you or your partner get a little too, uh, eager, there are some risks involved. “Risks can include bruising or tearing of the upper vagina or cervix that can lead to pain or abnormal bleeding,” Dr. Evans explains. “A small amount of spotting can result from dryness [due to lack of lubrication] or going too fast, and the tissue cannot stretch easily enough for the female partner.” In other words, lube is your friend.
It's also key to feel prepared for this kind of sex, both mentally and physically. “The muscles can tighten up to not allow the partner to enter,” says Dr. Evans, adding pressure or friction in that situation can cause further discomfort or distress. It’s best to communicate with your partner how you’re feeling throughout the experience, and be honest with both your partner and yourself if you’re not feeling quite ready to go that deep.
Despite your best efforts, sometimes sexcapades can still lead to little accidents. If your deep penetration sesh ends in lingering discomfort or bleeding more than a pantyliner can hold, Dr. Evans suggests seeing a medical care provider to check things out.
Ready to try out some serious penetration? These 15 sex positions and tips will help you and partner go deeper than ever before.
Flatiron
The lifted hips offer a low barrier to entry, says Ian Kerner, PhD, a sex therapist and author of She Comes First. Plus, this one gives great G-spot stimulation, he adds.
How to do it: The receiving partner lies facedown, with their hips slightly elevated and legs out straight. Then, their partner penetrates them from behind.
Make it hotter: Interested in spicing things up? Have the top partner whisper some sexy fantasies as you're getting busy, suggests Chavez.
Face-Off
Because the legs are wider here, the receiving partner is more open to, well, receiving everything their partner has to offer, Kerner says. This one is also great because the recipient is able to control the pace and just how deep they want their partner's penis or strap-on to go. Plus, this position keeps everyone's hands free to wander all over each other's bodies.
How to do it: While the giving partner is sitting down on a chair or the edge of a bed, the receiving sits in their lap, facing them.
Make it hotter: Throw some kissing into the mix! “Deep kissing can be highly pleasurable and arousing, which may help the body relax and release tension in the pelvic area so that deeper penetration is more comfortable,” Chavez says.
Cowgirl
From this position, the receiving partner can open their legs even wider for a deeper feel, says Kerner. This move also provides ample access to the G-spot, or the pleasurable hot spot at the front of the vaginal wall.
How to do it: The giving partner lies down, and the receiver climbs on top. Then, the receiver pushes off their partner's chest or the bed to control their movements.
Make it hotter: The receiver can also stimulate their nipples while riding for added pleasure, Chavez says.
Cowgirl's Helper
This gives the receiver some great G-spot stimulation, and the penetrator can go as deep as both partners like, says Kerner.
How to do it: Like classic cowgirl position, the receiver is on top as their partner lies back, and they push off their body for leverage. The twist here is that the penetrating partner assists. By holding their hips or thighs, the giver supports the receiver's weight and rises to meet their movements.
Make it hotter: The receiver gets the chance to dominate here. Since you’re both pretty active in this position, try a little dirty talk to make it even hotter.
Missionary
It’s a classic for a reason—this one gives you deep stimulation, combined with intimacy, says Kerner. (Hello, prime making-out position!)
How to do it: The receiving partner lies back while their partner lies on top, so both people are face to face.
Make it hotter: To take missionary sex to the next level, the receiver can raise their legs over their partner's shoulders. Try to add some deep kisses for maximum closeness.
Doggy-Style
The angle of the doggy-style position allows for deep penetration thanks to the downward angle, says Kerner. Plus, it's great for G-spot stimulation!
How to do it: The receiver gets on their hands and knees while their partner kneels directly behind them, entering from behind.
Make it hotter: An added bonus? If you're receiving, your partner's hands are free to stimulate your clitoris or engage in a little nipple action, Chavez says.
The Caboose
Since this probably isn't your go-to position, it’ll feel like a whole new world down there, says Kerner. That newness can make the penetration feel even deeper than it actually is. Plus, not being able to see your partner can be incredibly sexy since you don't know what they'll surprise you with next.
How to do it: The penetrating partner is seated, and the receiving partner backs into their lap, facing away.
Make it hotter: You can also use an external vibrator to “prime the body for more comfortable and pleasurable sex,” Chavez says.
Scoop Me Up
The penetrating partner has more leverage and support in this position, so they can move their body in a way that gives maximum depth, says Kerner. Because it's so cozy, this one is also perfect for when you’re both tired but still in the mood.
How to do it: Lie side-by-side in the spooning position. The little spoon bends their knees slightly so that their partner can enter from behind.
Make it hotter: If clitoral stimulation helps get you off, listen to this: during spooning sex, your partner can easily wrap a hand around and stimulate your clit while thrusting, Chavez says. “Clitoral stimulation in addition to deeper penetration provides different points of stimulation and arousal to increase the pleasure potential,” she adds.
The Seashell
Here, the receiver's legs are spread wide, lending the move to way more depth, says Kerner. Plus, from this position, the giving partner's pelvis will give the receiver some clitoral stimulation as their partner grinds against them.
How to do it: The receiver lies on their back with legs raised up and out; they hold their ankles as far back toward their head as possible. Then, the giving partner enters them in missionary-style.
Make it hotter: Deep kissing could also make this position all the more intimate, Chavez says.
The Om
This position is all about opening yourself up—especially your legs and hips, Kerner says. Here, you can get deep in more ways than one: Lock eyes with your partner as you climax for added intimacy, says Kerner.
How to do it: The giving partner sits cross-legged, then the receiver sits on their lap, facing forward. Next, the receiver wraps their legs around their partner's back, and the two of you pull each other closer as you rock back and forth.
Make it hotter: Try a little deep kissing or nipple play to make things even more intense, Chavez says.
Pretzel Dip
With this sex position, you get both the physical and emotional depth. You have the deeper penetration of doggy style, while still being able to make eye contact.
How to do it: The receiver lies on their right side. Then, their partner kneels, straddling their right leg and curling the receiver's left leg around their own left side.
Make it hotter: This position is prime for some extra clit action from the giving partner, which Chavez says is always a perk.
Leapfrog
Similar to the Flatiron, the lifted hips in this position allows super-deep penetration. And if you add a sex pillow under the receiver's pelvis, that can really help their partner target that G-spot (and give the receiver's back a rest!).
How to do it: The receiver gets on their hands and knees; then, keeping their hips raised, they rest their head and arms on the bed. The penetrating partner enters from behind.
Make it hotter: For some added sensations, the giving partner can reach around to stimulate the receiver's clitoris while they’re thrusting.
Ballet Dancer
To really make this position a standout for deep penetration, the receiver can try putting a raised leg over their partner's shoulder to make for a wider leg opening. But even if that calls for a bit too much flexibility, this face-to-face position is still a great option.
How to do it: Standing on one foot, the receiver faces their partner and wrap their other leg around the giver's waist for support.
Make it hotter: Add deep kissing to get super intimate, Chavez says.
Wheelbarrow
With the receiver's legs literally locked around their partner's hips, this creates a great deep-penetration situation. Not to mention, it's a serious arm workout. And whenever you want to give your arms a rest, modify and rest your arms on a table or the edge of the bed.
How to do it: The receiver gets on their hands and feet; then, the giving partner picks them up by the pelvis. From there, the receiver grips their waist with their thighs.
Make it hotter: You’ll both be pretty busy in this position, but Chavez says you can engage in a little dirty talk to make it even sexier.
Pinball Wizard
The receiving partner's legs are spread wide in this position, which lends to deep thrusts, says Kerner. They can also try throwing one leg up against their partner's shoulder for even deeper penetration.
How to do it: The receiver gets into a partial bridge position, with their weight resting on their own shoulders. Then, the penetrating partner enters from a kneeling position.
Make it hotter: If you have good balance, Chavez says you can use one hand to stimulate your nipples or clitoris.
How can I get even deeper penetration during sex?
If you’re ready for an even more wild journey into poundtown, there are a few pro tips you can follow, according to Dr. Evans.
For one, she recommends trying a leg-up position, like having the penetrating partner stand facing the side or end of the bed with the receiving partner’s leg up on their shoulder. Additionally, even some yoga poses—like downward dog or happy baby—can provide opportunity for closer contact.
Another way to really hit the right spot? Use some tools to try different angles and techniques. You might choose to invest in a wedge pillow specifically designed for sex (like the Liberator Wedge). Or, simply propping up a few bed pillows under the receiving partner’s butt can lead to more leverage and control for the penetrating partner to thrust deeper. If you have a bedsheet handy, the penetrating partner can wrap it around the receiver’s belly or hips as a sort of handle to really assist in a more powerful depth.
Now, it's time to get deep...
Korin Miller is a freelance writer who lives by the beach. She has big hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.
Lexi Inks (she/her) is a lifestyle journalist based in Jacksonville, Florida. She has reported on countless topics, including sexual wellness, astrology, relationship issues, non-monogamy, mental health, pop culture, and more. In addition to Women’s Health, her work has been published on Bustle, Cosmopolitan, Well + Good, Byrdie, Popsugar, and others. As a queer and plus-size woman with living with mental illness, Lexi strives for intersectionality and representation in all of her writing. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Jacksonville University, which she has chosen to make everyone’s problem.
