| Missionary Position |
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| The missionary position is a common human sex position also used by bonobos and armadillos.[citation needed] 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. |
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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 toward 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.
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| 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 indigenous people when they first saw missionaries having sex in this position, unusual amongst them. |
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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.
- 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 chooses.
- 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.
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Disadvantages of the missionary position
- Either the man's weight is placed upon the woman (sometimes 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 other's bodies.
- This position sometimes produces a quick male orgasm (premature ejaculation).
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| Anal sex |
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| The term is also used for a similar position in anal sex, in which the partners likewise lie 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.
This position has many of the same advantages and disadvantages as the vaginal position; though some receiving partners find the leg position required uncomfortable, whereas the vaginal missionary position is noted as a comfortable position for the woman.
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