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What is the missionary sex position?

The missionary position is a sexual position in which one of the two lovers lies on their back (usually the woman), with the legs slightly apart, while the other lover (usually a man) lies on top of them. It is commonly associated with heterosexual sexual activity, but is also used by same-sex couples. William Shakespeare refers to this position when he talks about making the beast with two backs.

The missionary position is often the preferred position for couples, due to its simplicity and functionality; especially because in it you can enjoy the romantic aspects of extensive skin-to-skin contact, couples have the opportunity to look each other in the eyes, kiss or caress, and it is also believed to be a good position for reproduction.

During sexual activity, the missionary position allows the penetrator to control the pace and depth of pelvic thrusting, but it's also possible for the penetrated person to push against the penetrator with hip movements or by pushing their feet against the bed and slightly tilting their pelvis upward; achieving a slight collision between the two, or also hugging them more tightly with their arms or legs. However, the position is a little uncomfortable when the woman is in the final stage of her pregnancy, in which case it is normal to use other types of positions.

Origin of the expression

It is common to find numerous publications that try to explain the origin of calling this sexual position that way. Usually the articles explain that it comes from the times in which, taking advantage of the colonization of new places on the planet, the native population was evangelized and they were told that this was the correct way to position yourself to have sexual relations, thinking about procreation. As these explanations were given by missionaries, the natives began to call the sexual position that way. However, a fairly widespread legend says that this name comes from Christian missionaries who would have recommended it among their catechumens as an explanation of sexual relations. 

The origin of this expression is the sexologist Alfred C. Kinsey, who had made it in one of his famous reports, dated 1948. But it should be noted that this position was already carried out by ancient cultures and civilizations: there are numerous engravings on walls, what we know as hieroglyphics, made in the times of Ancient Rome, Greece, ancient China and even in the pre-Columbian Inca Empire among others. Later, the Catholic Church was widely recommended to perform only this position, considering it the most 'chaste' and effective for procreating, evidently within marriage. Afterwards, the theologian Thomas Aquinas, in the 13th century, was one of the figures most responsible for promulgating it. 

Although it is true that it is not really known to whom we should attribute this term to, the closest to it is the sexologist Alfred C. Kinsey, since before him there is no record of the term having been used in writing.

Variations of the missionary sex position

1. Inverted missionary: On this occasion, the person on the bottom does a variation with their legs and they remain closed during intercourse, while the person on top is the one who opens their legs; resulting a sensation closure and more friction for in the one who penetrates (normally it is the one who is above). With this change that seems insignificant, the pleasure can be greater, since there is a gentle pressure on the vaginal walls and the friction occurs with more continuity.
2. The lotus seat: This variant has already become quite popular, since in it, both lovers must be willing to leave their comfort zone. The person on the bottom, once lying down, raises and flexes both legs so that their knees are parallel to the chest of the person on top. Simultaneously, the person on top kneels in front of them and the penetration is pushed to a deeper and more stimulating intimacy. In this case, the woman feels greater depth in each penetration.
3. The grip: Like any sexual relationship, it is a true team effort. Starting from the traditional pose, the person underneath raises their hips and wraps their legs around the lover's waist. The arms help maintain balance, but the lower extremities are the ones that function as a kind of guide. In this variation, the back of the person below is separated from the surface, which gives them a greater range of motion. The person on top maintains balance by resting their hands on the bed or surface where the sexual act is being performed.
4. The Lap: It is based on forming a 90° angle. The couple is placed on one side and joined with the genitals at the conjunction of the angle. The result is extreme penetration and bodies free to express their sensations. 
5. The number 8: Numbers always had a lot of meaning in sex. On this occasion, a participant will lie on top and keep their arms fully stretched but will not move. The lover, who is below them with their legs bent, has to cling to their partner's hips or back and set the rhythm. Circular movements with the pelvis are usually very pleasurable in this variation.
6. The pause: The pause provides longer pleasure. Both will be placed face to face, but no longer vertically but sideways: they bring their hips together and the action begins. It is clear that it is not the same to exert force in this way, although it comes naturally.
7. Nirvana: In this variation of missionary, the receiving partner stands on the back of the bed with their arms fully extended behind them. This way, it creates a see-saw effect on the lover's member, and they can handle depth and pace. However, the person above can also take control, if they wish, or alternate each one so that both enjoy the pleasure.
8. Elevated missionary: It is almost the same as the classic format, with the difference that whoever is in the active role (above) raises their torso to better appreciate the companion. Take the opportunity to observe each other with passion, to kiss and, if you want, give each other pleasure with the help of your hands.
9. The fold: This variation increases physical contact even more. Whoever performs the penetration is sitting and receives their partner on their thighs. This person should bend their knees and bring their feet and body back. Then, the other person leans their torso forward, following that of their companion.
10. Traction control: It is similar to the lap pose, with the variation that the person who is upright has to sit up in bed. That way, their legs are on either side of the partner and can support their body. With their hands, they raise their partner's thighs and control the rhythm.
11.  The anvil: While one lies reclining with their legs stretched out until their calves reach their lover's shoulders. The other person on their knees can make back and forth movements with their pelvis. Also, it has the possibility of opening the couple's legs as they both like and are comfortable.
12. The deep stick: If both are encouraged to reach greater depth, this variation is ideal; in addition, it can be done in both anal and vaginal sex. In the same arrangement as with the lotus seat, the person who is kneeling takes the closed legs of the other with one arm, placing them to one side. Thus, you can elevate them to have a greater view of the intimate area.
13. The eagle: From the anvil position, the person on top drops their body onto that of their companion. To avoid having a bad time, it is important that the person below has enough elasticity. Otherwise, it can be annoying and take away the enjoyment of the situation, since the person underneath will have to raise both legs as high as possible and close to their lover's body.