For women, having an orgasm can be tricky business — and certainly a bit more complex than it is for most men. We can thank biology for that one in addition to patriarchal, heteronormative cultural forces that have historically prioritized men’s pleasure over women’s.
When it comes to women getting off, sex experts say the key (at least physically) is to stimulate the clitoris, which is the anatomical equivalent of the penis in terms of structure and sensitivity. But because much of the clitoris is buried in tissue, muscle and fat, it can be more complicated and time-consuming to stimulate and bring to orgasm. That anatomical difference is one reason why the term “orgasm gap” was coined — because men’s bodies may make it a bit easier for them to come. But because of outdated societal norms that depict sex as a vehicle for men to get off, they’ve also traditionally had the luxury of expecting to climax, even if it was at the expense of a woman’s pleasure.
More: 8 Sex Positions to Do Anywhere but In Bed
Research by sociologist Elizabeth Armstrong et. al. shows that women who sleep with other women or are in long-term relationships have higher orgasm rates, likely because they’re with partners who either understand their bodies better or are more invested in getting them off. That just goes to show that even if women’s bodies are a bit more nuanced, we’re more than capable of bringing home an orgasm under the right circumstances.
To that end, below you’ll find five sex positions, courtesy of sex therapist Marissa Nelson, that are geared toward serious clitoral stimulation. Because while we won’t argue that sex for the sake of connection isn't fun and all, sometimes a woman just needs to cross the finish line. So let’s all do our part to close the gap!
More: 8 Sex Positions for Lazy Mornings
69
"An oldie but always goodie, 69 is a position that couples find to be super-pleasurable, but somehow don’t do enough," says Nelson. "Woman-on-top 69 gives freedom to move your clitoris and position yourself for optimum orgasm. It's always great for both partners to be experiencing pleasure at the same time."
*Gay, lesbian and hetero-friendly
Leg-glider
"This is a fantastic position for the partner to hit both the G-spot and stimulate the clitoris simultaneously," says Nelson.
*Gay, lesbian and hetero-friendly
Side-to-side
"This is a great position for intimacy," says Nelson. "You can hold each other close and grind in unison, and women can stimulate their clits using the shaft or tip of the partner's penis or strap-on."
*Lesbian and hetero-friendly
Fusion
"Female partners can stimulate themselves by rubbing the clitoris on their partner's stomach and/or shaft of the penis," says Nelson. "You can also control of the depth of penetration so you can do what feels best to you and set the pace. Partners can finger or stimulate you during penetration or you can self-pleasure."
*Gay and hetero-friendly
Eve's ecstasy
"While the partner gives oral sex, the lover on top can move and grind their pelvis to control stimulation and ultimately make themselves orgasm," says Nelson.
*Gay, lesbian and hetero-friendly
Originally posted on StyleCaster.