10 Best Anal Sex Positions | For Straight & Same-Sex Couples

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Couples of all genders can and do engage in anal sex. There are some excellent strap-on dildos for people with vulvas who want to penetrate their partners — and the partners can even choose what size and shape they want to be penetrated with, which doesn’t usually happen with folks who are using OEM parts instead of aftermarket. We’re going to use “penis” throughout this article, but you can just substitute “dildo” anywhere you need to.

As with any kind of sex, it’s a good idea to establish expectations and boundaries before you even get started — these conversations are most productive when you’re clothed and cool-headed. We recommend spending some time with butt plugs to “train” your body to accept (and even welcome) penetration. Lube is essential. Silicone or oil-based lubes are best for anal sex, but if you use latex condoms, you should stick with water-based lube.

1. Doggy-Style

Probably when most people think of anal sex, they think of doggy-style. There are a lot of reasons why this position is so popular for anal: it opens up the receiver’s hips, which makes penetration easier, and it’s a great view for the penetrating partner.

The receiving partner can prop themself up on a firm cushion or sex wedge. This provides support and can change the angle of penetration to better target the P-spot or G-spot.

What We’re Doing

The receiving partner positions themself on hands and knees on the bed, with legs spread.
The penetrating partner kneels behind the receiving partner, between their legs.
The receiving partner arches their back, and the penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in.

2. Lying Doggy (Prone)

Lying doggy is another rear-entry position with many of the same advantages as classic doggy-style, but it’s easier on the knees of the receiving partner. Penetration is usually not as deep in lying doggy, but depending on the size of the penetrating partner, this may not feel like a disadvantage.

In this anal sex position, the penetrating partner can’t really see the receiving partner’s face and the receiving partner’s voice may be muffled. This can make it difficult for the penetrating partner to ascertain non-verbal and even verbal cues, so we recommend that couples work out a safe signal as well as a safe word.

We suggested a cushion under the hips of the receiving partner above, but we’ll recommend it even more strongly here since the angle of penetration can be challenging without a little mechanical assistance.

What We’re Doing

The receiving partner lies face-down on the bed with their legs together.
The penetrating partner lies face-down on top of the receiving partner. The penetrating partner should let most of their weight rest on their knees.
The receiving partner arches their back, and the penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in.

3. Cowgirl/Cowboy

Receiving partners choose to engage in anal sex for many different reasons, including physical desire and a desire to please their partners. Some will only do it in certain positions, which makes sense because as pleasurable as anal can be, it can also be painful.

The cowgirl/cowboy position lets the receiving partner control the angle, depth, and pace of penetration, so it is an excellent choice for receiving partners who are a little apprehensive. It can also be a very intimate position with plenty of eye contact and kissing.

What We’re Doing

The penetrating partner lies on their back on the bed with legs together.
The receiving partner kneels, straddles, or squats over the penetrating partner’s pelvis.
The receiving partner lifts their hips, and the penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in.

4. Reverse Cowgirl/Cowboy

The reverse cowgirl/cowboy also lets the receiving partner stay in control. You do miss out on the eye contact, but one big plus of this position is that the receiving partner has easy access to their genitals. Add a small sex toy to the mix here, or hands also work just fine.

What We’re Doing

The penetrating partner lies on their back on the bed with legs together.
The receiving partner kneels, straddles, or squats over the penetrating partner’s pelvis, facing away from them
The receiving partner lifts their hips, and the penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in.

5. Missionary

People often put missionary down as being boring and unimaginative, but we think that’s very unfair! The truth is that missionary is a very versatile position with almost endless variations (including anal). It’s also one of the most intimate and connected anal sex positions, so it’s easy for the penetrating partner to gauge the receiving partner’s reactions.

We recommend a firm cushion or sex wedge under the receiving partner’s hips to tilt them upwards. The receiving partner can also put one or even both legs over the penetrating partner’s shoulders.

What We’re Doing

The receiving partner lies on their back on the bed with legs spread and knees bent.
The penetrating partner kneels between the receiving partner’s legs and then leans forward.
The receiving partner arches their back, and the penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in.

6. Spooning

Like the lying doggy, this is a good choice for people who may be new to anal sex. It’s a cuddly and comfortable position, and for most couples, deep penetration and/or vigorous thrusting is not physically possible. The penetrating partner typically has hands free and full access to the receiving partner’s body, so there are plenty of opportunities for petting and caressing (and also stimulating).

What We’re Doing

The receiving partner lies on their side on the bed, curled in a half-moon position.
The penetrating partner lies on their side behind the receiving partner, curled around them.
The receiving partner lifts their top leg and arches their back, and the penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in.

7. Lap Dance

A lap dance can lead to chair sex or couch sex, so it’s a great way to spice up a relationship that might be feeling the teeniest bit stale. The receiving partner is in charge of the action here, both physically and otherwise. Put on your favorite music, dress up a little (or a lot), and tease your partner until you both can’t take it anymore. You could even introduce some role-play scenarios.

What We’re Doing

The penetrating partner sits with their legs in front and feet flat on the floor.
The receiving partner straddles the penetrating partner’s legs (can face the penetrating partner or face away — both have advantages!).
The receiving partner dances and grinds on the penetrating partner, ending up in their lap.
The receiving partner lifts their hips and arches their back, and the penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in.

8. The Caboose

This is not a position that’s talked about a lot, and we are not really sure why. It’s ideal for anal sex (and pretty good for vaginal sex as well). It’s also a comfortable and intimate position with lots of skin-to-skin contact and hands free for caressing. Penetration is generally not either deep or vigorous, but that’s okay sometimes!

What We’re Doing

The penetrating partner sits on the bed (or other surface) with legs spread.
The receiving partner sits in the penetrating partner’s lap, between their legs.
The penetrating partner leans back and braces themself on their hands.
The receiving partner leans forward and lifts their hips, and the penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in.

9. Back It Up

This position is somewhat similar to doggy-style, but the penetrating partner keeps their feet on the ground and therefore has more control. It’s perfect if you like your anal sex with a side order of power-play dynamics, or if your bed is too soft to support the penetrating partner when they are kneeling. The penetrating partner’s hands are free to hold the receiving partner down, pull their hair, or reach around and stimulate their genitals.

What We’re Doing

The receiving partner positions themselves on hands and knees at the edge of the bed, with legs slightly spread.
The penetrating partner stands behind the receiving partner, between their legs.
The receiving partner backs up as far as they can against the penetrating partner.
The receiving partner arches their back, and the penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in.

10. Pile Driver

This is definitely the most physically challenging position on the list. It looks and sometimes feels like yoga class. Both partners need flexibility, balance, and strength. But if you can pull this one off, it’s worth it because you get deep penetration and bragging rights.

We think that all couples should have a safe word, and if you don’t already, you really need one before you try this position. You will be physically dependent on each other, so if one of you needs to tap out, you’ll need to get back to a neutral position pretty quickly. A safe word conveys that sense of urgency.

What We’re Doing

The receiving partner lies on their back and assumes a yoga plow pose (legs over their shoulders).
The penetrating partner stands behind the receiving partner. The penetrating partner squats down so that their pelvis aligns with the receiving partner’s rear end.
The penetrating partner grasps the receiving partner’s thighs for support.
The receiving partner lifts their hips, and the penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in.

Maggie

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Maggie Hart

Maggie Hart has written about sexual well-being and sexuality in society for quite a few years now. She is active in communities that celebrate sex for older adults.