The Mating Press Sex Position Might Become Your New Favorite
If you're into deep penetration and intense eye contact, read on.
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.
The mating press sex position is an amped-up, more primal version of missionary where the focus is all on the penetration. The top partner presses their body closer and closer into the receiver with each thrust, while the receiver's legs are wide open above their shoulders, and being pressed down on by the partner on top. It has all the stuff that makes missionary so good—the skin-to-skin contact, the deep penetration, the intimate eye contact—but the exaggerated penetration gives it a surprising element of kink.
“The mating press position is perfect for someone wanting to explore a breeding kink,” says sexologist Lilithfoxx, a relationship educator and inclusivity consultant. “A breeding kink is a sexual fetish involving the fantasy of impregnation. This kink emphasizes natural instincts and the raw, primal aspect of sexuality. The deeper penetration can be the focal point—emphasizing the fact that the giving partner's ejaculate would be deeper inside and therefore more likely to impregnate.”
The mating press also shows up a lot in hentai, the Japanese anime and manga that includes erotic themes, says Lilithfoxx. “In hentai, this position is frequently associated with dominance and submission themes, emphasizing a sense of control and possession that is eroticized.” The position plays with control and surrender, enhancing the dynamics of power play, she says.
But you don’t have to be exploring a kink to love the mating press—it can also be a solid position that feels great for the less-kinky among us because of the depth and significant physical closeness between partners. “Start slowly to gauge comfort and gradually increase intensity based on mutual consent and enjoyment,” suggests Lilithfoxx.
No matter how or why you find your way to this position, here’s how to do it so that it feels extra good, plus a couple variations.
The Classic Mating Press Sex Position
Make missionary more intimate (or raunchier, your choice) by really going deep. “This position creates a compact and intimate setting, facilitating eye contact and enhancing emotional connection,” says Lilithfoxx. “For individuals with mobility or joint issues, modifying the position by adjusting the height and angle of the raised legs can reduce strain. Utilizing adaptive furniture such as wedges or pillows can also provide necessary support.”
SHOP NOW Liberator Wedge, $110, Good Vibes
The Supported Mating Press
Keep the deep penetration and intimacy of the original position, but make it comfier by enlisting the help of a bed or table. “This setup reduces the physical effort required to hold up the legs and can be more comfortable for those with limited flexibility or strength,” says Lilithfoxx. “To enhance comfort and pleasure, use sufficient lubrication, especially since this position allows for deeper penetration.”
SHOP NOW Natural Sex Lube, $12, Hello Cake
The Sideways Mating Press
If you need something even comfier, take the mating press to its side. “This variation is beneficial for those who find the traditional mating press physically demanding, as it distributes weight more evenly and reduces strain on the body,” says Lilithfoxx. A wearable couples’ sex toy like a penis ring adds hands-free stimulation.
SHOP NOW Band 5-Speed Vibrating Ring, $52, Maude
Jill Hamilton is a contributor for Cosmopolitan.com and writes the blog In Bed With Married Women.
Watch Next
16 Cowgirl Sex Positions That'll Make It Your Fave
18 Bondage Sex Positions to Try Tonight
Meet the Prone Bone Sex Position
Behold: The Best Sex Positions for Beginners
