Best Positions for Anal Sex: Comfort and Pleasure

The first time my partner and I tried anal we made the mistake of starting in doggy style. It seemed like the obvious choice but the angle was all wrong for my body and we had no idea what we were doing. A friend later told us to try receiver on top first. Total game changer. Position selection for anal is not just about preference. It directly affects comfort and control and pleasure.

Why Position Matters More Here

Unlike vaginal sex where anatomy provides natural lubrication and the canal is designed for penetration anal sex involves an area not specifically built for this purpose. The anal sphincter is a muscle that requires relaxation and the rectum has curves that different positions navigate differently.

Position affects angle of entry since some angles work better with rectal anatomy than others. It affects depth control since some positions allow the receiving partner more control over penetration depth. Certain positions naturally relax the sphincter more than others. Sustainable positions matter for longer sessions too.

Best Positions for Beginners

If you are new to anal sex start with positions that give the receiving partner maximum control.

Receiver on top has the receiving partner straddling the penetrating partner who lies on their back. This position gives the receiver complete control over speed of penetration and depth and angle adjustments and when to pause or stop. They can lower themselves gradually and stop when needed and find the angle that works for their body. For first time anal this control is invaluable.

Spooning has both partners lying on their sides with the penetrating partner behind. This position is naturally gentle. The angle does not allow for deep aggressive thrusting which makes it ideal for beginners. Relaxed position that reduces muscle tension. Naturally shallow penetration. Intimate and allows for kissing and holding and whispering. Easy access to other erogenous zones for additional stimulation.

Face to face lying down has the receiver lying on their back with a pillow under their hips and legs raised or wrapped around their partner. The penetrating partner lies on top. This position works for beginners because it is intimate since you can see each other faces and communicate easily and because the angle tends to be comfortable for many bodies.

Positions for Experienced Partners

Once you are comfortable with anal sex more positions become available.

Doggy style is the classic with receiver on hands and knees and penetrating partner behind. This position allows for deeper penetration than most which is why it is better once you know what you are doing. The receiver can adjust by arching or flattening their back and raising or lowering their chest. Small changes make significant differences in how it feels.

Flat doggy or prone has the receiver lying flat on their stomach with legs together or slightly apart. The penetrating partner lies on top. This position provides a tight sensation for both partners. Good for sustained rhythm. Can be more comfortable than hands and knees doggy for longer sessions.

Standing has the receiver bent forward over a bed or table or counter with the penetrating partner standing behind. This works well once you are comfortable with anal because the standing partner has more control over movement. The height of whatever the receiver is bending over determines the angle.

Adjustments That Help

Pillows are not just for comfort. They change angles. A pillow under the receiver hips in missionary style positions tilts the pelvis and often makes penetration easier. Experiment with placement.

In positions where the receiver legs can move different leg positions create different sensations. Legs raised and back allows deeper penetration. Legs wrapped around partner gives more control and closer connection. Legs down and together creates a tighter sensation.

In doggy style positions the receiver back arch matters. Arching the back with butt up versus flattening it changes the angle of entry significantly. Find what works for your bodies.

Positions to Approach Carefully

Some positions are challenging for anal sex and require experience. Any position that naturally creates deep penetration should be approached gradually. Deep anal penetration is not uncomfortable for everyone but the rectum has limits and curves. Do not start with positions designed for maximum depth.

Positions where the penetrating partner has full control and the receiver has little ability to adjust are not ideal until both partners know exactly what works. Trust and experience need to be established first.

General Principles

When starting out prioritize the receiving partner control over everything else. Being able to control depth and speed reduces anxiety which helps the sphincter relax which makes everything more comfortable.

If a position is physically uncomfortable with sore knees or awkward angle or neck strain the body tenses. Tension includes the anal sphincter. Choose positions both partners can maintain comfortably. No position recommendation matters more than ongoing communication. Slower. More lube. Stop for a second. That angle is better. Feedback guides everything.

Prostate Stimulation

For receivers with prostates angle matters for hitting this spot. The prostate is located toward the front of the body. Positions that angle penetration toward the belly rather than straight back are more likely to provide prostate stimulation. Receiver on back with hips elevated. Doggy style with back arched. Receiver on top leaning back. Experiment with angles. When you find the right one you will know.

Adding Other Stimulation

Anal sex does not preclude other stimulation. Choose positions that allow for it. Spooning allows easy reach around for genital stimulation. Receiver on top means either partner can provide clitoral or penile touch. Flat doggy lets the receiver reach their own genitals or use a vibrator. Combining anal penetration with other stimulation often intensifies the experience.

Changing Positions

When changing positions during anal sex withdraw slowly. Do not just pull out quickly. Re-apply lube since position changes often mean the lube has distributed or dried. Add more before re-entering. Re-enter gradually. Even if things were going smoothly treat position changes as a partial reset. Do not immediately resume the previous intensity.

What This Comes Down To

Generic advice only goes so far. Bodies are different. What is comfortable for one couple might not work for another. Use these recommendations as starting points then adjust based on actual experience. Pay attention to which positions allow the receiver to relax most fully. Which angles feel good versus uncomfortable. Which positions are sustainable for your fitness levels. Which positions allow for the kind of connection you want.

Position selection for anal sex is about creating the conditions for comfort and pleasure. The right position relaxes the body and gives appropriate control to the receiving partner and creates sustainable mechanics and hits the spots that feel good. Start with positions that prioritize receiver control. As experience builds expand into positions that offer different sensations. Always maintain communication about what is working and what is not.