Unlock Explosive Pleasure: 12 Oral Sex Positions That Will Transform Your Intimacy Tonight

Ever wondered why some nights just don’t hit the mark, while others feel like you’ve stumbled into an absolute pleasure paradise? Here’s the honest truth: for most people with a vulva, vanilla P-in-V intercourse often doesn’t quite cut it—and there’s heaps of science backing this up. A fascinating 2017 study in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy found nearly three-quarters of women rely on external clitoral stimulation to reach orgasm, or at least feel their climax that much sweeter. So, what’s the game-changer? Oral sex. Not only can it skyrocket your pleasure levels to mind-blowing heights, many swear it builds a deeper connection with your partner too. Ready to spice things up and explore some seriously hot oral positions? We’ve rounded up the ultimate cunnilingus playbook to help you and your partner hit all the right notes—and then some. Dive in, experiment, and don’t forget to peek at our top tips for teasing and incorporating toys for an unforgettable ride! LEARN MORE

AS MOST PEOPLE with a vulva will tell you, oral sex can be the difference between a lackluster night of sex and an out-of-this-world orgasmic experience. Research has shown that run-of-the-mill P-in-V intercourse isn’t enough to send most vulva owners over the edge: in a 2017 study in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, nearly 75% of women said they needed external clitoral stimulation to have an orgasm, or that clitoral stimulation made their orgasms feel even better. (Only 18% said they could come from vaginal penetration alone.) My friend, this is where oral sex comes in. As an added bonus, lots of people insist oral sex is more intimate, in a way, than penetrative sex. In other words, it’s a great way to bond with your partner.

To help you have the best cunnilingus experience ever, we put together a list of the hottest oral sex positions to try with a partner ASAP. Whichever position(s) you choose, be sure to check out our list of the best oral sex tips, including how to tease your partner before going all-in, and how to bring toys in the mix. (A vibrating butt plug combined with oral action? Hello, blended orgasm.)

1. David Copperfield

Benefits: Named for the famous magician, this oral sex position features two “magic tricks” that can help deliver an incredible orgasm.

How to try it: Place a pillow under the receiver’s hips, and ~magically~ tilt their pelvis so their feet can rest comfortably on the giver’s shoulder blades. In this position, the giver can gently push up on the receiver’s abdomen, helping to expose the clitoris from underneath the clitoral hood. (Note: only try this if the receiver is into direct clitoral stimulation. If not, it might be too intense.)

2. Closed for Business

Benefits: If direct clitoral stimulation is a little much for the receiver, this alternative position is a good option.

How to try it: The receiver closes their legs and the giver applies indirect stimulation to labia and other areas around the clit. You could warm up in this position before transitioning into something more intense, or just stay here for the duration! Remember, the clitoris is so much more than that little bud at the top of the labia, so licking the surrounding area is still going to feel un-be-lieeeevable.

3. 69

Benefits: On the one hand, it’s super sexy and super productive. On the other hand, some people find it hard to focus on giving and receiving at the same time.

How to try it: One partner lies on their back. The other climbs on top, facing away from the other person’s upper body. Genitals should be lined up with your partner’s mouth, and vice versa.

4. Heir to the Throne

Benefits: This position is great for playing with power dynamics. The receiving partner gets to feel like royalty as they perch on a throne (or, you know, an ottoman or chair) while the giver kneels on the floor.

How to try it: The receiver sits on a chair with their legs wide open. This is a good sex position for either beginning the slow build-up with loose, broad, strokes, or ending with strong suction. In this position, the receiver can easily guide the giver, and the giver gets a full view between the receiver’s legs, which is a turn-on for many people.

5. The One Up

Benefits: Many people with a vulva find they’re more sensitive on one side of the clitoris, and this is the perfect sex position to make the most of that heightened sensitivity.

How to try it: The receiver lies on the bed with one leg in the air, while the giver kneels on the floor. (Note: the receiver should raise the leg corresponding with the sensitive side of the clitoris—it’ll help expose the area to the giver’s tongue.)

6. The Ball of Fun

Benefits: This position is essentially an all-access pass to the receiver’s vulva and anus, if rimming is on the menu.

How to try it: The receiving partner gets into a “ball” position, where they lie on their back, bend knees into chest, and grip the shins. The receiver stays put, and the giver lies on their stomach so their mouth lines up in just the right spot.

7. Doggy Style

Benefits: Talk about another great position for adding a rim job into the mix! The giver can dabble in a little analingus while stimulating the receiver’s clitoris with their fingers.

How to try it: Both partners get on hands and knees. The receiver leans forward, propping up on their forearms, and lifting their butt into the air. Here, the giver can position themselves at the right angle, so their face between the receiver’s legs.

8. The Seated 7 and 1

Benefits: There’s an age old blowjob/hand job trick where the giver does seven shorter strokes followed by one longer one. According to our friends at Cosmo, a similar principle goes for pleasuring a person with a vulva. The giver can alternate between lighter moves—like gentle licks along the labia—and more intense moves, like a hard suck or a little finger action.

How to try it: The receiver sits at the edge of a bed or a chair. The giver kneels down on the ground in front of them, placing their head between the receiver’s legs.

9. V is for Victory

How to try it: The receiver lies on their back holding both legs in the air. The giver can treat them to a thigh/booty massage while they go to town.

10. The Kivin Method

Benefits: Ever heard of the “Kivin” method? If not, prepare to have your mind blown. The Kivin method is essentially sideways cunnilingus, where the receiver is positioned on one side, and the and some people with a vulva say it helps them achieve orgasm faster. To make it feel even better, the giver can use their hand to apply pressure to the receiver’s taint.

How to try it: The giver lies sideways, while the person receiving is on their back.

11. The Sharkfin

Benefits: This is a fun oral sex position you can try in the pool–in fact, this is the only way we’d suggest having pool sex. Doin’ it in the water simply isn’t the greatest idea.

How to try it: In this position, the giver is in the water and the receiver is on their back with their hips right at the edge.

12. The Swiper

Benefits: There’s a lot of versatility from this position. Consider using a sex pillow (or just a regular pillow!) to prop up the receiver’s hips.

How to try it: In this position, the giver uses their mouth to create suction over the receiver’s labia and clitoris, then moves their head side to side in a swiping motion.

Jordyn Taylor is the Executive Digital Editor at Men’s Health. She is the co-author of ‘Best. Sex. Ever.: 200 Frank, Funny & Friendly Answers About Getting It On,’ and an adjunct professor at New York University’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. She’s covered sex, relationships, health, wellness, and LGBTQ+ issues since 2013, and has previously worked as a reporter and editor at Mic and the New York Observer.