The term sexual positions refers to the different ways in which couples physically position themselves for sexual intercourse. On the one hand, popular mythology propagates the belief that the man-on-top position is the only normal and acceptable coital position; on the other is the myth that not only are there scores of sexual positions, but that no one may be deemed a competent lover until he or she has mastered them all.

The myth further suggests that the more physically challenging the position, the greater the sexual satisfaction will be. None of these myths is true. No special significance is attached to any particular position, and competence in lovemaking is measured by fulfillment, not by the extent of one's sexual repertoire.

The most common sexual positions are man-on-top, woman-on-top, side-by-side, and rear-entry. Some heterosexual couples and some gay men also practice anal intercourse. They may all be modified by performing them lying down, sitting, standing, kneeling, or any combination of these. Each couple's inventiveness and comfort level determines their choice of positions.

Sexual Positions — The Missionary Position
The man-on-top position is the most common of all intercourse positions in Western cultures. It is also called the missionary position after the 19th century Christian missionaries who believed that the man on top was the only natural and proper position for intercourse. They encouraged their foreign converts to abandon their so-called "animal" positions in favor of the man-on-top position.

In the man-on-top position the woman lies on her back with her legs spread. Either the man or the woman guides the penis into the vagina. The man can lie flat on the woman if his weight is not uncomfortable on her, or he can support some or all of his weight on his elbows, hands or knees. Some women find that without this, the weight of the man on them restricts their pelvic movements. The woman can wrap her legs around the man's hips or back, or even put them up over his shoulders. The further up her legs are the deeper the penetration the man can make as he thrusts. Some women, however, do not care for the deep penetration this position encourages.

The man-on-top position somewhat limits the ways a man can use his hands to caress his partner, but the woman can use her hands freely to caress the man or stimulate her clitoris. It is a very good position for seeing each other and kissing during intercourse.