Here’s How to Do the Seashell Sex Position
This tiny tweak on missionary has a *huge* impact.
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If missionary is your go-to sex position, but you want something harder, deeper, and just…more, behold the seashell sex position—missionary’s hotter cousin. The seashell is a variation of missionary, but with a tweak that changes everything.
“Pulling your legs into your body during missionary is a great way to level up the intensity and depth of penetration,” says certified sexuality educator Sarah Tomchesson, Director of Marketing at Magic Wand. This adjustment adds a spicier vibe with the opportunity for more clit stim and the hottest, deepest penetration physically possible—we love to see it.
The seashell works great on its own if you want to dive right into it, but it can feel even more amazing to transition into it from missionary, especially if you want a deeper, fuller sensation and more direct skin-on-skin contact with your partner’s body, says Tomchesson. Switching to seashell when things start getting ~really~ hot can offer the level of intensity or direct stimulation that some need to climax, she adds
If deep penetration has been uncomfortable for you in the past, a little prep work can make all the difference. “Grab a good lube and make sure you have a lot of foreplay before going in,” says resident sexpert at Adam & Eve, Jenni Skyler, PhD, LMFT, C-PST. Amp up your arousal by adding toys and/or rubbing your clit to give it the attention it deserves.
As with all things (but especially when trying something new), keep the lines of communication between you open. “Because of the depth of this position, it’s possible to hit the cervix with each thrust,” says Skyler. “This can be highly pleasurable for some women, and highly uncomfortable for others.” If something hurts, speak up, back off a little or stop completely.
Ready to take the plunge? Lube up and lift those legs for a deep sea(shell) dive.
The Classic Seashell
Start in missionary, then the receiver lifts their legs up higher to get that deep, deep penetration going. Whether that means resting your legs on your partner’s shoulders, wrapping your feet behind their neck, or just sort of tilting your hips up is up to you. Whichever you chose, a wearable couples vibrator will add extra buzzy love, internally and externally.
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The Throbby Shell
“For anyone who loves vibration or direct clitoral stimulation during penetration, or needs it to climax, an L-shaped variation allows room for a vibrator,” says Tomchesson. The penetrating partner kneels upright and leans back while the receiver puts one leg over the giver’s shoulder, and the other leg over the giver’s opposite hip. “This position allows for the depth of penetration while allowing the space between bodies for the receiver’s favorite vibrator. A compact wand like the Magic Wand Mini is a perfect fit.” Plus, this position lends itself to both anal and vaginal penetration. Win/win.
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The Naughty Nautilus
Up the kink factor by adding restraints. Use handcuffs, rope or bondage tape to bind the receiver’s ankles (if it’s too tight, you can get some leeway with silk restraints or a loosely tied necktie). And if you’re not ready to get actual BDSM gear involved, you can achieve similar Dom/sub vibe by having the giver just hold the receiver’s legs in place.
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The Flying V
“This is a fabulous position for deeper penetration and easy to access no matter your flexibility or physical ability,” says Skyler, adding that if the receiver needs to rest their legs, they can put them on the penetrating partner's shoulders. Since your hands are free, it’s also a very vibrator-friendly position. Grab your favorite clitoral stimulator and go to town.
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The Happy Baby
“This seashell requires good hamstring strength and flexibility, but in this version, like the yoga position Happy Baby, the woman can hold her feet in her hands to stabilize herself,” says Skyler. Since your hands won’t be free in this one, add a vibrating penis ring if you like/need vibration.
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The Shell Yes
“For deeper penetration, try crossing your ankles behind your head or placing a pillow under your hips,” says Tatyana Dyachenko, sex therapist and relationship expert for Peaches and Screams. “Add some sex toys to the mix. I’d highly recommend nipple clamps or a vibrating butt plug for either person.”
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The Riding High/Riding Low
If you like the feeling of a lubed-up penis or dildo rubbing your clit, try the riding high, where the penetrating partner rubs their penis against the clitoris to enhance stimulation. You can ~ride high~ with or without penetration. If it’s internal stim you crave, try riding low. “The receiver opens their legs wider, allowing the penetrating partner to stimulate their internal hot spots using their penis or dildo head.”
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The Venus on the Half Shell
“This is one of my favorite positions!” says Kat Winnick, sex coach and BDSM expert at Let’s Talk Sex. “Put one leg down and push the other leg up. Let your partner straddle one of your legs and penetrate.” If your partner has a penis, they’ll like the tighter feel; if they have a vulva, they can easily hump your thigh (aka a thigh job).
The Not-So-Flexible Shell
If you’re not super flexible, this one’s for you. Instead of pulling your legs up and out, tuck them in à la the fetal position, but on your back. “It’s a great option for anal sex, making the anus accessible and allowing for eye contact and easier communication during penetration,” says sex educator Rebecca Blanton, aka Auntie Vice, cohost of the Fat Chicks on Top podcast. Having your legs between your bodies gives you more control. “This is a big benefit for people new to anal sex or whose partner’s penis may be larger than is comfortable for deep thrusting.”
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