7 Best Sex Positions for Beginners That’ll Make Your First Time Super Comfortable

Having sex for the first time can be both scary and exciting at the same time, but don’t worry! You have control over your experience and there are several ways to make it feel both good (like, really good) and comfortable, starting with the easy beginner sex positions we’ve put together for you here.

“Since first time sex can be new and a bit awkward, the best positions don’t apply too much pressure on the bedroom buddies,” says Heather Bartos, MD. So if you’re low-key (or high-key) freaking about what goes where, being naked in front of someone, and whether you’re doing it “right,” pause and take a few deep cleansing breaths.

Remember: There is no “right.” Beginner sex is often awkward. Heck, sex can be awkward no matter how much experience you have! There may be queefs, parts going in the wrong holes, and fumbling that happens when anyone tries something new. It’s all totally normal.

It’s also important to accept that sex isn’t always going to look or sound like the porn, or erotica, or Netflix romances you've seen before. Again, normal! “It usually takes time to cultivate connection and arousal; you don’t just deliver a pizza and end up bent over the kitchen table,” says Jess O’Reilly, PhD, ASTROGLIDE’s resident sexologist. “In real life, sex doesn’t always require a hard penis. Bodies are often squished together in ways that feel good as opposed to perfectly positioned in a manner that looks good to the camera. Sex isn’t always penetrative, it’s not always long-lasting, it’s not always loud and intense. Orgasms aren’t always earth-shattering and our sounds may be more varied and animalistic.” Basically, expectations don’t always equal reality, so don’t worry if your first time isn’t exactly how you always envisioned it.

Pro tip: Before you have sex with someone else, get to know your body through self-pleasure. If something feels good, use it! Lube and toys are associated with better sex, so experiment with different options to find what works for you,” says O’Reilly. And of course, be safe. Enthusiastic consent is essential. Talk to your partner about your expectations and whether you’ve all been tested for STIs. And if a penis is involved, use condoms to protect against unwanted pregnancy and STIs.

If something goes awry, just have a laugh and roll with it! Take a break, reset, and try again. “Sex doesn’t have to be a ten out of ten every single time. Ditch the pressure so you can tune into the pleasure,” says O’Reilly.

Here are some starter positions to get you both going.