Standing Sex Positions: Spice Up Your Intimacy

Variety is the spice of life, and sex is no different! There are so many different ways to have sex and experience pleasure. It may be time to forgo missionary and doggy style for more creative sex positions, like standing sex.

Looking to learn more about standing sex and discover whether it’s the next sexual frontier for you and your partner? Read on to learn all about standing sex, why it may be beneficial for your sex life, and discover different positions to try. Plus, we’ll give you our top tips for the best standing sex of your life.

Benefits of Standing Sex

Whether standing or lying down, sex comes with a host of emotional and physical health benefits. These are just a few:

Improved mood: Sex releases dopamine and endorphins, two “feel good” hormones that increase feelings of happiness and satisfaction. They also can lower instances of anxiety and depression.
Lower stress: Dopamine and endorphins also work together to combat cortisol, the stress hormone.
Healthy exercise: Sex can be a mild to moderate physical activity—especially standing up. That means you get all the benefits of exercise along with it, such as increased heart rate and stamina.
Better sleep: Sex releases oxytocin, a chemical that creates feelings of relaxation and improves sleep.¹
Lower risk of prostate cancer: There’s some evidence that regular ejaculation may clear cancerous cells out of the prostate.²
Better pelvic floor function: Regular sex can also improve pelvic floor function in people with vaginas.³

But that’s not all; sex standing has its own unique benefits that you may not get from sex in other positions. Read on to learn more.

Increased Intimacy

Many standing sex positions allow partners to stand face-to-face, allowing for direct eye contact. Many find that direct eye contact during sex can increase intensity, enhance arousal, build connection, and more. When face-to-face, partners can also speak directly to one another, kiss, hug, and connect in other meaningful ways that may not be possible in other positions.

Enhanced Variety

Standing sex can introduce new experiences to an otherwise run-of-the-mill sex life. In fact, studies show that couples who have varied sex lives are as sexually satisfied long-term as they were in the first few months of their relationship.⁴

Spontaneity

Spontaneity can keep long-term relationships exciting. Couples who act spontaneously may be more likely to share trust and deep intimacy.⁵ Plus, acting spontaneously is just fun!

11 Standing Sex Positions

Looking for new and exciting ways to have sex standing up? Read on to learn our favorite standing sex positions.

Stand and Deliver

A classic standing sex position, the Stand and Deliver, involves two partners having sex face-to-face. One partner should feel free to prop themself against a wall or other solid surface for a little added support. Remember those benefits of eye contact during sex we mentioned earlier? This sex position may increase the intensity of your sex, deepen intimacy, and boost your arousal to never-before-seen heights.

Yourself on the Shelf

If the receiving partner is not too keen on standing during sex, then this sex position is for her. They can sit on a counter, table, stool, or shelf while the giving partner positions themself between their legs for easy access. Play around with different surfaces to see which height works best.

The Ballet Dancer

In this intimate position, both partners stand facing one another. The receiving partner can wrap their leg around the giving partner for easier access, and the giving partner can support them with an arm around their waist, resulting in a position that resembles a pair of ballet dancers. Again, this face-to-face position can increase intensity, arousal, and connection.

The Iron Chef

Are you a pro in the kitchen? This one’s for you. Change things up by taking sex out of the bedroom and into the kitchen. The receiving partner can sit or lay on the kitchen counter, and the giving partner can position themself between their legs. This is a great position for a little Chef/Sous Chef roleplay. Yes, chef!

Standing Wheelbarrow

This one can be tricky, so be careful. The standing wheelbarrow requires the receiving partner to stand in front of the giving partner, both facing in the same direction. The receiving partner then plants their hands on the floor and the giving partner lifts their legs and places them on either side of their hips, entering them in the process.

It’s important to keep in constant communication in all positions, but especially during the standing wheelbarrow. Make sure the receiving partner is comfortable and isn’t getting too tired or lightheaded.

Aquaman's Delight

Standing sex in the shower may be known as Aquaman’s Delight. Any position goes in the shower, but we recommend taking extra care to be safe.

Grab a non-slip shower mat and limit the amount of soap to reduce the likelihood of slipping during sex. It may also be helpful to incorporate a footstool for easier access.

Standing Dragon

In the Standing Dragon, both partners stand and face the same direction. The receiving partner can bend over slightly, allowing the giving partner easy access.

For added support, do this near a table or counter that the receiving partner can use to prop themself up. This position gets its name from its appearance, like a fire-breathing dragon!

Restroom Attendant

You’ve done it in the bedroom, kitchen, and shower—now it’s time for sex in the bathroom! The restroom attendant is a great position for small spaces. The receiving partner can prop themselves up on the sink for easy access.

Couch Surfer

It’s time to bring your couch into the mix. With the Couch Surfer standing position, the receiving partner can lean over the back of the couch or one of its arms, allowing easy access for the giving partner.

Pin Against Wall

If power dynamics are your thing, the Pin Against a Wall can be a great option. The receiving partner can put their back against a wall, and the giving partner can enter them from the front, essentially pinning them against the wall. This can be a fun position to incorporate role play and explore new things.

Standing Oral Sex

This one’s simple: the giving partner can kneel in front of the receiving partner. They’ll be at the perfect height for great oral sex. To keep it comfy, the giving partner can place a pillow under their knees for a little extra cushion.

5 Tips for Having Sex Standing Up

Depending on your position of choice, standing sex can be a challenging feat. Read on for our best tips to have the best standing sex possible.

Change Positions

Standing sex can get tiring, so it’s a good idea to change positions regularly. Whether you’d like to alternate standing sex positions with laying sex positions or simply change up the position you’re using, keep it interesting and varied!

Use Lube and Toys

Lube and toys are a great addition to any type of sex. Lube supplements the vagina’s natural lubrication and can help keep things nice and slick. Less friction means more pleasure in any position, but especially in a more complex standing one.

Toys are simply another way to get additional pleasure and sensation. They can be especially helpful in standing sex to reach angles and areas that may not be totally feasible to reach while standing with just your body parts. Try out different toys and see what you like best.

Keep Your Balance

Balance can be a big concern when having standing sex. No one wants to fall during sex, and when sensitive body parts are involved, losing your balance can do some serious damage.

It may be helpful to prop yourself up against a wall, counter, or other solid surface to maintain your balance while having sex standing up. A little extra support never hurt anyone!

Make Sure You're Comfortable

No matter what, sex should always feel good and shouldn’t be unintentionally painful. Standing sex can have a greater propensity for discomfort, so it’s a good idea to check in regularly with yourself and your partner to make sure everyone’s feeling good. If it isn’t working out, don’t be afraid to abandon standing sex for something different.

Be Safe

Whatever position you’re in, safe sex is always a priority. Durex condoms and other barriers can protect against accidental pregnancy and the spread of STIs, keeping all partners safe. Check out our selection of condoms, including those with added sensations like ribbing, pre-lubrication, and more for heightened pleasure.

References

Oesterling CF, Borg C, Juhola E, Lancel M. The influence of sexual activity on sleep: A diary study. J Sleep Res. 2023 Aug;32(4):e13814. doi: 10.1111/jsr.13814. Epub 2023 Jan 16. PMID: 36646500. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36646500/
Rider JR, Wilson KM, Sinnott JA, Kelly RS, Mucci LA, Giovannucci EL. Ejaculation Frequency and Risk of Prostate Cancer: Updated Results with an Additional Decade of Follow-up. Eur Urol. 2016 Dec;70(6):974-982. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27033442/
Kanter G, Rogers RG, Pauls RN, Kammerer-Doak D, Thakar R. A strong pelvic floor is associated with higher rates of sexual activity in women with pelvic floor disorders. Int Urogynecol J. 2015 Jul;26(7):991-6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4573594/
Frederick, D. A., Lever, J., Gillespie, B. J., & Garcia, J. R. (2016). What Keeps Passion Alive? Sexual Satisfaction Is Associated With Sexual Communication, Mood Setting, Sexual Variety, Oral Sex, Orgasm, and Sex Frequency in a National U.S. Study. The Journal of Sex Research, 54(2), 186–201. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00224499.2015.1137854
Lobel, D. Spontaneity and Intimacy: Should You Let It All Hang Out? Psychology Today. 2023, May 9. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/my-side-of-the-couch/202304/spontaneity-and-intimacy-should-you-let-it-all-hang-out