The missionary position is probably the most well-known human sex position. It is said that it is so called because this sex position was taught by Christian missionaries as the only "proper" sex position, though this story is apocryphal; the term originated sometime between 1945–1965.

The missionary position

In the missionary position,

• The woman lies on her back, with her legs spread either flat (horizontally on the same surface as her back), drawn up towards her chest, or wrapped around the man.
• The man lies on his stomach on top of the woman, with head and feet aligned, his legs between her legs, and his groin at the same level as hers to facilitate penetration.

Advantages of the missionary position:

• Both partners can see each other.
• They can combine sex with kissing.
• They can both caress one another.
• Penetration is relatively deep.
• The groin presses on the clitoris, depending on how performed.
• It is possible, though perhaps uncomfortable or difficult, for the male partner to manually stimulate the woman's clitoris.
• The man controls the pace.
• This position produces a relatively quick male orgasm.
• Some women enjoy the sensation of being under the male and feeling him well.

Disadvantages of the missionary position:

• The woman does not control the pace.
• Either the man's weight is placed upon the woman (uncomfortable for the woman) or he must support his weight upon his arms and knees (tiring for the man).
• It can be difficult for partners to manually stimulate the clitoris.
• This position often produces a quick male orgasm (premature ejaculation).