Sex and mental health

POSITIONS FOR INTERCOURSE One is face-to-face; another is that in' which the men in forward while the woman turns her back; and there are variations of these basic positions. The purposes of different positions are to Increase pleasure and to prevent hygienic dangers or injuries. Also, a person who has heart disease or another serious illness may want to use positions that require the least amount of physical exertion, e.g., the side positions.

MAN ABOVE WOMAN. In this position-considered the standard one in our Western culture-the woman lies on her back, with thighs spread so there is room between her legs for the man's thighs. By bending her.

Legs, she allows for deeper penetration. The man lies upon his partner's abdomen, supporting his knees and elbows on the bed as much as possible so he is less of a burden. If the woman holds her thighs together after entry, it will help in cases where the penis may be small or the vagina large. It will also increase friction against the clitoris. 

With thighs tight together, the woman can prevent the penis from entering too deeply, if this is needed to prevent pain. If the vagina is large, this technique may be helpful: The woman lifts her thighs high enough to encircle the man's neck with her legs or to rest her feet on his shoulders. Thus her body is almost at right angles, with her shoulders flat and her torso lifted as vertically as possible.

WOMAN OVER MAN

 The woman can kneel over the man and let herself down gently until the penis is inserted. The advantage of this position is that she has full control of the movements and can quicken or slow down as she pleases. She can also adjust herself to the penis by bending forward so full contact with the clitoris is made. Properly used, this position can result in sexual delight. It is helpful if the man is tired. A possible disadvantage is that it requires a good deal of exertion by the woman while the man is relatively passive. It is not recommended if the vaginal passage is unusually short. And it is not recommended if the man is, sick or convalescing, since it is likely to be more stimulating than the following side position.

LYING ON SIDE, FACE TO FACE

 The partners lie on their sides, facing each other. The woman raises her upper thigh and rests it on the man's upper thigh. This is excellent for those who wish coitus during preg- nancy as there is little pressure on the woman's abdomen. For couples who wish to relax, this side attitude will be appealing and restful.

REAR ENTRY

 This method is also recommended for pregnant women or in any other case where deep penetration and weight on the abdomen are not desirable. The woman, usually in a kneeling stance, has her back to the man. The man enters the vagina from behind. This position does not give the woman as much pleasure as some others since the clitoris is not touched by the penis. The man can compensate for this by fondling the clitoris (and the breasts) with his hands.