The UK’s Most Popular Sex Positions
Reviewed by our clinical team
It’s reported that 4.3 million (one in five) men in the UK are affected by erectile dysfunction, although experts believe this number is underestimated due to the fact that 40% of men would not feel comfortable seeking help for erectile dysfunction (ED).
For those experiencing ED, it will no doubt have a huge impact on sex and confidence in the bedroom. However, here at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, we want to ensure everyone can experience a safe and pleasurable sex life, which is why we’ve conducted research into the best sex positions to try alongside erectile dysfunction treatment.
But first, we carried out an investigation into the nation’s bedroom habits to reveal which sex positions Brits are loving the most in 2025. We've compiled an exhaustive list of sex positions, utilising Google Search data to establish the most searched for sex positions in each major UK city, and the most popular positions in each European country.
According to our latest survey of 500 UK adults:
- One in 16 (6%) report having sex daily
- Almost a quarter (23%) have sex once a week
- One in ten (10%) Brits have sex just once a month
The most popular time to turn up the heat in the bedroom being evening (5-10pm) (25%) and after 10pm (25%).
A third of Brits (34%) would also consider themselves to be somewhat/extremely adventurous in the bedroom, however, three in ten (29%) wouldn’t feel comfortable communicating their sexual preferences with a partner.
“Healthy sexual relationships are built on open communication, mutual understanding, and a willingness to explore. From a clinical perspective, patients who feel able to discuss their sexual preferences and concerns - including difficulties like erectile dysfunction - often experience improved sexual satisfaction and psychological wellbeing. Encouraging safe exploration and honest conversations is a crucial part of supporting both individual and relational sexual health.” - Georgina Vass, Relationship and Sex Therapist
Interestingly, half of those surveyed (49%) said they would switch positions once or twice per session, with one in eight (12%) claiming to be constantly switching. The top five things influencing chosen sex positions, and changing them up, are:
- Pleasure (66.6%)
- Comfort (57.8%)
- Intimacy (47.5%)
- Partner’s preference (37.1%)
- Personal preference (31%)
The UK’s most searched for sex positions
With that being said, it’s unsurprising “Missionary” was crowned the number one sex position for the UK according to search results, with a whopping 736,900 searches. It’s one of the most intimate positions due to its simplicity and the physical closeness it allows for between partners, requiring minimal effort while still promoting comfort and cultivating emotional connection.
It may be that “Missionary” is the classic favourite, but breaking down the data city-wide shows the UK is experiencing a sexually adventurous renaissance with several more modern positions growing rapidly in popularity.
The highest YoY increase is “The Bridge” as searches in London are up 585% - yes, the same bridge you’d do in yoga, but in your bedroom with a partner instead.
Searches for “Edge of Bed” are up 500% in Brighton, and “The Cross” is up 500% in Belfast. The smallest increase is the “Crab Walk” in Liverpool, up just 100%.
UK-wide the data tells the same story: several contemporary sexual positions are seeing a marked rise in popularity, including “The Bridge” (up 643% year on year (YoY)). Searches for “The Crab” are also up 113% YoY, suggesting Brits are increasingly willing to flaunt their flexibility.
Meanwhile, the “Prone Bone” is up 96% YoY, and the “Rocking Horse” is up 81% YoY, gaining favour thanks to its rhythmic, bouncy appeal.
Interestingly, “The Rocking Horse” is one that only 6% of women, and one in 10 men (11%) have heard of, but its increase in popularity can be attributed to TikTok and sexual education influencers who have been favouring positions that don’t require acrobatics.
“It’s important to normalise discussions about sexual compatibility and comfort because these conversations are key to building healthy, respectful relationships. It's also only within these conversations that underlying health concerns – like erectile dysfunction – can come to light. ED isn’t just a physical issue, but it’s closely linked to stress, relationships, and even feelings of inadequacy around performance, so when we create a space to talk openly about pleasure and comfort, we’re more likely to be able to treat the issue at hand” - Georgina Vass, Relationship and Sex Therapist
Other positions Brits haven’t heard of include “The Corkscrew” (12% of women and 17% of men), “The Butterfly” (11% of women and 14% of men), and “The G-Wiz" (3% of women and 6% of men).
How does Europe compare?
Our research stretched across the English Channel, comparing search trends all over Europe to determine the favourite sex position for each country.
Surprisingly, Missionary was the favourite for a whopping 19 of the 26 countries we collected data from, with a collective 8.2 million searches for the position. Only two other positions made the cut: “The Lotus” – popular in Bulgaria (1,410 searches) and Lithuania (13,410 searches) - and “Sixty-Nine”, favoured amongst the Polish (930,200 searches), the Finnish (48,960), and the Czechs (44,100 searches).
When it comes to getting curious between the sheets the French take the lead, racking up 6,305,630 Google searches a year. They’re closely followed by the Germans and the Italians, with 5,872,360 and 4,491,090 searches a year, respectively.
The top 10 countries with the highest searches for sex position-related terms:
- France: 6,305,630
- Germany: 5,872,360 searches
- Italy: 4,491,090 searches
- UK: 3,169,340 searches
- Poland: 1,880,200
- Spain: 565,780
- Portugal: 304,350
- Ireland: 267,270
- Netherlands: 264,830
- Finland: 224,710
What is position-dependent erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a multitude of physical, hormonal, and psychological factors, but for some men it can simply be caused by certain sex positions making it harder to maintain an erection. This is known as “position-dependent ED,” and while erectile dysfunction tablets and pills can help, so can changing up your bedroom strategy.
The top best sex positions for erectile dysfunction
LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor spoke to Georgina Vass, Relationship and Sex Therapist, to determine the best sex positions for those struggling with erectile dysfunction, and why they work.
1. Doggy Style
Doggy style is a firm favourite for couples with and without erectile dysfunction. In fact, there have been 1,930,690 searches for the position across Europe. However, for those with ED, this is a position that allows you to control your erectile thrusting while squeezing the pelvic floor muscles, thus helping you relax and improve blood flow to the penis.
Vass explains: “Over time, this can work to strengthen erections, but it’s also a position that provides visual stimulus, and may not be as physically demanding as other positions. It can also reduce performance pressure by minimising eye contact and emotional intensity, easing anxiety-induced ED.”
2. Reverse Cowgirl
Reverse cowgirl is a big favourite in the UK with 133,300 searches, which isn’t surprising: it’s a feast for the eyes while also being physically invigorating and pleasurable. With the person on top facing the feet of their partner, this puts you in a prone position that allows for better penetration and strong blood flow to the penis.
Vass adds: “The partner on top can also reach down to stimulate the penis, and the receiver can guide the partner on top to show them their preferred motions or pace. It means those struggling with ED have almost complete control, with limited vigorous movement.”
3. Spooning
The sixth most popular sex position in Europe with 823,460 searches, spooning works well for those with ED because it’s incredibly intimate, physically gentle, and most important, it’s low-pressure.
Georgina Vass comments: “This position helps to increase intimacy and create an emotional connection, which may help reduce stress. Plus, being so close optimises skin-to-skin contact and can promote touch, thus increasing pleasure and arousal.
“Since it requires minimal physical effort, it’s ideal for those whose ED may be caused by fatigue or circulation issues.”
4. The Cross
Not the most well-known position, The Cross is very similar to missionary, but the person on top lies perpendicularly instead of straight. Their partner then places their knees over your legs, creating a very simple “X” shape that is easy to master and helps control your erection.
The gentle pace and close body contact can enhance emotional connection, while the angle allows for controlled, targeted stimulation without overwhelming pressure, reducing both physical strain and performance anxiety.
To really make the most of the position, Vass points out that it “allows for an opportunity for the partner below to massage the testicles of the partner on top at the same time. Additionally, it supports clitoral stimulation either by hand or through the organic rubbing due to the position.”
There were only 19,170 searches for The Cross across Europe, but we’re here to tell you that if you don’t know, then get to know.
5. The Lotus
Also known as the “Yab Yum”, The Lotus allows your bodies to be twined together in a passionate embrace, with the person at the bottom sitting cross-legged and your partner straddling you with their legs around your waist.
In this seated, face-to-face position, partners maintain close physical and eye contact which can reduce anxiety, and the slow, intimate rhythm allows for better focus on pleasure rather than performance. Plus, even if your erection weakens, both parties can still enjoy deep penetration.
Vass explains: “This position is deeply intimate with or without penile penetration as there is the possibility of a full body caress, in sync breathing, eye contact, and it frees the hands. It works best with a rocking not thrusting motion and lends itself to lots of variation such as leaning back, toys, bouncing, and beyond.”
Maintaining a pleasurable and active sex life with ED
Whether you experience ED or not, a fulfilling sex life doesn’t just happen – it evolves. As we age, face stress, or deal with physical changes, maintaining intimacy and pleasure can require a little creativity, but keeping sex playful, explorative, and connected can deepen both physical satisfaction and emotional closeness.
Vass states: “The brain is the biggest sexual organ and novelty is an aphrodisiac. Whether or not you have symptoms of ED, experimenting with a variety of sexual positions, toys, porn, alternative places, or even a change in grooming habits can help keep the bedroom exciting for any couple.
“Broaden your definition of sex in order to have a pleasurable and active sex life. Consider perineum or anal play, massages, oral sex, mutual masturbation, fingering, or dirty talk. There are countless ways to experience sexual pleasure and don’t forget that it is still possible to orgasm without a full erection.”
Erectile dysfunction treatments
With any case of suspected ED, the recommended course of action is a consultation with your GP, as it may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. They will assess your symptoms and conduct basic examinations to determine the most appropriate course of treatment for your individual needs.
Methodology
Search data
Search volumes come from Google search data, accessed April 2025.
Survey data
Sex position surveys consisted of 500 UK adults. Surveys conducted April 2025.
Sex position glossary
Explanation on the sex positions used to generate this research.
Against the Wall: One partner is lifted or supported against a wall while the other stands.
The Amazon: Penetrating partner lies on their back with legs spread while the receiving partner straddles and bends their legs forward.
The Anvil: Receiving partner lies on their back with legs lifted straight up and resting on the other’s shoulders.
The Arch: Receiving partner arches their back while lying down, lifting hips up for a different angle and deeper penetration.
Ballet Dancer: One partner stands on one leg while wrapping the other leg around the standing partner’s waist, typically performed upright with support.
The Bridge: One partner lies on their back and lifts their hips off the bed (like a yoga bridge pose), while the other partner enters from the front or above.
The Bumper Cars: Partners sit facing each other with legs overlapped and bodies close - can be used for rocking and gentle thrusting.
Butterfly: Receiving partner lies on their back at the edge of a surface like a bed or table, hips slightly lifted; penetrating partner stands and supports their legs.
Chair: One partner sits on a chair while the other straddles them - ideal for eye contact and slow grinding.
Corkscrew: Receiving partner lies on their side with one leg lifted while the other penetrates from behind or at an angle.
Cowgirl: Receiving partner on top, facing the other. Allows for control of speed, angle, and depth.
The Cowpoke: A spin on cowgirl where the top partner leans back while riding, possibly resting on their hands.
The Crab Walk: Partner leans back on hands and feet (like a crab walk pose), while the other enters from the front - playful and physically demanding.
The Cross: Partners lie perpendicular to each other, forming a "T" shape, often used for oral sex or mutual stimulation.
Doggy Style: Receiving partner on hands and knees, with the other behind.
Edge of Bed: Receiving partner lies on their back at the edge of the bed with legs hanging down; the other partner stands or kneels in front.
Face Sitting: One partner sits on the other’s face, allowing them to receive oral sex from a dominant, elevated position.
Flatiron: Receiving partner lies flat with legs together while the other partner lies on top - close, gentle, and smooth.
The G Wiz: Receiving partner lies on their back with legs raised and bent toward their chest, deepening penetration and stimulating the G-spot.
Kneeling Wheelbarrow: A softer version of the wheelbarrow with both partners on their knees - still playful but less strain.
Lap Dance: Like chair position, but more focused on grinding, teasing, and control from the partner on top.
Legs on Shoulders: Receiving partner lies on their back with legs lifted onto the other’s shoulders.
The Lotus: Partners sit facing each other, legs entwined in a seated, close embrace.
The Magic Mountain: Partners face each other, both with legs bent in a crouching or kneeling pose.
The Melted Candle: Receiving partner lies back with legs together and extended upward, resembling a candle melting.
Missionary: Classic face-to-face position with one partner on top. Simple and intimate.
The Missionary Plus: A variation of missionary that adds pillows, leg lifts, or toys for extra stimulation or comfort.
The Pile Driver: Receiving partner lies on their back with legs raised high while the other partner kneels or squats to penetrate.
The Pretzel: One partner lies on their side with a leg raised while the other straddles their bottom leg.
The Propeller: Partners lie at an angle with one leg raised, allowing for a swirling, rotational motion during thrusting.
Prone Bone: Receiving partner lies flat on their stomach while the other enters from behind.
The Rocking Horse: A variation of cowgirl with a focus on grinding and rocking rather than thrusting.
Reverse Cowgirl: Receiving partner on top, facing away.
Reverse Spoon: Like spooning, but the penetrating partner is behind facing the receiving partner’s back with less leg overlap.
Scissors: Partners lie on their sides, legs intertwined like scissors - can be used for various types of contact and stimulation.
Seated Missionary: Both partners sit facing each other, one on top, in a position similar to missionary but upright.
The Scoop Me Up: Receiving partner is scooped up in the other’s arms, legs around their waist.
Sixty Nine: Both partners give and receive oral sex simultaneously, usually with one on top of the other.
The Spider: Both partners sit facing each other with legs interlaced - creates closeness and eye contact.
Spooning: Both partners lie on their sides, with one behind the other.
The Starfish: Receiving partner lies flat with arms and legs spread wide.
Standing: Both partners are upright, often with the receiving partner supported or leaning against a surface.
The T: Partners form a T-shape, with one lying flat and the other across their hips - good for variation in angles.
Tabletop: Receiving partner lies back on a table or counter while the other stands.
The Wheelbarrow: Receiving partner supports their weight on their hands while the other holds their legs and penetrates from behind.
X Marks the Spot: Partners cross legs over each other’s bodies forming an "X" shape.
References
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/the-global-prevalence-of-erectile-dysfunction
