Best sex positions for a small penis

A lot of men worry that their penises are smaller than average. Statistically speaking, the vast majority of them are wrong: Over 90% of men are within one inch of the average male penis size, which is 5.17 inches (13.12 cm) when erect. Even if your penis is smaller than that, you can still can still have great sex. And believe it or not, surveys show that the vast majority of women are satisfied with their partner’s penis (Lever, 2006).

Despite all of that, it might still be important to you to make your partner happy by trying different positions that let you go deeper. Read on to learn what sexual positions work best for a small penis. 

If you want to get more penetration with a smaller penis, it’s all about using the appropriate sexual position that allows for deeper penetration. The suggestions below might not be right for everyone and are mostly focused on heterosexual sex. In the end, the best sex positions are whatever feels best for both you and your partner(s). Here are some suggestions: 

• Curved back doggy style: The receiving partner can drop their head and chest down on the bed or floor while raising their butt in the air to maximize penetration. Avoid the rounded “cat-back” position for best results.

• Sidesaddle: This position increases contact with the vaginal wall and the ever-elusive “G spot.”

• Pile driver: It’s an acrobatic position—your partner is on their back with legs up and splayed—but this position allows for deeper penetration and better hip movement.

• Reverse cowgirl (with a pillow): Guys, prop your hips up with a pillow to find that perfect angle (you’ll know when you’ve found it). Partner climbs on top, facing your legs. 

Also, don’t limit yourself. Using your fingers to stimulate the clitoris is often essential for female orgasms. Ask your partner what they like and love, explore your options together and explore using toys, too. Use your hands before and during penetration in positions like missionary or cowgirl. Also, remember that anal sex is an option if you and your partner are interested.

Penetration and penis length are far from the be-all, end-all of a great sex life.

If you have a penis that's smaller than normal, keep in mind that you can still enjoy intercourse because most nerve endings in the penis that provide pleasurable sensations are right at the tip. If you’re having vaginal sex, it’s also important to keep in mind that many women climax from direct stimulation of the clitoris via oral sex, manual stimulation, or toys, not necessarily from deep penis penetration (Herbenick, 2017). 

And remember that communication is key. Explore the techniques and patterns that bring your partner to orgasm, and keep in mind that they can change over time.

Defining “too big” or “too small” still hasn’t been firmly nailed down, so all we can do is look at statistics. Statistically speaking, most guys have a normal penis. A 2015 review found that the average erect penis size is 5.17 inches long (13.12 cm). And the average flaccid (soft) penis is 3.6 inches (9.1 cm) (Veale, 2015). 

But, regardless of how you measure up, it’s important to remember that there are a lot of other factors that contribute to being “good at sex” than just penis size. 

Trying different positions that increase penetration can be fun but don’t focus on lack of penetration as a problem. It’s not. Sex is about connection and clitoral stimulation (in women) more than how deep you can go. Use positions that enhance what you’ve got, communicate about what you both want in the bedroom, and you’ll be better in bed in no time.

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Current version

December 08, 2021

Written by

Michael Martin

Fact checked by

Yael Cooperman, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Yael Cooperman, MD, Ro

Yael Cooperman is a physician and works as a Senior Manager, Medical Content & Education at Ro.