The Classic Choice: Why Missionary Remains Men's Go-To Sex Position
While the cowgirl position enjoys popularity among women, men consistently demonstrate a strong preference for a more traditional arrangement. According to full-service escort Lillith Lodge, the classic missionary position is by far the most frequently requested pose by her male clients, challenging assumptions about modern sexual preferences.
The Escort's Perspective on Male Preferences
"Most clients are very basic and standard in what they want," Lillith tells Metro. "It's not super common, definitely not a weekly event, to have clients ask for something outside of what I feel is 'normal.' It's pretty much just missionary."
The Brisbane-based sex worker notes that many of her clients are slightly older married men, which may partially explain their consistent choice of this position. "It can be very uncomfortable and not enjoyable for my clients to do crazy positions, unless they're a really young guy," she adds. "Sometimes they'll ask for missionary with my feet up behind my head, but that's about it."
National Search Data Confirms the Trend
This preference for missionary appears to be widespread across demographics. According to data from Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor, missionary was the most-searched sex position in the UK during 2025, with an impressive 736,900 searches. This represents 330,000 more searches than the second-most popular position, cowgirl, confirming the classic pose's enduring appeal.
Men Explain Their Preference for Missionary
On Reddit discussion threads, men have openly shared why they favor this traditional position. "Missionary is easily the dirtiest sex position," wrote one contributor. "You can look right in each other's eyes, you can kiss, there's more skin-on-skin contact."
Additional advantages highlighted by enthusiasts include:
- Easy adjustment of pace and depth during intimacy
- Opportunity to whisper intimately during passionate moments
- Flexibility to modify the position using legs for stability or movement
- Enhanced emotional connection through sustained eye contact
"It's the most titillating of all," added another Reddit user. "Sometimes someone asks me what my favourite position is and I hate that I always have to apologise for being lame before saying missionary."
One man admitted the appeal lies in "having a pair of legs wrapped around [his] hips," while another shared: "My wife and I have been together for 30 years and it's our 'go-to' position. When I fantasise, I am almost always imagining having sex in the missionary position."
The Psychological and Physical Aspects
Former nurse-turned-relationship psychologist Dr. Louise Goddard-Crawley explains the psychological benefits of missionary. "The face-to-face nature of the position allows for intimacy... which can help partners feel emotionally connected and secure."
For individuals with mobility challenges or pain concerns, missionary offers particular advantages as it doesn't require extensive flexibility or strength. "Missionary can be easily modified to accommodate different preferences and needs," Dr. Goddard-Crawley notes, "such as adjusting leg positions or incorporating pillows for support."
Potential Drawbacks and Safety Considerations
Despite its popularity, missionary does present some potential issues. According to a Lovehoney survey, this position was the second most likely to send Brits to A&E, with more than a third of respondents reporting injuries ranging from carpet burns to pulled muscles, back injuries, and flare-ups of existing spinal problems.
Dr. Goddard-Crawley acknowledges these concerns: "It also may feel more restrictive compared to other positions that allow for greater movement and range of motion. For some, the missionary position may place pressure on joints, especially the lower back and knees, potentially causing discomfort or pain for extended periods."
The Enduring Appeal of Tradition
While every sex position carries some risk, the consistent preference for missionary among men suggests that classic approaches to intimacy maintain their appeal despite evolving sexual attitudes. The position's combination of intimacy, accessibility, and emotional connection continues to make it a staple in bedrooms across the UK and beyond.
The data from both professional experience and national search trends confirms that sometimes, the most traditional choices remain the most popular for good reason. As one Reddit commenter simply stated: "Missionary is easily my favourite, mostly because it feels best for me. I don't get why people write it off so easily."
