A passionate couple enjoying the butterfly sex position, with the woman lying on her back at the edge of the bed while her partner holds her legs and thrusts deeply.

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Reading time: 6 minutes | Last Updated: May 16, 2025

Quick facts

  • What It Is: Legs-up missionary that hits deeper than you ever thought possible
  • Also Known As: Blossoming Lotus, Legs on Shoulders, The V Position
  • Difficulty: Your hamstrings will feel it, but the pleasure makes you forget the burn
  • Best For: G-spot orgasms that’ll leave you trembling and easy access for clit play
  • Why You’ll Love It: Every thrust targets your most sensitive spots at the perfect angle
  • Common Challenge: Thigh burn (which you’ll happily ignore when waves of pleasure hit)
  • Perfect Pairing: A bullet vibe on your clit while they’re deep inside you

What Makes Butterfly Pure Sexual Magic

Imagine this: You’re lying on your back, hips perfectly positioned at the bed’s edge. Your legs are raised onto your partner’s shoulders as they stand between your spread thighs. That simple shift creates an angle that sends pleasure rippling through your entire body with every thrust.

The first time I tried butterfly with my partner, what started as a quick position change turned into an hour of pleasure so intense I bit down on the pillow to muffle my moans. That perfect angle transforms average sex into something that leaves you both gasping and wondering why the hell you’ve been wasting time with basic positions.

At BSP, we consider butterfly the secret weapon of all missionary positions – familiar enough that you’ll feel comfortable trying it, but intense enough to make your toes curl and your back arch involuntarily. Trust me, once you feel that first perfectly angled thrust hit spots you didn’t know existed, regular missionary will feel like settling for fast food when you could be having a gourmet feast.

How to Hit the Perfect Butterfly Position

Ready to transform tonight’s bedroom session from forgettable to mind-blowing? Here’s exactly how to nail the butterfly:

If You’re Being Penetrated:

  1. Scoot your ass right to the edge of the bed (or table, or dresser – get creative)
  2. Lift your legs up and open as your partner guides them to their shoulders
  3. Slide a pillow under your hips for the angle that’ll make you see stars
  4. Relax your upper body and surrender to what’s about to happen

If You’re Doing the Penetrating:

  1. Position yourself between their legs (stand or kneel depending on height)
  2. Hold their thighs as you guide their legs onto your shoulders
  3. Grip their hips firmly – this prevents them sliding away when things get intense
  4. Adjust until you find the thrust angle that makes them gasp and grab the sheets

Why Butterfly Makes Regular Missionary Look Amateur

We’ve tested hundreds of positions at BSP, and butterfly transforms missionary from “nice” to “holy hell that’s good” for several reasons:

  • You hit deeper spots with an angle that feels incredible rather than uncomfortable
  • G-spot stimulation happens naturally with every thrust, no awkward adjustments needed
  • You both control exactly what feels good – deeper, harder, slower, whatever makes you moan
  • Eye contact plus deep penetration creates an intense connection that amplifies the physical pleasure
  • Your hands stay free to touch yourself or each other, adding another dimension to the pleasure

This is why at BSP we rated butterfly orgasms more intense than standard missionary. WebMD confirms that the position allows for deeper penetration while you lie back, naturally targeting your pleasure zones and creating a more intimate connection.

Butterfly Variations That’ll Push You Over the Edge

Once you’ve mastered the basic butterfly, these spicy upgrades will take your pleasure to explosive new heights:

The Vise Grip

A passionate couple enjoying the butterfly sex position, with the woman lying on her back at the edge of the bed while her partner holds her legs and thrusts deeply.

BSP Hot Tip: Cross your ankles behind your partner’s neck while they press against your thighs. This creates delicious tightness that intensifies every sensation. Last month, my partner nearly lost control the moment I locked my ankles – the pressure feels that good for both of you.

The Shoulder Dominator

A couple trying the legs up chair position in the kitchen. The red-haired woman sits on a chair with her legs lifted onto her partner’s shoulders as he stands in front of her.

Place both legs over ONE of their shoulders for an asymmetrical position that hits completely different spots. The twisted angle creates a sense of submission that adds a psychological thrill to the physical pleasure.

Kneeling Butterfly

A muscular brunette man making love to his girlfriend in the kneeling butterfly pose on a pillow. She wears stockings, adding to the intimate atmosphere.

Your partner kneels instead of stands, with a firm pillow lifting your hips 4-6 inches. This slight adjustment is often the difference between “that feels good” and “don’t stop or I’ll kill you.” The elevated angle ensures direct, constant G-spot pressure.

The Spread Eagle

Passionate couple exploring the eagle sex position on a cozy bed, with the woman lying on her back and spreading her legs wide while her partner takes control.

Your partner holds your ankles or plants their hands beside you on the bed, either way keeping your legs spread wide. This Eagle position variation leaves you deliciously vulnerable and completely open to their hungry gaze. With nothing between you, you’ll feel every deep thrust while maintaining that intense eye contact that makes both of you lose control.

BSP Expert Tips: Making Butterfly Absolutely Unforgettable

Even a naturally hot position like butterfly can be elevated with these insider tips from our pleasure experts:

Find your perfect height: The right furniture makes all the difference – kitchen counters often hit the perfect height alignment. When your bodies line up naturally, you can focus entirely on pleasure.

Start with oral in butterfly position: Have your partner go down on you while you’re already in position with your legs up. By the time penetration starts, you’ll be so aroused you might orgasm from the first thrust.

Lube is your best friend: A generous application makes every movement feel slick and sensual. As one BSP tester described it: “The combination of the perfect angle plus silky lube made me soak through to the mattress.”

Make adjustments sexy: Instead of clinical repositioning, turn adjustments into dirty talk: “Do you want me deeper… or like this?” Each shift becomes part of the seduction rather than a technical correction.

Master the tease: Pull back to shallow, gentle penetration occasionally. This building of anticipation drives your partner wild – I discovered this by accident and was rewarded with nail marks down my back when I finally gave in to their desperate pleas for deeper thrusts.

Quick Fixes for Common Butterfly Challenges

Burning Hamstrings

Bend your knees more instead of keeping your legs straight, or have your partner hold your legs against their chest rather than over their shoulders. A pillow under your hips reduces the stretch while keeping that perfect pleasure angle. According to pelvic health specialists maintaining proper alignment and using supportive pillows during sex can ease muscle strain and make flexible positions feel way more comfortable without dialing down the pleasure.

Height Mismatches

Kitchen counters, dining tables and dressers often provide perfect height. If nothing works, kneeling is your friend. When my tall partner and I struggled with alignment, kneeling actually improved the angle and intensity.

The Slipping Problem

Grip their hips firmly to anchor them in place. For especially passionate sessions, a non-slip yoga mat under their back provides perfect traction – not sexy in theory, but you’ll appreciate it when you’re both lost in pleasure.

Too Much Sensation Too Soon

When intensity threatens to end the fun early, slow down and switch to shallow teasing thrusts. Or simply surrender to the power of butterfly, finish gloriously, and plan for round two after catching your breath.

When Your Body Is Begging for Butterfly

Butterfly becomes your go-to position when:

  • You want orgasms that make your whole body shake
  • You need a position that works on any sturdy surface for spontaneous encounters
  • Your back needs a break but your libido doesn’t
  • You want to watch your partner’s face while they lose themselves in pleasure
  • You’re craving deeper penetration that hits all the right spots

Missionary Alternatives When Your Flexibility Has Limits

If your butterfly attempt has your hamstrings screaming in protest, these alternatives deliver similar pleasure with less stretch:

Sandwich 

A hot brunette in striped socks lies on her back on the bed while her boyfriend is on top. He holds her close from behind, enjoying the sandwich position together.

Keep your legs together while your partner straddles you from above. The tightness creates delicious friction that can be just as intense as butterfly with zero flexibility required.

Anvil

A cute woman with dark blue hair, wearing a red tank top and red heels, experimenting with the anvil position with her lover on the floor in the bedroom.

Your legs bent back but your partner supports their weight. You’ll feel the deep penetration of butterfly with significantly less hamstring strain.

Seashell

A young couple practicing the seashell sex pose on the couch. A red-haired woman lies on her back, pulling her legs close to her body, while her partner is on top, staying closely connected with her.

Draw your knees up and out while your partner kneels between them. It creates a beautiful opening pose with deeper penetration than standard missionary but less intensity than full butterfly.

The BSP Bottom Line

Of all the positions we’ve tested (and trust us, we’ve thoroughly researched hundreds), butterfly consistently delivers the kind of intense, memorable experiences that leave both partners breathless and craving more. The elevated legs and perfect angle create penetration so satisfying it can transform an ordinary night into an unforgettable encounter.

Whether you’re just starting to explore beyond vanilla sex or you’re a seasoned pleasure seeker, butterfly deserves a starring role in your bedroom repertoire. Unlike positions that pleasure one partner at the expense of the other, butterfly creates mutual intensity that builds a deeper intimate connection.

BSP Certified: We don’t just write about these positions – we’ve tested every angle, variation and technique to verify what truly works. Try butterfly tonight and you’ll understand instantly why it ranks among our most orgasm-guaranteed positions.

Your thighs might burn, but what happens between them will make every second worthwhile.

Quick Answers to Your Burning Questions

Is butterfly too advanced for beginners? Not at all! It looks fancy but requires zero special skills. If you can handle basic missionary, you’ll love this upgrade. The first time you try it, you’ll wonder why nobody told you about this sooner.

How is butterfly different from regular missionary? Regular missionary keeps you both horizontal on the bed. Butterfly positions you at the edge with legs elevated while your partner stands. This creates deeper penetration, better angles, and nobody feels restricted. It’s like discovering a hidden menu at your favorite restaurant – same place, dramatically better experience.

Does butterfly work for all couples? Absolutely! With the right toys or anatomy, butterfly works beautifully for all gender combinations. It’s particularly hot for strap-on play since the standing position gives perfect control and visibility. The beauty of butterfly is how it combines emotional connection with intense physical sensation.

What if I’m as flexible as a wooden board? No gymnastics required. Bend your knees more or rest your calves against their chest instead of going over shoulders. A pillow under your hips helps maintain the pleasure angle with less stretch. The sandwich position makes a great alternative if flexibility is seriously limited.

Why does butterfly hit the G-spot so perfectly? The upward angle of penetration directs pressure exactly where you need it – against the front vaginal wall. The first time my partner found that perfect butterfly angle, I experienced the kind of pleasure that made me temporarily forget my own name. It’s geometry working in your favor.

Will I look sexy with my legs in the air? Your partner won’t be critiquing your form – they’ll be captivated by both the visual feast and the intense sensation. Remember, confidence is sexier than any position. Besides, the vulnerability of being so open often creates an even more powerful turn-on for both of you.