How we connect the characteristics of each position with scientific context, precautions and verifiable sources.
At educacionsexual.org, not every position needs the same explanation. When a characteristic may require additional context about anatomy, pain, pregnancy, mobility or other health considerations, we connect it with specific information and its sources.
i This information is general and educational. It does not certify a position as medically safe or replace an individual assessment by a healthcare professional.
How the system works
A clear process based on the actual characteristics of each position.
1Position characteristicsAnatomy, interaction, depth, stimulation, mobility and other structured attributes.
2Relevant contextWe identify when a characteristic calls for additional information.
3Evidence and limitationsWe explain what is supported, what remains uncertain and what a source does not allow us to claim.
4Sources and related positionsWe show the references used and the position pages for which that context is relevant.
i
A relationship does not mean that the position was studied directly in the cited research. It means that its characteristics make that evidence context relevant.
How we create our entries
This is how each entry in the encyclopedia is produced and reviewed.
Structured data. Each position is described with fixed attributes: participants, supports, orientation, depth, mobility and difficulty.
Text. Descriptions and translations are drafted with the help of artificial intelligence and go through editorial review before publication.
Illustrations. Images are digitally generated illustrations in a neutral mannequin style; they are not photographs of real people.
Evidence. When a characteristic requires it, the entry shows the related evidence area, its sources and its limits, as explained on this page.
Review. Each entry shows its last editorial review date. Review by an external healthcare professional is pending; once completed, we will state which area was reviewed, by whom and when.
Corrections. Anyone can report an error through the contact page. We review every report and update the review date.
Safety and evidence areas
See what is currently known about each topic, its limitations and the positions for which it is relevant.
G-spot
what the evidence says
The “G-spot” is a widely used term for a sensitive area of the anterior vaginal wall. Scientific literature has not demonstrated a discrete anatomical structure with an agreed location, size and nature; sensitivity and response can vary from person to person.
What we know, limitations and sources about G-spot+
What we know
The anterior vaginal wall is associated with a complex set of anatomical structures, and some people report sensitivity in this area. The experience is not uniform and should be understood as variable.
What we cannot claim
It cannot be claimed that there is one single point that can be located in the same way in everyone, or that any position guarantees its stimulation, pleasure or orgasm.
Sources 2
EVID-001 O'Connell HE, Sanjeevan KV, Hutson JM. Anatomy of the clitoris. The Journal of Urology. 2005.
PubMed (external website)
EVID-004 Vieira-Baptista P, et al. G-spot: Fact or Fiction? A Systematic Review. Sexual Medicine. 2021.
PubMed (external website)
A-spot / AFE zone
limited evidence
The “A-spot” or AFE zone has been proposed as a term for a deep area of the anterior vaginal wall. The available evidence is limited and does not support treating it as a confirmed anatomical structure.
What we know, limitations and sources about A-spot / AFE zone+
What we know
The term comes from a published clinical proposal and is part of the vocabulary commonly used by some people and educational materials.
What we cannot claim
The available source does not confirm a distinct anatomical structure and does not support promising a specific response from adopting a particular position.
Source 1
CTX-001 Chua Chee Ann. A proposal for a radical new sex therapy technique… the AFE Zone Stimulation Technique. Sexual and Marital Therapy. 1997.
Original article (external website)
Anatomical variability
Vaginal shape, axis and dimensions vary considerably from person to person. As a result, depth and comfort may differ even when using the same position.
What we know, limitations and sources about Anatomical variability+
What we know
Anatomical and imaging studies show genuine variation in shape and dimensions. Angle, depth and comfort may require individual adjustments.
What we cannot claim
These studies do not predict any one person’s experience and do not establish a universally ideal depth, angle or position.
Sources 2
EVID-002 Barnhart KT, et al. Baseline dimensions of the human vagina. Human Reproduction. 2006.
PubMed (external website)
EVID-003 Luo J, et al. Quantitative analyses of variability in normal vaginal shape and dimension on MR images. International Urogynecology Journal. 2016.
PubMed (external website)
Pain and deep penetration
If penetration causes deep, recurrent or persistent pain, it is advisable to reduce the depth or stop the activity. If the problem continues, a professional assessment is recommended.
What we know, limitations and sources about Pain and deep penetration+
What we know
Pain during penetration can have different causes. Adjusting the angle or depth, communicating discomfort and stopping when necessary are prudent measures.
What we cannot claim
A page cannot diagnose the cause of pain, confirm that a position is safe for everyone or replace an individual healthcare assessment.
EVID-006 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Female Sexual Dysfunction: Practice Bulletin No. 213. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2019.
PubMed (external website)
Lubrication and comfort
When there is dryness, friction or discomfort, a suitable lubricant may make sexual activity easier and improve comfort. Its use is not universally necessary.
What we know, limitations and sources about Lubrication and comfort+
What we know
Lubrication needs vary between people and over time. Reducing friction and adjusting the pace can improve comfort when dryness or discomfort occurs.
What we cannot claim
It cannot be claimed that everyone needs lubricant, that every product is suitable for every use, or that lubrication alone treats persistent pain.
Sources 2
EVID-007 World Health Organization. WHO recommendations on self-care interventions: availability of lubricants during sexual activity. 2024.
WHO (external website)
EVID-008 Vanderschee R, Kostov S. Approach to lubricant use for sexual activity. Canadian Family Physician. 2025.
PubMed (external website)
Pregnancy
In a healthy pregnancy, most sexual activity is generally safe. As the body changes, positions may need to be adapted, while comfort and professional advice should always take priority.
What we know, limitations and sources about Pregnancy+
What we know
ACOG states that most sexual activity is safe during healthy pregnancies and recommends trying comfortable positions as the abdomen grows. If there are complications or concerns, the healthcare professional overseeing the pregnancy should be consulted.
What we cannot claim
The label “Suitable during pregnancy” is not an individual medical clearance and cannot by itself account for complications, symptoms or specific instructions from the obstetric care team.
Source 1
EVID-009 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy? Ask ACOG. 2021.
ACOG (external website)
Pelvic floor
Pelvic-floor function affects support, control and comfort. If there is tenderness, pain or recent recovery, intensity and position should be adapted to the individual.
What we know, limitations and sources about Pelvic floor+
What we know
Pelvic-floor muscle training can help with certain control problems, and some studies suggest benefits for sexual function. Correctly identifying, contracting and relaxing these muscles may require professional guidance.
What we cannot claim
Not every symptom indicates muscle weakness, and strengthening is not always the appropriate response. A position or general recommendation does not replace pelvic-floor physiotherapy or a healthcare assessment.
Source 1
EVID-010 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Kegel Exercises. Last reviewed November 2021.
NIDDK (external website)
Low-back pain, joints and mobility
When low-back pain, osteoarthritis or limited mobility is present, options that allow support, low impact and adjustments to range of motion are often more manageable.
What we know, limitations and sources about Low-back pain, joints and mobility+
What we know
Joint pain and responses to movement vary. Gentle activity, adaptations, and work with a physiotherapist or occupational therapist may help identify movements suited to a particular condition.
What we cannot claim
Low-impact or limited-mobility labels do not guarantee freedom from pain or turn a position into a treatment. They also cannot diagnose the cause of a limitation.
The anus does not lubricate itself and its lining is thin. Plenty of lubricant, a condom, going slowly and being able to stop at any moment make it more comfortable and lower the risk of injury and infection.
What we know, limitations and sources about Anal sex+
What we know
The anal lining is easily damaged, so unprotected anal sex carries a higher risk of passing on sexually transmitted infections than many other activities. Condoms protect against most of them. With latex condoms, a water-based lubricant is advisable: oils, lotions or creams can make them fail. Moving from the anus to the vagina or mouth without changing the condom or washing can transfer bacteria.
What we cannot claim
It cannot be claimed that anal sex has to hurt, or that pain is normal and should be endured. Nor that it guarantees pleasure for everyone, prostate stimulation included. Severe pain, bleeding that does not stop or discomfort that persists needs medical advice.
Sources 2
EVID-012 NHS (National Health Service, Reino Unido). Sex activities and risk. Consultado en 2026.
NHS (external website)
EVID-007 World Health Organization. WHO recommendations on self-care interventions: availability of lubricants during sexual activity. 2024.
WHO (external website)
Penile fracture
prevention and warning signs
It is uncommon, but it can happen when the erect penis bends suddenly, often after slipping out and hitting the partner’s pubic bone or perineum. Moving with control and slowing down if the penis slips out helps prevent it.
What we know, limitations and sources about Penile fracture+
What we know
It is not a broken bone but a tear in the sheath around the erectile chambers. It usually comes with a cracking sound, pain, sudden loss of erection, swelling and bruising. Blood in the urine or difficulty urinating may mean the urethra is injured. It is a urological emergency: early surgical repair improves the outcome.
What we cannot claim
Studies disagree on which position is riskiest: in one case series rear-entry predominated, in another the receiving partner on top. These are small hospital series that cannot measure the real risk of each position.
Sources 3
EVID-015 International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM). Is it possible to break your penis? 2024.
ISSM (external website)
EVID-013 Barros R, Schulze L, Ornellas AA, Koifman L, Favorito LA. Relationship between sexual position and severity of penile fracture. Int J Impot Res. 2017;29(5):207-209.
PubMed (external website)
EVID-014 Reis LO, Cartapatti M, Marmiroli R, de Oliveira Júnior EJ, Saade RD, Fregonesi A. Mechanisms predisposing penile fracture and long-term outcomes on erectile and voiding functions. Adv Urol. 2014;2014:768158.
PMC (external website)
Sex toys and strap-ons
hygiene and safe use
Washing toys after each use, putting a new condom on them when they are shared or moved between areas (for example, from the anus to the vagina) and using a lubricant that suits their material make them safer to use.
What we know, limitations and sources about Sex toys and strap-ons+
What we know
One study found human papillomavirus (HPV) on vibrators after use and even after cleaning with a common cleaner, in some cases 24 hours later. Sharing toys without a new condom can pass on infections such as HPV, chlamydia, syphilis or herpes.
What we cannot claim
No studies compare cleaning methods or materials in real use, so it cannot be claimed that a cleaned toy is free of microorganisms. There are no specific data on strap-on injuries either: the precautions are those of any penetration.
Sources 2
EVID-016 Anderson TA, Schick V, Herbenick D, Dodge B, Fortenberry JD. A study of human papillomavirus on vaginally inserted sex toys, before and after cleaning, among women who have sex with women and men. Sex Transm Infect. 2014;90(7):529-531.
PubMed (external website)
EVID-012 NHS (National Health Service, Reino Unido). Sex activities and risk. Consultado en 2026.
NHS (external website)
Clitoral stimulation and orgasm
For many women, the most reliable route to orgasm is clitoral stimulation, direct or indirect. A position that leaves hands free or lets the clitoris be rubbed makes it easier to add during penetration.
What we know, limitations and sources about Clitoral stimulation and orgasm+
What we know
In a representative sample of US women, only about one in five said penetration alone was enough to reach orgasm; many needed or preferred clitoral stimulation. In heterosexual relationships women reach orgasm less often than men, and the gap narrows when sex includes manual or oral stimulation.
What we cannot claim
It cannot be claimed that any position guarantees orgasm, or that 'vaginal' and clitoral orgasms are proven separate mechanisms. Figures vary with each study and how the question is asked, and every person responds differently.
Sources 2
EVID-019 Herbenick D, Fu TC, Arter J, Sanders SA, Dodge B. Women's experiences with genital touching, sexual pleasure, and orgasm: results from a U.S. probability sample of women ages 18 to 94. J Sex Marital Ther. 2018;44(2):201-212.
PubMed (external website)
EVID-020 Frederick DA, John HKS, Garcia JR, Lloyd EA. Differences in orgasm frequency among gay, lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual men and women in a U.S. national sample. Arch Sex Behav. 2018;47(1):273-288.
PubMed (external website)
STI protection
condoms and dental dams
A condom, put on from the start and used throughout, is the most effective way to reduce sexually transmitted infections during penetration. For oral sex, a condom or a dental dam lowers the risk.
What we know, limitations and sources about STI protection+
What we know
Used correctly and consistently, external or internal condoms greatly reduce transmission of HIV and most STIs, as well as unplanned pregnancy. They work less well if put on late, if they break or if they are only used some of the time. STIs can also pass through oral sex, and a condom or dental dam reduces that risk.
What we cannot claim
No barrier removes all risk: HPV or herpes can pass through contact with skin that is not covered. There is also no reliable figure for how much a dental dam protects.
Sources 2
EVID-017 World Health Organization. Condoms (fact sheet). Ginebra: WHO, 2025.
WHO (external website)
EVID-018 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About STI risk and oral sex. Atlanta: CDC.
CDC (external website)
Each area includes a summary of what we know, what we cannot claim, its sources and a complete list of the positions for which that context is relevant.
A position appears in an area when its structured data meet an explicit rule. The relationship indicates educational relevance; it does not diagnose, prescribe or guarantee a particular experience.
Data, not isolated words
We prioritize internal tags and factors over searches in descriptions or free-text matches.
One canonical identity
The relationship is stored only once per position. Language is applied only when displaying content and counting published positions.
Live counts
If a position’s factors, tags or publication status change, the relationship and counts are recalculated automatically.
Context matters
Adding a reference is not enough
A source can be rigorous and still not answer every question about a position. That is why we separate four elements: the signal that makes a topic relevant, what the literature supports, its limitations and the specific reference.
This approach avoids presenting hypotheses as certainties and helps us update the content when the data change or new evidence emerges.
✓ Relevance to the context described
✓ Scope clearly explained
✓ Limitations shown alongside the evidence
✓ Accessible, traceable source
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