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Physical effort: Medium Inverted

69 classic lying down: mutual oral sex between women

The 69 classic lying down is the best-known way for two women to give each other oral sex at the same time. One partner lies on her back and the other gets on all fours above her, facing the opposite way, so that each mouth reaches the other's vulva. There is no penetration and it takes moderate effort, mostly for the partner on top, who holds her weight on her knees and forearms.

Also known as: Lesbian 69 · 69 lying down · mutual cunnilingus · sixty-nine

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Illustration of 69 classic lying down: Two women in a 69: one lies on her back and the other kneels on all fours above her, facing the opposite way, so each can stimulate the other's vulva with her m
Anatomy and biomechanics

The partner underneath lies on her back on the bed with her head on a low pillow, knees bent and apart and feet flat on the mattress. The partner on top faces the opposite direction and supports herself on her knees and forearms: her knees rest on either side of her partner's head and her forearms on either side of her partner's hips. Her face is above her partner's vulva and her own pelvis above her partner's face, with the torsos parallel and close but without lying on each other. The woman underneath can hold her partner's hips to bring them closer, and both can part the labia with their fingers to reach the clitoris.

Why this position works

Some women enjoy giving and receiving at the same time and feeling how the other's arousal feeds their own. The hands stay free to part the labia, caress or add fingers, and it takes no special strength. Concentrating on both things at once is not for everyone, and many women need a steady rhythm on the clitoris to reach orgasm; taking turns is just as valid.

Variations of this position

Variation 1: a high pillow under the head

The same 69, but the partner underneath rests her head on a high pillow or a folded cushion so she does not have to lift it.

In the basic position, the woman underneath often has to lift her head to reach the vulva above her, which tires the neck. With a higher pillow her mouth is already at the right height and her neck can rest. The partner on top may need to move her knees slightly to make room for the pillow.

  1. Place a high pillow or a folded cushion where the partner underneath will rest her head.
  2. She lies on her back with her knees bent and apart.
  3. The other gets on all fours above her, facing the opposite way, with her knees on either side of the pillow.
  4. Adjust until both mouths reach without straining the neck.

Variation 2: with a mirror beside the bed

The same 69, with a large mirror beside the bed so that both can see the scene while they stimulate each other.

The position does not change: what changes is the view. In a 69 you cannot see each other's faces, and a mirror at the side lets you watch your partner's body and reactions. Some people find it very arousing; others find it distracting.

  1. Place a large mirror beside the bed, at the height of the mattress.
  2. Get into the basic 69: one on her back, the other on all fours above her, facing the opposite way.
  3. Turn your heads slightly towards the mirror whenever you want to look.
  4. Remove it if it distracts you more than it adds.

Variation 3: adding an external vibrator

The same 69, adding a small external vibrator or a suction toy on the clitoris while the mouth caresses the labia.

The position does not change: a toy is added to the mouth. The vibrator can take over the constant stimulation of the clitoris that some women need, while the tongue moves around it. Hold it with the free hand.

  1. Choose a small, clean, charged vibrator or suction toy.
  2. Get into the basic 69.
  3. Rest the toy on the clitoris at low intensity and caress the labia with the mouth.
  4. Wash the toy or change its condom before using it on your partner.

Variation 4: adding fingers to the mouth

The same 69, but while the mouth stays on the clitoris, the fingers caress the labia or gently penetrate the vagina.

The position does not change: a hand is added to the mouth. The partner underneath has her hands free and reaches easily; the one on top supports herself on one forearm and uses the other hand. Some women enjoy combining clitoral and vaginal stimulation, although sensations vary.

  1. Wash your hands and keep your nails short.
  2. Get into the basic 69.
  3. Keep the mouth on the clitoris and caress the vaginal entrance with your fingers before going in, with lubricant if needed.
  4. Follow your partner's signals to adjust the rhythm.

Variation 5: taking turns instead of at once

The same head-to-toe position, but you take turns: one gives oral sex while the other only receives and relaxes.

The position does not change, only the rhythm. The one receiving can let go and focus on the sensations, and the one giving can keep a steady rhythm on the clitoris without distractions. It suits women who find it hard to do both at once or who are close to orgasm.

  1. Get into the basic 69.
  2. Agree on a signal to switch, such as a squeeze on the thigh.
  3. One gives oral sex while the other only receives.
  4. Switch at the signal, and go back to doing it at the same time whenever you like.

✓ Tips

  • The partner on top should keep her weight on her knees and forearms so as not to press on the chest of the partner underneath.
  • A low pillow under the head of the partner underneath saves her from lifting her neck; the one on top can lower her hips to meet her.
  • Part the labia gently with your fingers so the tongue reaches the clitoris directly, and start around it before going for direct pressure.
  • When one of you is close to orgasm, keep the same rhythm instead of changing it.
  • Oral sex can transmit STIs such as herpes, HPV or gonorrhoea: a dental dam or a condom cut open into a square reduces the risk.
  • Avoid oral sex if there are sores or cuts in the mouth or on the genitals.

Key facts

Interaction type
Simultaneous mutual oral sex between women (69)
Active anatomy
Mouth, tongue and fingers
Receptive anatomy
Vulva and clitoris
Main stimulation
Mutual oral sex on the vulva and clitoris of both partners.
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people Lesbienne

Frequently asked questions

Who should go on top?

Either of you. The one underneath rests more and has her hands free; the one on top controls how close she brings her hips and carries more effort in her knees and forearms. If there is a big height difference, the taller one usually goes underneath.

It is hard to reach the clitoris: what can we do?

The one on top can move her hips slightly back towards her partner's face, and the one underneath can open her knees a little more. Parting the labia with the fingers also helps.

Can STIs be passed on between women during a 69?

Yes. Herpes, HPV or gonorrhoea can be passed on through oral sex. A dental dam and regular testing reduce the risk.

Is there a more restful version?

Lying on your sides head to toe: nobody carries anyone's weight. It is described as its own position, the side 69.

Reviewed by the editorial team ·

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