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Physical effort: Low Seated

Oral Sex on the Penis (Fellatio): positions and how to do it

Oral sex on the penis, or fellatio, is stimulating the penis with the lips, tongue and mouth, usually helped by the hand. In its most common and comfortable position, the receiving partner sits on the edge of the bed with the feet on the floor and the knees apart, and the giving partner kneels on a cushion between their legs. It takes little effort, involves no penetration of the vagina or anus and works for any couple in which the receiving partner has a penis. Rhythm, the use of the hands and communication matter more than depth.

Also known as: Fellatio · Oral sex on a penis

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Illustration of Oral Sex on the Penis (Fellatio): The receiving partner sits on the edge of the bed with the knees apart; the giving partner kneels on a cushion between their legs and stimulates the penis with
Anatomy and biomechanics

The receiving partner sits upright on the edge of the bed, feet flat on the floor, knees apart and hands resting on the mattress at the sides. The giving partner kneels on a cushion on the floor between their legs, with the torso upright or leaning slightly forward and the face at the level of the groin. One hand holds the base of the penis, which guides the angle and limits depth, and the other rests on the receiving partner's thigh or strokes the testicles or the perineum. The giving partner sets the rhythm and depth with the mouth and the hand together, focusing on the glans, the most sensitive area. The two can look at each other if the giver raises the eyes. The load falls on the giver's knees and neck, so a cushion under the knees and short breaks help.

Why this position works

Many people enjoy it because it combines the warmth and moisture of the mouth with the precision of the hand, in a very adjustable way: rhythm, pressure and depth can change at any moment. In this position the receiving partner can relax and watch, and the giver keeps full control of the pace. There is no need to go deep to give pleasure, since the glans concentrates most of the sensitivity. Sensations vary from person to person.

Deep Intimacy Sensory Exploration Relaxation and Surrender Complete Rhythm Control Easy Non-Penetrative Interaction

Variations of this position

Variation 1: the receiving partner standing

The giving partner stays kneeling on a cushion; the receiving partner stands in front instead of sitting on the bed.

The giver's position is the same, but the receiving partner stands with the feet apart, so the groin is higher and the giver kneels more upright. The receiving partner can rest a hand on a wall or a piece of furniture for balance. It is a classic option, but standing for long tires the legs.

  1. The receiving partner stands with the feet hip-width apart, near a wall or a stable piece of furniture.
  2. The giving partner kneels on a cushion in front.
  3. The giver holds the base of the penis and adjusts the height by sitting back on the heels or rising on the knees.
  4. The receiving partner keeps still and lets the giver set the pace.

Variation 2: the receiving partner leaning back on the elbows

Same position, but the receiving partner leans back on the bed, propped on the elbows, with the feet still on the floor.

The giver stays kneeling between the legs. By leaning back, the receiving partner lowers the groin slightly and tilts the penis upward, so the giver can lean forward without lifting the neck. The receiving partner relaxes more and still sees the giver's face.

  1. Start in the reference position, with the receiving partner seated on the edge of the bed.
  2. The receiving partner leans back and rests on the elbows or forearms.
  3. The giving partner leans slightly forward, keeping a hand at the base of the penis.
  4. Add a pillow under the receiving partner's head if they want to lie back further.

Variation 3: the giver seated on a low stool or cushion

Same position, but the giving partner sits on a low stool or a thick floor cushion instead of kneeling.

The receiving partner stays seated on the edge of the bed. Sitting instead of kneeling takes all the load off the giver's knees and makes the back more stable, which is useful for long sessions or sensitive knees. The height of the stool must put the face at the level of the groin without bending the neck.

  1. Place a low stool or a thick cushion on the floor in front of the bed.
  2. The receiving partner sits on the edge of the bed with the knees apart.
  3. The giving partner sits on the stool between their legs and checks the height.
  4. Combine the mouth and the hand, and take breaks when needed.

Variation 4: mouth on the glans and hand on the shaft

Same position, with the mouth focused on the glans while the hand strokes the shaft in the same rhythm.

The bodies do not move from the reference position. Instead of taking the penis deep, the giver keeps the lips around the glans and moves the hand along the shaft in time with the mouth. It covers the whole penis, avoids gagging and tires the neck much less, so it can last longer.

  1. Start in the reference position.
  2. Wrap one hand around the shaft, with saliva or a mouth-safe lubricant.
  3. Keep the lips around the glans and move the hand in the same rhythm as the mouth.
  4. Vary pressure and speed according to the receiving partner's reactions.

✓ Tips
  • Put a cushion under the giver's knees and adjust the height so the neck stays fairly straight.
  • Hold the base of the penis with the hand: it controls depth and helps avoid the gag reflex.
  • Deep is not necessary: the glans concentrates most of the sensitivity, and the hand covers the rest.
  • Keep the teeth covered by the lips, and use saliva or a flavoured, mouth-safe lubricant if you like.
  • Oral sex can transmit STIs such as gonorrhoea, syphilis or herpes: use a condom if you do not know each other's status, and avoid it if there are sores or bleeding gums.
  • The receiving partner should not push the giver's head or thrust with the hips; agree on a signal to slow down or stop.
Interaction type
Oral sex on the penis (fellatio)
Active anatomy
Mouth / Tongue / Hand
Receptive anatomy
Penis
Main stimulation
Penis (glans and shaft), with the help of the hand
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people GayHetero

Frequently asked questions

What is the most comfortable position for fellatio?

For many couples, the receiving partner sitting on the edge of the bed and the giver kneeling on a cushion in front. It is stable, the giver controls the pace and the neck stays fairly straight.

Is 'deep throat' necessary?

Not at all. The glans is the most sensitive area, and the hand around the shaft completes the stimulation.

How can I avoid gagging?

Keep a hand at the base of the penis to control depth, breathe through the nose and go slowly. Stop whenever you need to.

Do we need protection?

Oral sex can transmit several STIs. A condom reduces the risk if you do not know each other's status.

Sources and references

  • Literatura de sexología clínica y ergonomía sexual

Reviewed by the editorial team ·

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