The coital alignment technique (CAT) may sound pretty technical, but this sex position can take your sex to the next level.
The coital alignment technique (CAT) may sound pretty technical, but this sex position can take your sex to the next level. Not only does the CAT increase the chances of making your partner orgasm, but it may even help you last longer in bed.
At first glance, the coital alignment position doesn’t look much different from the traditional missionary style, but don’t be fooled. There’s a lot more going on than in-out-in-out movements. The CAT is designed to enhance clitoral stimulation during intercourse with an upward rocking motion.
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of the CAT, how to practice coital alignment, and other strategies to maximize your sexual satisfaction.
The coital alignment technique is a variation of the missionary position. Although the positions almost look the same, there are some key differences.
Unlike the missionary position, in which the top partner thrusts in and out, the CAT requires the penetrating partner to rest a little higher on the bottom partner’s pelvis, rocking and grinding against their vulva with the pubic bone to create friction and more clitoral stimulation.
We’ll go into more detail on how you can practice this later, but you can think of it this way:
Missionary sex. The penetrating partner thrusts their penis in and out of the vagina.
Coital alignment technique. The penetrating partner enters the vagina, moves a little higher, and then rocks and grinds against the clitoris and vulva with the base of the penis.
The coital alignment technique has benefits for both vulva owners and penis owners.
They include:
Heightened clitoral stimulation. Did you know there’s an orgasm gap? Studies show that during partnered heterosexual sex, men have orgasms around 90 percent of the time, while women have orgasms only 39 percent of the time. One significant reason women don’t reach orgasms during sex is because there hasn’t been enough clitoral stimulation. With the CAT, your penis faces downward, allowing for more clitoral and G-spot contact.
More control over ejaculation. If you struggle with sexual dysfunction like premature ejaculation (PE), the coital alignment technique may help you last longer by diverting your attention from in and out thrusting. Unlike other forms of penetrative sex, the CAT is less focused on penetration and more focused on friction.
Increased chance of simultaneous orgasms. In one of the earliest studies on the CAT by psychotherapist Edward Eichel, practicing the technique of coital alignment was linked to a high frequency of female orgasms, as well as regular simultaneous orgasms.
Enhanced intimacy. Due to the closeness of the partners, the coital alignment technique is a highly intimate sex position that may help improve your connection.
Ability to explore other sexual activities and sensations. Being this close and connected also allows you to explore each other’s bodies more. You can use your free hands to explore your partner’s erogenous zones, kiss more, or even introduce a sex toy to enhance the experience.
While the CAT can be highly effective for some couples, perfecting the grinding and alignment needed for maximum pleasure requires practice and a mutual understanding of each other's bodies. Be willing to experiment until you find the angle, pressure, and rhythm that works best for you and your partner.
The coital alignment technique may not work for everyone because our bodies are all different. Some may find the CAT uncomfortable or too challenging.
Additionally, an overemphasis on achieving orgasm through penetrative sex can perpetuate unrealistic sexual expectations, as many women do not reach orgasm through penetration alone.
Although the CAT does not inherently cause mental health issues, dissatisfaction in sexual experiences, such as difficulty achieving orgasm, can contribute to feelings of sexual frustration or decreased self-esteem. If this occurs, communicating openly, seeing a sex therapist or sexologist, or exploring alternative sex positions may help.
Want to give the coital alignment technique a try? Follow these steps:
The bottom partner lies down on their back. The receiving partner lies on their back with their legs spread.
The penetrating partner lies on top, face to face. The penetrating partner positions their body on top of the bottom partner and between their legs, as in the missionary position.
The penetrating partner shifts a few inches forward. Moving a little higher, the top partner’s chest should be at the bottom partner’s eye level or shoulders. This is often referred to as “riding high.”
Rock and grind. As the penetrating partner gently enters the vagina (starting with just the tip), they should grind and rock against their partner’s vulva with their pubic bone to create friction. Most of the penile shaft should be rubbing against the clitoris.
One of the great things about the CAT sex position is that it can be modified in numerous ways. From sliding a pillow under the bottom partner’s hips to incorporating sex toys, here are some ways to take the CAT to the next level.
Use a pillow. Whether you use a decorative cushion or a legit sex pillow, finding a way to elevate the bottom partner’s hips can make this position even more comfortable and help you find the right angle.
Add some sex toys. A penis isn’t always needed for penetration. You can use a vibrator or dildo to penetrate your partner, angling the toy just right to provide the same clitoral stimulation. Or, if you have a penis, slip on a vibrating penis ring to deliver even more pleasure in this position.
Explore erogenous zones. Erogenous zones are hot spots all over the body that produce sexual pleasure when touched. The clitoris is a major one, and it’s getting tons of attention in this position, but there are so many more you can explore while you’re up close and personal. Try kissing their neck or nibbling on the ear lobes to make this a whole-body experience.
Embrace intimacy. The coital alignment technique brings you extra close to your partner, so take advantage of it. Make eye contact, kiss, and take your time to connect more deeply.
As mentioned before, the coital alignment technique may not work for everybody. If you or your partner feel any pain or discomfort in this position, back off. There are plenty of other sex positions to try if you’re aiming for more clitoral stimulation, including cowgirl (woman on top), clitoral masturbation, or even non-penetrative oral sex.
To make the position more comfortable, always use lubricant and go slowly. Coital alignment is all about building up to a climax, not racing there.
If one of the reasons you want to try the CAT is because you have premature ejaculation, it may be time to get outside support. Schedule an online consultation to find PE treatments and get to the root of why it’s happening in the first place.
Premature ejaculation treatments include antidepressants prescribed off-label to help delay orgasm and desensitizing wipes. You may also want to consider couples or marital therapy if PE negatively impacts your relationship.
Explore even more sexual health products to improve your sex life.
The coital alignment technique is just one of many techniques you can use to improve your sex life and connection to your partner. Here are some takeaways to send you on your way:
The coital alignment technique is not the same as the missionary position. No disrespect to the missionary position, but the CAT is not the same thing. A key difference is that the CAT requires the top partner to move a few inches upward and grind instead of thrust, allowing for more clitoral stimulation.
Clitoral stimulation is key to the female orgasm. Most women can’t orgasm from penetration alone. By focusing on the clitoris, you’re making sex better for her and increasing the likelihood of simultaneous orgasms.
The CAT is easy to perform. Simply get into the missionary position (penetrating partner on top), shift a few inches forward so your chest is at the bottom partner’s eye level, and rock away. You may even want to move in circular motions, slowly building pressure against her clitoris.
Want more ideas on how to upgrade your sex life? Explore these 5 tips to make a woman orgasm, find out how to satisfy a woman with a high libido, and read about 9 foreplay techniques you can try tonight.
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