Sex therapists are highlighting the Coital Alignment Technique (CAT), a variation of the missionary position, as a way to increase the frequency of female orgasms. This technique aims to address the statistically significant "orgasm gap" in heterosexual relationships, where women report fewer orgasms than men.
The CAT involves a slight adjustment to the missionary position. The partner on top moves higher up, positioning their body so that the base of the penis provides direct clitoral stimulation during intercourse. This is significant because, according to sex therapists, most women require clitoral stimulation to achieve orgasm, and penetration alone is often insufficient.
Megan Fleming, a New York City-based psychologist and sex therapist, stated that roughly two-thirds of women do not orgasm from penetration alone. "CAT offers direct pressure and rocking and grinding that gives women additional clitoral stimulation," Fleming explained.
To practice the technique, partners begin in the missionary position, often with a small pillow placed under the woman's hips to elevate her pelvis. The partner on top then adjusts their position upwards, aligning their pelvis with their partner's. This new alignment brings the shaft of the penis into contact with the clitoris. Rather than deep thrusting, the focus shifts to grinding and small circular pelvic movements against the vulva, maintaining close contact.
One study published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy found that women who learned the CAT reported a 56 percent increase in orgasm frequency compared to those who were unable to orgasm from missionary sex.
Beyond enhancing female pleasure, the CAT may also benefit male partners. Lori Buckley, a sex therapist and author, noted that this technique could potentially help men last longer in bed, as it may not create the same heightened arousal that fast, deep thrusting can induce.