1. Position Overview
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Alternate Names / Aliases | Scissoring side position, side entanglement, lateral scissors |
| Position Type | Penetrative, non-penetrative (adaptable for mutual stimulation) |
| Orientation | Side-by-side, semi-face-to-face |
| Typical Roles | Partner A facing Partner B at a slight angle; both on their sides |
| Difficulty / Effort | Medium – requires balance and leg flexibility but moderate muscular effort |
| Common Strain Areas | Inner thighs, hips, lower back if unsupported |
| Best For | Sustained rhythm, eye contact, gentle movement control |
| Props Helpful | Pillows, wedge, firm mattress, lubricant |
| Safer-Sex Notes | Condoms, internal condoms, or dental dams as appropriate; use water- or silicone-based lubricants for comfort |
2. Introduction
The side scissors position is a side-by-side configuration in which partners’ legs interlace, allowing a combination of closeness and individualized movement. It’s appreciated for providing face-to-face intimacy, easy communication, and a controlled range of motion. The position can be adapted for various genders, orientations, and mobility ranges.
3. About the Position
In educational contexts, the side scissors involves both partners lying on their sides, facing each other at a diagonal angle. One leg of each partner crosses the other’s, resembling the shape of open scissors. This configuration can be adapted for penetrative or mutual manual/oral stimulation, or for non-penetrative genital contact. The alignment allows modification to accommodate different pelvic orientations and body sizes.
Healthcare and sex education professionals (e.g., Planned Parenthood, O.school) note that side-lying positions reduce weight-bearing stress and provide resting support for the spine and joints. It’s often recommended for those who prefer slower, more intimate pacing or for people managing muscle fatigue or mobility limitations.
4. How to Do It (Step-by-Step)
- Both partners lie on their sides facing each other, with hips aligned or slightly offset depending on comfort and desired contact angle.
- Partner A lifts the top leg and places it across Partner B’s lower thigh or hip, forming the interlocking “scissors.”
- Adjust the lower legs so knees or ankles do not press uncomfortably.
- Support the head and neck with a pillow or hand.
- Angle hips gently until comfortable alignment is achieved. Partners may add a small pillow beneath the back or between the knees to maintain spacing.
- Move slowly to check flexibility limits; communication throughout ensures safety and mutual comfort.
- To exit, both partners stabilize themselves with their arms, gently disengage legs, and roll onto their backs or into another resting position.
5. Anatomy & Mechanics
The side scissors position naturally aligns the pelvises at a lateral angle. Because the hips and thighs remain partially flexed, attention to joint comfort is key. Partners can adjust how far they open their legs to control depth and pressure. The lateral alignment can reduce strain on knees and wrists relative to kneeling or face-down positions.
For individuals with tight hip adductors or limited flexibility, the interlocked leg can be lowered or supported on a pillow. Pelvic-floor engagement and diaphragmatic breathing enhance comfort and circulation. Small posture adjustments—such as aligning shoulder and hip axes—help maintain stability.
6. Variations & Transitions
- Half Scissors: One partner remains flat on their side while the other rests a single leg over their partner’s thigh, minimizing stretch.
- Stacked Scissors: The upper partner tilts slightly forward or backward to vary contact pressure.
- Transitional Moves: The side scissors transitions easily into spooning (by rolling toward one partner’s back) or a face-to-face cradle position for more closeness.
For those experiencing hip discomfort, shifting into a semi-reclined or supported spoon variation can relieve tension.
7. Comfort, Safety & Risk Management
Preparation involves communicating comfort levels, using adequate lubrication, and ensuring a firm but not rigid surface. Red-flag pain indicators include sharp hip or knee discomfort, nerve tingling, or loss of circulation. If any occur, stop and reposition.
Barrier methods (external or internal condoms, dental dams, gloves) should be used as applicable for STI prevention. Lubricant reduces friction and supports safer skin contact. During pregnancy, the side-lying position is typically among the more comfortable options after the first trimester—though medical consultation is recommended for individualized guidance.
For people experiencing postpartum recovery or pelvic pain, gentle flexion and full pillow support can help.
8. Accessibility & Inclusivity
Side-lying positions are among the most accessible for individuals with limited mobility, chronic pain, fatigue, or wheelchair use. Partners can vary the openness of their leg angle or use wedge supports to minimize strain. This position accommodates a wide range of body sizes, prosthetic devices, and anatomical variations.
For trans or non-binary partners, body alignment and leg placement can be individualized to support comfort with genital configuration, prosthetic use, and minimizing dysphoria triggers. The emphasis remains on choice, communication, and equal participation.
9. Props, Surfaces & Setup
| Item / Prop | How It Helps | Tips for Use |
|---|---|---|
| Pillow / Wedge | Elevates hips, reduces joint pressure | Use memory foam or adjustable wedges to maintain the desired angle without strain |
| Chair / Edge | Provides leverage and stability for transitions | Sit or rest briefly before shifting positions to avoid sudden movement |
| Lubricant | Reduces friction and enhances comfort | Apply prior to and during activity to maintain slipperiness |
| Barrier (condom, dental dam, glove) | Provides STI and pregnancy protection | Choose compatible materials (e.g., latex or polyurethane) based on allergies |
10. FAQs
- Is the side scissors position suitable for beginners? Yes, with flexibility awareness and plenty of communication.
- Does it work for all body types? Yes; adjustments in leg angle and pillow placement improve inclusivity.
- How do I reduce hip strain? Keep the hips and knees slightly bent and supported.
- Can this position cause back pain? Rarely, if the spine is aligned and support is adequate.
- Which surfaces work best? Medium-firm mattresses or padded floors with blankets.
- What if one partner is much taller? Offset hip alignment and use extra pillows to close the gap.
- Is lubrication necessary? Always recommended for comfort and safety.
- How do we exit gracefully? Pause, support elbows, and untangle legs slowly.
- Is this position suitable during pregnancy? Often yes, especially in later trimesters; confirm with a healthcare provider.
- Can condoms or barriers stay secure here? Yes; check regularly to ensure correct placement.
- How does this compare to spooning? It offers more mutual visibility and movement range.
- Can it be done on the floor? Yes, with cushioning to protect hips and shoulders.
- Any benefit for slower pacing? Ideal—partners can easily maintain eye contact and communicate.
- Adaptations for joint pain? Add knee and hip supports.
- What if flexibility is limited? Try a half-scissors or semi-reclined variation.
- Best communication tip? Agree on verbal or physical signals to adjust or stop.
- Any hygiene advice? Clean surfaces and wash after use to prevent infection.
- What if one partner fatigues? Transition to spooning or a supported back-lying pose.
- Is this position gender-specific? No, it's adaptable for all pairings.
- Professional advice? Seek clinician input if chronic joint or pelvic pain occurs.
11. Tips, Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting
Tips:
- Warm-up by stretching hips and thighs for 2–3 minutes beforehand.
- Keep communication active to gauge comfort.
- Maintain pillow support under the head, back, or knees.
- Soft lighting and relaxed breathing improve focus and connection.
Common Mistakes:
- Overextending legs, leading to hip strain.
- Choosing a slippery surface that reduces stability.
- Forgetting lubrication, increasing friction risk.
- Misalignment of hips, causing uneven angles.
Troubleshooting:
- If discomfort arises, pause and adjust the leg angle or add padding.
- If one partner feels compressed, widen the leg opening or realign pelvises.
- Continuous communication about sensations prevents minor issues from escalating.
12. Conclusion
The side scissors position offers an inclusive, adaptable, and comfortable way for partners to share closeness and control. Its lateral setup reduces fatigue, encourages slow pacing, and maintains connection through eye contact and conversation. Suitable for most body types and physical capacities, it represents a supportive choice in any repertoire, emphasizing safety, consent, and shared enjoyment within evidence-based health practice.
