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What is the ‘butter churner’ sex position and how to do it without a visit to the ER?

Spoiler: this isn’t the kind of churning your grandma did.

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Did anyone else just have a minor aneurysm thinking that there’s a sex position called ‘butter churner’? Am I the only one who can’t keep up with all these euphemisms? Tell me why this is less of a bedroom marathon and more like something a kind old woman did in a cottage kitchen in the countryside? It’s safe to say that this position is considerably ambitious, and first-timers often find the position impenetrable. But, thankfully, it’s not rocket science (but the anatomy is ripe for questioning), so we figured it out for you, so you don’t have to (yes, we Googled it). You’re welcome. 

What is it exactly?


Like we said, the Butter Churner is a very intense and ambitious sex position. It’s anatomically questionable, but it has the capacity for extreme stimulation and enjoyment. A very quick visual for you: the receiving partner lies on their back with their legs folded towards their head (hello, Cirque de Soleil), while the penetrating partner kneels in front, thrusting in a vertical downward position which is meant to resemble churning butter. It’s designed for deep penetration, and certainly not for the faint-hearted or weak-kneed.

Setting up the churner

Now, this isn’t a position you can stumble into mid-makeout. The trick is to start slow. You need to pace yourself if you want to make it to the ‘finish’ line. Invest in lots of pillows for back support, and take a page out of Dr Adam Carlsen’s book and talk each other through it. Communication isn’t just sexual, it's literal survival. Think in terms of “higher,” “slower,” or better, “pause before I fold into permanent transformers’ origami.”


A healthy hamstrings warning

The real secret to this position is comfort, and like any well-choreographed dance routine, you need rhythm. A quick break, angular adjustments, and a little light-hearted humour could just unlock one of the most challenging positions out there into advanced nude yoga. It's sure to be a fun conversation for Sunday brunch with the girls. Seriously, treat your hamstrings with care to avoid a trip to the ER.

High risk but high-volume reward

A crucial question: why do couples risk their comfort and their hamstrings for this? The payoff in this position is sound-barrier-breaking high. The downward angle allows for very deep penetration, which basically means your G-spot will be very well attended to. More than just physical penetration, the vulnerability of the position itself, with the receiving partner literally folded in half, equals a thrilling moment of vulnerability. For some, it’s the excitement of trying something both new and outrageous, while for others, it’s the intimacy of it all. Once you churn it right, it’s hard not to go back.

Variations for cautious beginners

For the curious ‘dip your toe into the water’ folks, we’ve got you covered. These variations will deliver the same high-volume reward without a bank-account-breaking chiropractor bill.

The supported churner: The acrobatics of this position, specifically for the receiving partner, is no small feat. Lying on your back with your legs practically stretched towards your head for downward penetration is ambitious. To make it easier (and safer for your spine), stack a few pillows under your hips to keep the angle right without straining your back. This will ensure you don’t sprain anything, and makes the whole thing way more enjoyable.

The side churner: Similarly, if the overhead stretch and near origami leg-fold are too much for you, the side churner provides a little more support. Instead of keeping your legs straight up, tilt them to the side, while your partner does the same from the opposite direction. It’s easier on the body, more intimate, and feels less like holding a hardcore gym pose.

The reverse churner: Feeling bold? Twist your torso slightly to the right or left while in position, like a body twist. It adds a subtle dom-sub edge, changes the power dynamic, and reduces direct eye contact—while also switching up the angle for a whole new kind of stimulation.


The butter churner isn’t an ‘I got a longer break from work, let’s go’ quickie. It’s the acrobatics mistress of positions—challenging, intense, and dramatic with a side of ‘is this anatomically possible?’ but unforgettable in its own way. Communication, care, and a lot of cushions can go a long way in making this a story worth telling. Just maybe not to your physical therapist. 

Lead image credit: Pexels 

Also read: The collapsed doggy position is a game-changer, and here's why you should give it a try

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