Woman on top is any sex position in which the woman is on top of her sexual partner during sexual activity. The position most commonly associated with the woman on top is often called the cowgirl or riding position, which derives its name from the image of the woman "riding" the man as a cowgirl rides a bucking horse. In that position, a man typically lies on his back with his legs closed, while the female partner straddles him, usually in a kneeling position facing either towards or away from him (the latter called reverse cowgirl), and either the man or woman inserts the man's erect penis into the woman's vagina or anus.
The cowgirl position is commonly cited as one of the more popular sex positions, especially by women, because it gives them control over the rhythm and pace of vaginal stimulation and the extent and duration of penetration, and because of its ability to adequately stimulate the clitoris. but this also should be done with care. These changes can alter the depth and angle of penetration.
The woman can also sit backwards on the man and alter her position similarly.
The woman may also be on top in a precursor to the lateral coital position. In this position, the woman will usually prefer to kneel, as a squat will usually place a significantly greater stress on her legs.
Cowgirl position
thumb|Depiction of the cowgirl position (also known as the "riding" position) from [[Pompeii during the era of ancient Rome, 62–79 BC)]]
In the cowgirl position, the man lies on his back or sits, with the woman straddling him across his pelvis facing forward, either in a kneeling or squatting position. The woman will align her vagina with the man's erect penis, and lower herself onto the penis with either the man or the woman guiding the penis into the woman's vagina for penetration. controlling the rhythm and pace of vaginal stimulation and the extent and duration of penetration. which also increases the man's sexual stimulation by increasing tightness on his penis.
Sitting
thumb|A woman sitting on top of a man who is sitting in a [[lotus position]]In sitting/seated positions, the man sits on an area surface, such as a floor or bed, with his legs outstretched or crossed, with the cross-legged position called the lotus position/lotus flower, and the woman sits between or straddles the man's legs, either facing towards and wrapping her legs around the man, or facing away from the man. This position is also known as pounding on the spot in the Burton translation of The Perfumed Garden. Alternatively, the man sits in a chair and the woman straddles and faces towards or away from the man, with both of their feet on the floor.
Sitting on lap
thumb|A [[lithograph by Charles Philipon of a female patient sitting on a doctor's lap]]
Among adults, a female sitting on the lap of another person usually indicates an intimate or romantic relationship between the two, or may be regarded as flirtatious. In public, such behaviour may be regarded as a public display of affection. In private, sitting on a man's lap or being pulled by the man onto his lap, especially if she straddles his legs or waist, when accompanied with a smile, kiss or other flirtatious gesture, may be regarded as showing either's interest in sexual activity or as foreplay. It is rare for a man to sit on a woman's lap, though not for him to lay his head there.
The erotic significance in sitting on a lap is a factor in the erotic activity in strip clubs such as a lap dance, where one person (usually a woman) straddles the lap of the other and gyrates their lower extremities in a provocative manner.
Amazon position
In Amazon position, the male partner lies on his back with his legs raised and his knees drawn toward his torso, creating space for the female partner to position herself between them. She then straddles his pelvis and lowers herself into a squatting or kneeling stance, guiding penetration as she descends. The thrusting motion is generated through her vertical movement. Although most commonly used for vaginal intercourse, the position can be adapted for anal penetration as well.
The Amazon position carries certain health risks. If performed without adequate control, communication, or care, it may result in penile injury, including strain or, in certain cases, penile fracture.