When it comes to sex, every couple has their preferences. Some people enjoy variety, while others stick to what feels most natural and comfortable.
One position that often sparks debate is doggy style. While some men consider it one of their favorites, many women quietly admit they don’t enjoy it.
It’s not always about the position itself—it’s about how it makes them feel physically, emotionally, and even psychologically.
In this blog post, we look at the most common reasons many women don’t like doggy style and why communication around it is so important in a healthy sexual relationship.
8 REASONS MANY WOMEN DON’T LIKE DOGGY STYLE
Doggy style is often seen as one of the most popular sex positions, and men particularly love it.
But the truth is, not all women find it enjoyable — and some actually dislike it altogether.
While a few may find it exciting or pleasurable, others complain it feels uncomfortable, impersonal, or even painful.
Still, many women go along with it because they think their partner prefers it, and they don’t want to disappoint him.
If you’ve ever wondered why some women secretly hate doggy style, here are the most common reasons:
1. It can feel painful or physically uncomfortable
For a lot of women, doggy style isn’t physically enjoyable—it can actually hurt.
The angle of penetration in this position tends to be deeper, which may feel uncomfortable or even painful if a woman isn’t fully aroused, lubricated, or if her partner is larger than average.
Frequent pain can create anxiety around sex and make a woman dread intimacy if she feels pressured to engage in a position that doesn’t feel good for her body.
For some women, the position strains the wrists, knees, or back, adding to the discomfort.
This physical side of things is often overlooked by men who enjoy the position but don’t realize their partner is tolerating pain instead of experiencing pleasure.
2. Many women don’t feel emotionally connected in that position
A big reason why many women don’t like doggy style is that for them, sex is about more than physical sensation, and the position doesn’t provide enough emotional connection.
Doggy style, by its nature, makes it harder to feel emotionally close. The position limits face-to-face contact, which can make some women feel like the emotional intimacy is missing.
Emotional closeness during sex is what allows many women to feel safe, loved, and desired.
Without it, the experience can feel purely physical or even mechanical, leaving them unsatisfied even if the act itself was physically tolerable.
3. Some women feel objectified
Doggy style can make some women feel like they’re being treated as objects rather than a romantic partner.
The angle and lack of face-to-face interaction can create a sense of being “used,” even if their partner doesn’t intend it that way.
For women who already struggle with self-esteem or who have had negative sexual experiences in the past, this sense of objectification can be especially strong.
Instead of feeling cherished and desired, they may feel reduced to just a body part, which takes away the intimacy and trust that make sex fulfilling.
4. It’s harder for women to reach climax this way
While doggy style may provide deep penetration, it doesn’t always hit the right spots for many women.
The angle often misses direct stimulation of the woman’s most sensitive parts, which are essential for her to reach climax.
Without additional stimulation, such as manual or oral touch, many women find the position unsatisfying or frustrating.
Over time, this can create a sense of resentment. If her partner prefers doggy style because it feels good for him, but she never gets satisfied in that position, she may start to feel like her pleasure is secondary—or not considered at all.
5. Body insecurities seem more pronounced
In doggy style, a woman may feel especially self-conscious about how her body looks.
Her backside and curves are front and center, and for women who feel insecure about their weight, stretch marks, or body shape, this position can heighten their anxiety.
For others, their boobs may hang or swing back and forth, which can be awkward or unflattering.
When self-consciousness takes over during sex, it’s harder to relax and enjoy the experience.
Instead of focusing on the sensations or intimacy, she may be worrying about how she looks, which decreases arousal and makes the position less appealing overall.
6. Lack of eye contact reduces intimacy
Not being able to look into a partner’s eyes and connect with him on a deep level is another reason why many women dislike doggy style.
Eye contact is one of the simplest but most powerful ways to feel connected during sex. It helps create intimacy, reassurance, and closeness.
Doggy style naturally makes eye contact impossible unless modifications are made.
For women who value that intimate exchange, the lack of eye contact can make the experience feel impersonal.
It may start to feel like something is being done to her rather than with her, which can reduce her enthusiasm for the position.
7. It’s often seen as a “male-pleasure-first” position
Doggy style is often portrayed in adult movies as a position that men prefer because it feels good for them and offers a visually stimulating angle.
For women, however, this narrative can make the position feel unbalanced—like it’s more about satisfying him than creating mutual pleasure.
If a woman feels like her partner insists on this position without considering her comfort, it reinforces the idea that her pleasure doesn’t matter as much. This imbalance can affect the overall health of the relationship.
8. Some women say they feel unheard when they complain about it
One of the biggest frustrations women express is not being listened to when they admit they don’t like doggy style.
Some men dismiss their complaints, insisting that “you’ll get used to it” or “just relax.” This invalidates her feelings and makes her feel like her comfort isn’t important.
When a woman feels unheard in the bedroom, it can spill over into other parts of the relationship.
She may start to withdraw from sex altogether, avoid bringing up what she wants, or feel less safe communicating openly.
Over time, this weakens the foundation of intimacy in the relationship.
Conclusion
Doggy style might be exciting and pleasurable for some, but it’s important to recognize that many women don’t enjoy it for valid reasons.
Clear and honest communication is vital for building a healthy intimate relationship.
When partners talk openly about what feels good and what doesn’t, they create space for compromise, experimentation, and growth.
If you’re in a relationship where doggy style is a deal breaker, the solution isn’t pressure—it’s conversation and the willingness to try a variety of things.
Explore different positions, experiment with ways to make it more comfortable, or simply focus on alternatives that make both partners feel connected and satisfied.
Ultimately, sex should never feel like an obligation or a performance. It should be a shared experience that strengthens love, trust, and intimacy.
By listening to each other and prioritizing both partners’ pleasure, couples can create a more fulfilling and empowering sex life.
Recommended reading:
Top 10 Things Women Say To Avoid Having Sex