The position is so named because the number sixty-nine evokes, on one hand, the shapes of the digits 6 and 9 resembling stylized people, and on the other hand suggests their facing and mutually inverted positions.
Reciprocal and simultaneous oral sex is considered by some to be particularly satisfying due to its deep ideological significance, as it would represent a high moment of partner reciprocity, during which pleasure is experienced by both partners not only simultaneously but also as a donation and a reception. For others, however (who experience it solely in a physical sense), the pleasure given and received at the same time is not particularly appreciated, as it does not allow for concentration – and therefore an intense experience – on either pleasure, preferring that moments of giving alternate with moments of receiving sexual satisfaction, without ever coinciding; thus effectively avoiding the 69 [citation needed].
The positions that can be assumed during a 69 are: one in which both partners face each other lying on their sides; or the one where one is placed on top of the other.
In the side-lying position, oral sex can occur in a static manner (in which case mutual stimulation mainly happens with the tongue or lips); or in a dynamic manner, when the rhythmic movements of the pelvis of one or both partners make the oral relationship similar to coitus (in which case stimulation is mainly provided by the back of the mouth and throat).
In the position where one is on top of the other, it is possible to choose between a distanced and a close position. In both, a good understanding between the two partners and great attention from one to the other is necessary.
- In the distanced position, one partner (usually the man) kneels with hands on the ground ("on all fours"), while the other person lies below, face up. If there is not sufficient understanding between the two people, the suction of the penis by the person lying on their back will be quite tiring and unpleasant, both due to the excessive height at which it will be placed and the too narrow space between their legs, forcing them to make an additional effort to lift their head, whether they want to approach statically or rhythmically.
- A perfect understanding between the two parties is, however, indispensable in the close position. In fact, while the person lying on their back is immobilized by the body of the partner above them, they risk suffocation from the insertion of the penis into their mouth, which will block all breathing pathways. On the other hand, there can be great satisfaction for both partners in this position when great attention towards each other and full mutual understanding lead, first, the dominant person to be guided by the partner beneath them regarding both the rhythm of penetration to adopt (which must take into account the breathing rhythm of the person beneath) and the maximum possible depth of penetration (beyond which there would be the instinctive pharyngeal reflex of rejection); and then adopting these agreed methods and limits (possibly tacitly, with small gestures) to initiate a full, satisfying, and intensely pleasurable oral relationship, very engaging for its completeness and harmony.