Enjoying new things is very important, whether it’s buying a new shampoo or trying out something new in the bedroom. But how far through the Kama Sutra can most people go before an exciting bit of exploration turns into an uncomfortable anxiety-inducing situation?

A new survey by Superdrug’s Online Doctor asked 1,000 men and women in relationships from Europe and the US about their turn-ons and turn-offs, their sexual anxieties, and their preferences between the sheets.

Their findings showed that the most stressful position, or at least the one people were least comfortable doing, was 69 while standing up. Turns out, the logistics of upside-down suspension is the last thing you want to think about when enjoying yourself. Closely following behind was anal sex, with 30 percent of men and nearly 55 percent of women reporting they weren’t comfortable with it. Completing the top three most anxiety-inducing was the so-called kneeling wheelbarrow – you can picture that one for yourself.

On the other hand, very few people experience anxiety while practicing missionary, doggy style, cowgirl, and spooning positions with a partner.

The survey also sought to find people’s most desired sexual positions, and here men and women appeared to differ. A less-strenuous lying down 69er was pretty high in the charts, with 68 percent of men and 31 percent of women saying it was a preferential position of theirs. Anal sex was seen positively by 87 percent of men, but just 12 percent of women. On the other hand, missionary sex was seen in a positive light by 66 percent of women but just 33 percent of men. However, legs over the shoulders, laying on a tabletop, and doggy style all proved to be fairly equally pleasurable to both sexes.

Sex in public was shown to be one of the most anxiety-inducing sexual scenarios for both Europeans and Americans, followed by BDSM, anal, rough sex, and watching porn together. On the less stressful end of the spectrum, people tended to be more comfortable with oral sex, masturbation, and dirty talk.

As this study highlights, most people experience some form of anxiety in regards to sexual experiences, especially new ones, no matter how confidently they brag about it. However, through openness and discussion with your partner, you can make sex more pleasurable and healthy for all involved.

"Whether you’re nervous about intimacy in general or certain positions and activities make you feel the most uncomfortable, you’re not alone. From sex in public places to anal sex, no one is completely comfortable with every angle of intimacy," the survey concludes.