Originally published MedicalNewsToday.com Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST — By Zawn Villines — Updated on Mar 22, 2022
There is no set time for how long sex should last. It can vary greatly, depending on preference and other factors, such as what a person considers sex to be.
People define sex differently. One person might only consider it to entail penetrative intercourse, while another might consider sex to start with the beginning of foreplay and last beyond each partner’s orgasm.
Evidence of how long sex tends to last is difficult to obtain, even anecdotally. A person might feel pressure to be untruthful if the duration of sex for them differs from perceived cultural norms.
There is also a distinction between how long sex actually lasts and how long some people feel it should. Some studies show that penile-vaginal intercourse lasts, on average, less time than women in monogamous, “stable” heterosexual relationships need to have an orgasm, for example.
How long does sex last? Here is what we know so far.
There is little research into how long sex lasts, and many factors can affect it, including what counts as “sex” and whether it follows orgasm time or activities. Some studies have attempted to use self-reported data to determine a general length. These studies are limited, but an older 2005 studyTrusted Source found a self-reported average to be 5.4 minutes. More research is needed to fully understand it.
What does the research say?
There is very little published research into how long sex usually lasts. Existing studies have significant limitations — most, for example, considered sex only to be penile-vaginal intercourse or only included heterosexual couples.
A 2005 multinational studyTrusted Source of heterosexual couples that defined sex as penile-vaginal intercourse asked participants to time sex from penetration through to male ejaculation.
Within their very limited parameters, the team found that reports ranged from 33 seconds to 44 minutes, with the average session lasting 5.4 minutes.
Other researchers have attempted to ascertain a “normal” duration by asking people who diagnose and treat sexual disorders.
A 2008 studyTrusted Source asked sex therapists in the United States and Canada to estimate the average duration of sex within different categories.
The therapists responded that sex:
lasting under 3 minutes warrants clinical concern
lasting 3–7 minutes is “adequate”
lasting 7–13 minutes is “desirable”
lasting 10–30 minutes is “too long”
However, a 2020 study assessing the time to orgasm in heterosexual women found that the average was 13.41 minutes. This suggests that the therapists polled in 2008 would consider sex that satisfies many heterosexual females to last “too long.”
Cultural norms, including guidelines from medical professionals, can influence sexual expectations and play a role in sexual dissatisfaction.
The findings of a 2010 study also suggest that a vaginal orgasm correlates with having penile-vaginal penetrative sex for a longer period.
What can affect how long sex lasts?
A range of factors can contribute to the duration of sex, including:
What counts as sex: Some people define any sexually stimulating contact as sex. Overall, people with a broader definition may consider their sex to last longer. Sexual practices, goals, and norms: The goal of sex, such as one orgasm for each partner, can influence the duration.
External constraints: For example, new parents might have a quick sex session while their baby takes a nap, or they might arrange for a night away when they can spend hours on foreplay.
Sexual orientation: A 2014 study found that females in same-sex couples have sex that lasts longer compared with the sex of other types of couples.
Sexual function and overall health: Pain during or after sex and premature ejaculation are just a few examples of issues that can limit the duration of sex.
Age: The duration may decrease with age due to factors affecting health and stamina.
Geography: The multinational 2005 studyTrusted Source found that heterosexual couples in Turkey have the shortest sex, lasting, on average, 3.7 minutes. This may speak to cultural norms, conditioning, and the study’s very limited definition of sex.
Strategies There are several ways people can make sex longer or finish more quickly.
Ways to make sex last longer
If the aim is to make sex last longer, people may want to consider the following strategies:
When one partner is approaching orgasm, they might take a break and focus on pleasure in other ways.
Some toys and tools, medications, and techniques can also be used to delay orgasm.
Continually communicate about sexual needs and desires. This can help each partner enjoy sex more.
If a person with a vagina is involved, a partner can make sure to consider their orgasm by offering manual clitoral stimulation or oral sex, for example.
Focus on foreplay before penetration. This may extend the length of the interaction and boost pleasure for everyone involved.
Use visualization exercises and deep breathing to delay orgasm
Ways to make sex finish more quickly If people want sex to finish more quickly, perhaps due to time constraints, there are ways to speed it up. For example, by:
considering using stimulation tools and toys and lubricant to help partners orgasm more quickly
exploring ways to increase stimulation, such as considering specific interests or kinks and using media that can increase arousal
optimizing clean-up techniques when time is short
considering prescheduling some alone time to make sure there is enough time to enjoy the session