Perception vs reality: How long should sex really last according to research
Philadelphia-based sex therapist, Dr. Sonia Maya, took on the task of determining the optimal duration for intercourse. Her findings, which she shared on the TikTok platform, surprised her followers. As it turned out, the outcomes of the studies carried out by sexologists were far more surprising than they had expected.
8 February 2024 18:39
Short sexual intercourse doesn't necessarily mean it's worse
Dr. Sonia Maya suggests that men typically last only a few minutes before ejaculating. She argues that, from an evolutionary viewpoint, brief sexual intercourse and earlier ejaculation can be advantageous as they facilitate more efficient dissemination of sperm. The occurrence of ejaculation within five minutes, commonly feared by many men as "premature ejaculation", is, in fact, entirely normal, she reassures.
"The true definition of premature ejaculation can be described as ejaculation after a minute or even less," Dr. Maya clarifies.
The sexologist further explained that premature ejaculation only occurs when there is absolutely no ability to delay or control it and it can occur, for instance, due to stress.
Several studies have been conducted
A 2008 survey suggested that the "ideal" duration for sexual intercourse, as per the respondents, lasts between 7 and 13 minutes. However, it's critical to mention that this timing excludes foreplay and counts only the intercourse itself. In 2019, data published by the National Institutes of Health indicated that men typically take between 5 and 7 minutes to climax. Another study conducted a year later showed that women most often climax around the 13th minute of intercourse.
Clarisa Guerrer, a nurse from Texas, also initiated a discussion about orgasms. Through her TikTok video, she highlighted the variety among individuals and noted that shorter intercourse is perfectly normal for some people.
"A number of couples suggest that their sexual encounters last an hour or even more, but they don't always achieve orgasm. In fact, even 50% of men cannot last longer than two minutes," observed Guerrer.
She further highlighted that the pace at which someone reaches orgasm can be influenced by a variety of psychological and biological factors. Thus, elements such as age, health condition, and hormone levels should be taken into account.
Medical professionals believe many people harbor the misconception that sex should last as long as possible. Open communication about the actual duration of sexual intercourse can help alleviate performance pressure, leading to a more fulfilling intimate life.
