As important as sex can be to a relationship, one question that comes up often is, “how long should sex last?” The answer is a bit more complicated than many may realize.

To determine the optimal length of sex, various factors must be taken into consideration. Factors like a person’s age, sexual experience, and overall health can impact how long sex should last. Additionally, what one person may consider as the “ideal” length of time for sex may differ from what another person believes.

What Do Studies Say?

When looking at the length of sex, scientific research has given some direction on what to consider. According to a study conducted in 2005 in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, the average length of sexual intercourse is between three and seven minutes.

Another study from 2008 showed that the ideal length of sex is 7-13 minutes.

While these studies can give some guidance, the length of time sex should last is subjective and can vary from person to person.

A study conducted in 2017 by The Journal of Sex Research showed that the ideal duration for most couples was between 7-14 minutes, but the majority of couples reported sexual encounters lasting less than ten minutes.

Factors To Consider

When it comes to how long sex should last, many factors come into play. Some of these factors include:.

Age

Age is a significant factor to consider when talking about the ideal length of sex.

Younger couples tend to have longer sexual encounters, while the duration of sex among men and women above the age of 40 is typically less than that of their younger counterparts.

Sexual Experience

Another factor that influences sexual duration is sexual experience. For example, couples that have been together for a long time may find that they can achieve orgasm quickly, whereas couples that are just starting may take longer to reach climax.

Also, individuals with less sexual experience can have sex that lasts longer than someone who is more experienced.

Health Issues

Health conditions can impact the duration of sex. For example, men with erectile dysfunction may find that their sexual encounters are shorter than men who don’t have ED.

Women going through menopause may have a shift in their hormones, which can affect their ability to become aroused and achieve orgasm. Therefore, their sexual encounters may not last as long as they used to.

Mental State

The mental state of couples can have an impact on the duration of sex. A person’s anxiety levels and stress levels can have an effect on how long they can maintain an erection or stay aroused.

The Importance of Communication

Since the ideal length of sex is subjective, it’s vital that couples communicate with each other about what works best for them.

This communication should include talking about what feels good, what doesn’t, and what they’re happy with regarding the length of sexual encounters.

Through communication, couples can identify how long sex should last to satisfy both parties. Some may prefer a longer session while others may prefer a shorter one.

This communication is critical to help build a healthy and satisfying sexual relationship.

The Bottom Line

The optimal length of sex is subjective and varies from person to person. Age, sexual experience, health issues, and a person’s mental state all play a role.

The importance of communication between couples is vital in determining what works best for them. Talking about what they like and don’t like regarding the duration of sex is essential for building a healthy sexual relationship.