Research shows that penetrative sex lasts for minutes, about 5.4 minutes on average.

In addition, there are lots ofdifferent ways to be intimateand prolong sexual connection without penetration.

Still, it can be helpful to have some number to give context to how long sex should last.

Soma Mandal, MD

Open dialogue about sexual needs and desires is key to understanding if you’re meeting your partner’s expectations.

Wearing a condom, or being uncircumcised, did not make the sex last longer, the study found.

A 2008 study of sex therapists found that penetrative sex lasting for three to 13 minutes is normal.

What About Foreplay and Other Definitions of Sex?

Foreplaywhich well define as non-penetrative sexual touchis a great way tocreate better intimacy, and help sex last longer.

So, how long should foreplay be?

Ideally, foreplay and sex should last long enough for you and your partner to both feel satisfied.

Influencing Variables

Some variables can impact how long it takes a man to ejaculate.

One of those studies noted a range from six to 20 minutes for women to reach orgasm.

During masturbation, women reach orgasm in an average of eight minutes, one study found.

The jot down of stimulation that women need to reach orgasm also varies.

Some women can orgasm just from penetrative sex, while many others require clitoral stimulation as well.

Men, in particular, report that penetrative sex should last longer than it does.

However, longer sessions dont equate to more satisfying sex.

Foreplay and open communication play an important role in having a satisfying, pleasurable sex life.

Sexual Medicine Society of North America.How long does it take the average man to ejaculate?

  1. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.00797

Younis, Ihab.Sexual satisfaction in women and its predictors.

The Journal of Sex Research.

Overview: Premature Ejaculation.Institute for quality and efficiency in health care.

National Health Service.Ejaculation problems.

International Society for Sexual Medicine.How long does it take a woman to reach orgasm?