Do you really know? How long do people have sex for?
Jun 20, 2025
Myths surrounding the ideal duration of sex are put to the test. A study reveals that the average sexual encounter lasts only 5.4 minutes, much shorter than popular belief. Participants reported times ranging from 33 seconds to 44 minutes. The discussion shifts to the importance of communication and personal preferences for a satisfying experience. Plus, a quick answer on how foreplay fits into the picture adds fun insight!
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Sex Lasts About 5 Minutes
- The average duration of penetrative sex is 5.4 minutes, much shorter than commonly imagined.
- It can range from as brief as 33 seconds to as long as 44 minutes, showing wide variability.
Ideal Sex Duration Ranges
- Sex under three minutes signals clinical concern and 3 to 7 minutes is adequate according to experts.
- Sexual therapy professionals find 7 to 13 minutes desirable and over 10 minutes possibly too long.
Foreplay Times vs. Beliefs
- People think foreplay ideally lasts around 18 minutes, but it actually averages near 13 minutes.
- Foreplay generally takes longer than penetrative sex and contributes significantly to satisfaction.