There is no absolute definition or period for sex to last. But according to recent research conducted in the US, vaginal sex typically lasts for 3 to 7 minutes. According to the survey, vaginal sex that lasts under 1-2 minutes is too short, and sex that lasts for 10 to 30 minutes is too long. It’s important to keep in mind that this does not include foreplay and its primarily intra-vaginal penetrative intercourse. Most sex therapists would recommend 7-13 minutes to be desirable.
Otherwise, it’s also important for both partners to define sex at their own terms. New research shows this is based on intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT). IELT simply means the time taken for a male to ejaculate during vaginal penetration. However, this is not how most of us define sex. Many people consider the end of sex to be once both partners have climaxed. These may be achieved in a variety of ways such as touching, oral sex, vaginal sex, anal sex, or a combination of those. If penetrative intercourse is the only component of sex, then it’s likely that sex will only last for a few minutes.
Sex is also something that is personal and should be discussed with your partner in detail. Sex should be pleasurable over anything else, and this only can be achieved if both partners know their likes and dislikes. Some couples want a long sensual encounter, while others want something fast and aggressive. There is no right or wrong here and if both partners are pleased, that’s the end goal. The aim is to have satisfying sex as opposed to counting down the minutes.
In some cases, an underlying pathological factor may affect how long your sexual activities last. As men get older they may suffer from a lack of desire for sex, erectile dysfunctions and the inability to sustain an erection and more commonly premature ejaculation. While in females, hormonal changes may contribute to things like vaginal dryness and decreased libido. A prompt check-up with your doctor will clear these symptoms and you can return to your normal sex life.
Male sexual dysfunctions
Usually in men, 2 common conditions are erectile dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation. Once your doctor has obtained a complete history and physical examination, your physician may suggest for a blood test for a baseline profile. With these test results, your physician will start you on medications to aid in obtaining and maintaining an erection. Medications such as PDE5 inhibitors are commonly used to treat these issues.
Premature Ejaculation is defined as penetrative intercourse that lasts < 1 minute. Most men and their partners find these frustrating and many men seek treatment to prolong their intra-vaginal latency time. Your physician may recommend certain medications such as SSRI, or numbing agents to prolong IELT. In addition to medications, your doctors will also advise of exercises that can be done in your home at your convenience.
Semen’s’ stop-start technique is widely used for premature ejaculation and has shown significant improvement on IELT. This method is also known as edging, this involves slowing down, or temporarily stopping all sexual stimulation when you feel like you are close to ejaculation. You and your partner can resume activity once these feelings have passed. This method works well for anyone looking to prolong the climax.
Johnsons’ and Masters’ squeeze technique. This technique is also commonly used whereby the male gently squeezes the end of the penis for several seconds just before ejaculation until the urge subsides. This also may help in ejaculatory control.
Other technique such as kegel exercises benefits both males and females to enhance your sexual experience.
Female sexual dysfunction.
For females, the most common cause of unpleasant or painful intercourse is due to vaginal dryness. There are many factors of vaginal dryness such as prolonged use of oral contraception and hormonal imbalances. Your physician will take a detailed history, and perform blood investigations to obtain a baseline. Otherwise, gels also may aid in lubrication thus easing the pain and making sex enjoyable for females.
