avatarKiki Wellington

Summary

According to research by Penn State Erie, the ideal duration for sexual intercourse is significantly shorter than many people believe, with therapists suggesting 7 to 13 minutes as desirable.

Abstract

The article addresses the common misconception regarding the ideal length of sexual intercourse, challenging the notion that longer sessions are more desirable. Research conducted by Penn State Erie, involving 50 sex therapists from the Society for Sex Therapy and Research, found that the actual desirable duration for sex ranges from 7 to 13 minutes. This research aims to provide realistic expectations to prevent dissatisfaction and potential dysfunctions, emphasizing that societal stereotypes of prolonged intercourse are not aligned with professional recommendations. The findings, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, suggest that counseling may be a more appropriate initial treatment for concerns about sexual performance than medical intervention.

Opinions

  • Study author Eric Corty emphasizes the importance of dispelling fantasies of excessively long sexual encounters to encourage realistic expectations and prevent sexual disappointment and dysfunction.
  • The researchers highlight that many individuals hold unrealistic beliefs about sexual activity, influenced by societal messages and popular culture, which often promote stereotypes such as large penises, rock-hard erections, and all-night-long intercourse.
  • The study's results are intended to shift the focus from physical disorders to counseling as a first step in addressing concerns about the duration of intercourse.
  • The article suggests that embracing these realistic data about sexual intercourse duration can have a significant personal impact, potentially improving individuals' perceptions of their own sexual functioning and that of their partners.

How Long Should Sex Really Last?

Not nearly as long as you probably think

Photo by stetsik on DepositPhotos

A marathon sex session seems to be the thing fantasies are made of, and previous studies have indicated that having sex for 30 minutes is the lustful sweet spot. But is it realistic or even all that pleasurable to go that long?

According to research conducted by Penn State Erie, it’s not.

“This seems a situation ripe for disappointment and dissatisfaction,” said study author Eric Corty. “With this survey, we hope to dispel such fantasies and encourage men and women with realistic data about acceptable sexual intercourse, thus preventing sexual disappointments and dysfunctions.”

In the survey, Corty and his colleague Jenay Guardiani asked 50 sex therapists, who are members of the Society for Sex Therapy and Research, what the length of sexual intercourse — from the time a penis is inserted into a vagina until ejaculation — should be. The researchers asked participants to classify sex into four categories: too short, adequate, desirable, and too long.

“Many men and women seem to believe the fantasy model of large penises, rock-hard erections and all-night-long intercourse.”

The sex therapists’ answers ranged from 1 to 30 minutes, broken down this way:

  • Too short: 1 to 2 minutes
  • Adequate: 3 to 7 minutes
  • Desirable: 7 to 13 minutes
  • Too long: 10 to 30 minutes
Photo by stetsik on DepositPhotos

Corty and Guardiani say these findings, which were published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, can have a significant impact on how people view their sex lives and may help dismantle certain harmful beliefs.

“A man’s or woman’s interpretation of his or her sexual functioning, as well as the partner’s, relies on personal beliefs developed in part from society’s messages, formal and informal,” the researchers explained. “Unfortunately, today’s popular culture has reinforced stereotypes about sexual activity. Many men and women seem to believe the fantasy model of large penises, rock-hard erections and all-night-long intercourse.”

“We hope to dispel such fantasies and encourage men and women with realistic data about acceptable sexual intercourse, thus preventing sexual disappointments and dysfunctions.”

In addition to the personal impact this information can have, Corty says the study can also help in terms of how people get treated for medical issues related to sex.

“If a patient is concerned about how long intercourse should last, these data can help shift the patient away from a concern about physical disorders and to be initially treated with counseling, instead of medicine,” said Corty.

More from Kiki Wellington:

Source:

Good sexual intercourse lasts minutes, not hours, therapists say. The Pennsylvania State University. https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/good-sexual-intercourse-lasts-minutes-not-hours-therapists-say/

Sexuality
Relationships
Sex Research
Sexual Satisfaction
Sex Therapy
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