Ideal Time for Sex: Duration, Factors, and Quality

The average duration of sex is about 5 to 7 minutes — what is the ideal time for sex?

The ideal time for sex is highly variable and depends on context and a range of factors such as age, psychological aspects, desire, and culture.

Sexual experiences are individual. This means that, if sexual health is up to date and the moment has consent and mutual satisfaction, men do not need to worry about how long a sexual encounter should last.

Although some studies try to pinpoint the average duration of a sexual relationship, it is important to emphasize there is no universally accepted measure for all couples. See what science says about the average duration of sexual activity.

What is the average duration of a sexual encounter?

Studies measure the duration of sex using the concept of “intravaginal ejaculation latency time” (IELT). In other words, the time from vaginal penetration to male ejaculation.

This measurement does not include foreplay — which, although it helps increase erotic stimulation, is highly particular to each couple and is not used as a reference in scientific studies.

There is no reason to worry excessively about time: the quality of sexual interaction is far more meaningful to a couple than its duration.

What is the average duration in Brazil?

In Brazil, as in other parts of the world, the average duration of a sexual encounter varies according to physical, external, and emotional factors.

However, there are no specific studies that have determined an exact average duration of sex in Brazil.

Is there an ideal time for sex?

An international study involving 500 heterosexual couples from four countries (Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Netherlands) found an average of 5 minutes and 24 seconds.

Even so, results reinforced that there is no “ideal time,” since the average ranged from 33 seconds to 44 minutes. For that reason, researchers used the median when there was no absolute certainty about the calculation. The same study also indicated that condom use does not interfere with the average duration of sex.

The International Society for Sexual Medicine considers that ejaculation that always or almost always occurs before or within 1 minute after penetration and an inability to delay ejaculation in all or almost all penetrations may indicate premature ejaculation.

Again: these data are only references and should not be interpreted as an ideal or desirable time for all men.

Factors that may influence the duration of sex

There are four factors that may increase or decrease the average duration of a sexual encounter:

Physiological aspects: arousal level, time since last ejaculation, ejaculatory reflex control, and glans sensitivity can influence duration;
Psychological aspects: people with performance anxiety, low self-esteem, and relationship quality issues may be affected;
Presence of sexual dysfunctions: men with erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease, premature ejaculation, and other conditions may have longer or shorter encounters;
Antidepressant medications: these drugs can affect ejaculatory timing, reducing or extending duration.

When a relationship is too short

A sexual encounter may be shorter when a man ejaculates quickly or cannot achieve or maintain an adequate erection.

This can occur in men with premature ejaculation, in those who are still learning to control the ejaculatory reflex, and in patients facing mental health challenges. In many cases, men with erectile dysfunction may not even begin penetration.

Anxiety is another common reason for earlier ejaculation.

When a relationship lasts too long — is it a problem?

A sexual encounter can be prolonged, and in some cases this is positive.

Men who respond well to antidepressants may experience more vigor compared with periods without treatment, increasing duration.

Those with good ejaculatory control also tend to have longer encounters. Self-knowledge can help delay orgasm and extend the time of sex.

On the other hand, when penile deformities make penetration difficult, or if ejaculation occurred shortly before the encounter, reaching orgasm may take longer.

Additionally, low self-esteem or relationship conflicts may reduce arousal, affecting the moment and increasing the time required for ejaculation.

What about those with a penile implant — does the relationship last longer or shorter?

A penile implant, unlike natural erection, does not depend on brain stimulus to make the penis rigid. With the implant, firmness for penetration can be obtained in a practical way: position the penis (malleable implant) or activate the inflation pump (inflatable implant).

One advantage is that, even after ejaculation — whether once or more — there is no need to wait for natural recovery time. The implant maintains rigidity, allowing the couple to continue, provided there is partner consent and the man’s physical disposition.

When surgery is performed by a specialist who preserves internal structures well, there may still be blood inflow during arousal. This can add firmness, warmth, and volume, making the experience closer to natural erection.

Arousal still influences pleasure. If sex was very brief due to erectile difficulties, or very prolonged due to deformities, an implant can offer more predictability — the experience varies for each couple.

Sex is not only penetration: quality matters more than duration

The quality of the encounter is far more significant than the time between penetration and ejaculation.

Good sexual performance involves connection, open communication, and mutual exploration, as well as foreplay such as kissing, caresses, massage, touch, oral sex, and masturbation — taking as long as the couple considers necessary.

Long encounters can be disconnected, and shorter ones very pleasurable. What matters is mutual pleasure and satisfaction.

See some tips to set the stopwatch aside:

Pelvic floor strengthening exercises

Pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in ejaculatory control. Regular practice, such as Kegel exercises, can strengthen these muscles. Seek qualified guidance.

Breathing techniques

Learning to control breathing may help prolong sex. Consider physiotherapy or specialized therapy. Watch the video below first:

Exploring other forms of pleasure

Sex is not limited to penetration. There are many ways to explore pleasure by being creative and asking what your partner enjoys.

Open communication with your partner

Open, honest communication is essential to find the ideal time for sex for each couple in each encounter. Discuss needs, desires, and concerns together to build trust and find ways to achieve mutual satisfaction.

Follow the YouTube channel for more content on men’s sexual health

The ideal time for sex is not the only topic that matters for men’s sexual health. On Dr. Paulo Egydio’s YouTube channel you’ll find more information that can help at the right time, along with alerts on sexual health care.

Visit the channel and check out the tips and guidance provided by the urologist. Don’t forget to subscribe and enable notifications to get the latest content weekly.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Paulo Egydio

If you have difficulties, identify with any point above, or are concerned about your sexual health, talk to Dr. Paulo Egydio.

The physician treats cases of erectile dysfunction and penile deformities. If you have concerns about sexual health, seek medical evaluation with a trusted specialist. Dr. Paulo Egydio is a urologist and sees cases related to male sexual dysfunctions.

Discover the Ideal Time for Sex According to Research